Validation & Orders
The Texas 4-H and FFA Livestock Validation Program confirms ownership and ensures that youth exhibitors are actively engaged with their livestock projects. Validation components may include ear tags, tattoo, hair sample, nose prints, and/or a Unique Identification Number.
We do NOT validate for the Fort Bend County Fair or Needville Youth Fair.
(See “Other” page for links to those shows for info)
CLICK HERE – Validation Online Order Forms
| Spring Validation for Fall Majors Tag Order Fees | |
| Early | Late |
| Lamb/Goat: $20.00 per head March 21st – April 5th | Lamb/Goat: $30.00 per head April 6th – June 1st |
| Heifer & Steer: $30.00 per head March 21st – April 5th |
Heifer: $35.00 per head April 6th – June 1st |
Validation FAQs
Will my Validation tag be shipped to me or can I pick it up?
“No, all tags will be ordered through the Texas Validation site by the Fort Bend County Extension Office, and will be shipped to our office. You must bring your animal to our set specie Validation date(s) to receive your Validation tag.”
Is this Validation good for the Fort Bend County Fair?
“No, we encourage you to visit the Fort Bend County Fair website to learn about their entry and tag in deadlines.”
How many times of year do y’all do Validations?
“We do Validations twice a year! Once in the Summer time (June) and again in the Fall (October). Please note that Market Steers are only Validated in the Summer time.”
I am in the process of purchasing my animal, but don’t have it hand yet. Can I still order a Validation tag?
“Yes! We encourage you to order early if you know you are going to show a livestock animal at a Texas major show.”
Why do I have to Validate my livestock animal, and what major shows is this good for?
“You must Validate your livestock project to be eligible to show at a Texas major show. Once your animal is properly Validated you will be able to exhibit them at: State Fair, Heart of Texas, Fort Worth, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.”
| Species: | Order Info For Spring & Fall Shows: | Availability: | Validation Date, Time, & Location: |
| Broiler (State Fair) |
Due: May 29, 2023 | 4-H FFA: See AST |
(Pick Up Time & Location TBD) |
| Broiler (Houston/San Antonio/Austin) |
Due: September 21, 2023 | 4-H FFA: See AST |
(Pick Up Time & Location TBD) |
| Dog (State Dog Show) |
December | 4-H ONLY | Validate in 4-H Online |
| Heifer (Fall Major Shows) |
Spring- Early: February – April 2023; Late: April – May 2023 |
4-H & FFA | June 12, 2023 4:00-7 PM FBC Fairgrounds – Barn H |
| Heifer (Spring Major Shows) |
Fall – August – October 2023 |
4-H & FFA | October 23, 2023 4:00-7 PM FBC Fairgrounds – Barn H |
| Horse (District 9 & Texas 4-H Horse Shows) |
Early: April ; Late: May Information |
4-H ONLY | March – May (4-H Online) |
| Lamb/Goat (Fall Major Shows) |
Spring- Early: February – April 2023; Late: April – May 2023 |
4-H & FFA | June 14, 2023 4:00-7 PM FBC Fairgrounds – Barn H |
| Lamb/Goat (Spring Major Shows) |
Fall – Early: August 2023; Late: August – October 2023 |
4-H & FFA | October 24, 2023 4:00-7 PM FBC Fairgrounds – Barn H |
| Steer (All Major Shows) |
ALL – Early: February – April 2023; Late: April – May 2023 *See Link Above |
4-H & FFA | June 12, 2023 4:00-7 PM FBC Fairgrounds – Barn H |
| Swine (Fall Major Shows) |
Spring – Early: April 1st – April 28th; Late: April 29th- June 2nd Instructions Order Form |
4-H FFA: See AST |
Date & Time: TBA Location: TBD |
| Swine (Spring Major Shows) |
Fall – Early: TBA; Late: TBA *See Link Above |
4-H FFA: See AST |
Date & Time: TBA Location: TBD |
| Turkey (Houston/San Antonio/Austin) |
Due: August 14, 2023 Order Form |
4-H FFA: See AST |
(Pick Up Time & Location TBD) |
Major Show Entry Nights
Fort Worth Stock Show- October 30, 2023, from 4 to 8pm in the Extension Office.
San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston, and Austin- November 6 & 7 2023 from 4-8pm in the Extension Office.
Major Show Entry Nights allow a one-on-one appointment with the agent to answer questions, complete sign up, and payment for upcoming major shows. Appointments are required and can be made by selecting from the below flyers for the major show or major show event that you would like to participate in. Please remember that the purchase of validation tags or birds does not automatically enter an individual into a show.
REMINDER: Contest entries are also due these nights and will require names of all team members and payment for entire team at time of registration.
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 Feb. 1 – Feb. 18, 2024Website |
 TBDWebsite |
 Feb.6 – Feb. 23, 2025Website |
 Mar. 4 – Mar. 23, 2025Website UPDATES |
 Rio Grande ValleyMar. 7 – Mar. 17, 2024 Website |
 Mar. 14 – Mar. 29, 2025Website |
 Sept. 27 – Oct. 20, 2024Website |
 Heart O’ TexasOct. 3 – Oct. 13, 2024 Website |
