Tags must be ordered for swine, goats, lambs, heifers, & steers attending Texas major shows. Tags can be purchased online 2-3 months prior to the species validation date. We HIGHLY encourage members to order extra tags if they foresee purchasing extra animals before the validation date. Late tag orders are offered at a price increase, so make sure to get your tags ordered on time. Tags are NOT distributed to families. They will be available to you at the physical validation site to be placed in the animal’s ear. 

Click the button below to see tag order deadlines for your respective show.

Once your tags are ordered, you will need to pay close attention to your email to find out validation dates, times, and locations. When you arrive at a validation, you will need to bring your animal(s) and registration papers (if it is a breeding animal). Members of the validation committee will tag your animal, pull hair, and/or check tattoos/ear notches. You will then fill out the appropriate paperwork to finish validating your animal. The physical validation process is conducted and overseen by local County Extension Agents and Agriculture Teachers. It is imperative that you attend one of the scheduled validation dates. If you do not get your animal validated, you will NOT be able to show. 

Click the button below to see validation dates for your respective species.

Once you have validated your animal, you will then need to enter that animal into the livestock show. Stock show entry forms are different depending on which show you plan to participate in. Fall majors are State Fair of Texas and Heart o’ Texas. Spring majors are Ft. Worth, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, & Austin. You will need to attend a “Major Show Entry Night” at our office to drop off entries forms and payments. Watch your emails for when Major Show Entry Nights will occur.

Click the button below to see Major Show Entry Night dates and entry forms.