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 1st-April 1st, 2025	Lamb/Goat: $30.00 per head April 2nd- May 31st, 2025
Heifer & Steer: $30.00 per head March 1st-April 1st, 2025	Heifer: $35.00 per head April 2nd- May 31st, 2025

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 species 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 Summertime (June) and again in the Fall (October). Please note that Market Steers are only Validated in the Summertime.”

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.”

Validation and Order Info By Species

Species:	Order Info For Spring & Fall Shows:	Availability:	Validation Date, Time, & Location:
Broiler (State Fair)	Due: TBA	4-H FFA: See AST	(Pick Up Time & Location TBD)
Broiler (Houston/San Antonio/Austin)	Due: TBA	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: March 1st- April 1st, 2025 Late: April 2nd – May 31st, 2025 *See Validation Online Order Form to Order	4-H & FFA	Date & Time: TBA Location: TBA
Heifer (Spring Major Shows)	Fall – TBA *Check back at later date	4-H & FFA	Date & Time: TBA Location: TBA
Horse (District 9 & Texas 4-H Horse Shows)	Early: March 1st- April 15th, 2025 Late: April 16th- May 1st, 2025 Information	4-H ONLY	March – May 2025 (4-H Online)
Lamb/Goat (Fall Major Shows)	Spring- Early: March 1st-April 1st, 2025 Late: April 2nd-May 31st, 2025 *See Validation Online Order Form to Order	4-H & FFA	Date & Time: TBA Location: TBA
Lamb/Goat (Spring Major Shows)	Fall – Early: TBA; Late: TBA *Check back at later date	4-H & FFA	Date & Time: TBA Location: TBA
Steer (All Major Shows)	Spring- Early: March 1st- April 1st, 2025 Late: April 2nd – May 31st, 2025 *See Validation Online Order Form to Order	4-H & FFA	Date & Time: TBA Location: TBA
Swine (Fall Major Shows)	Spring – Early: April 1st-April 30th, 2025 Late: May 1st- June 7th, 2025 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: TBA Order Form	4-H FFA: See AST	(Pick Up Time & Location TBD)

Don’t forget to complete the Eligibility Form!

Major Show Entry Nights

Date, Time, and Location TBA

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.

Jan. 17 – Feb. 8, 2025
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