Defiance Co. Livestock Guideline Changes ~ 2026
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General:
- Grievance Policy Updated: The Defiance County Junior Fair Livestock committee has the final decision on all issues pertaining to livestock and livestock shows. Protests or complaints may only be presented by the exhibitor and or immediately family member of the exhibitor. Any decision will be delivered in writing within 24 hours of committee review. The Grievance Committee shall consist of a designated representative from each animal department and an Extension Educator. The Grievance Committee will also handle any rule violations and determine penalties. * Please refer to the complete grievance policy in the Exhibitor and General Guidelines.
- Steer Tagging: 2026 – No in person tagging. Will register current tags via survey and submit photo of tag. Committee will do a farm visit to issue new tags. No cost for farm visit. This will have to be done by the Jan 15 State Fair deadline.
- Central Tagging: Tagging will be June 6, 2026. A $50 farm visit applies which includes 1 tag. $10 charge for each additional tag. Rabbit conflicts will go to the July fryer tattooing.
- Mandatory presence of Junior Fair Animals: All Junior Fair animals must remain on the fairgrounds for the entire week of Fair unless excused by a Vet. There will be no late arrivals or early departures. Exhibitors with animals sent home early must clean pens. Penalty for early departure without authorization or not cleaning pen when an animal has been excused can result in disqualification from future fairs.
- Updated Market Weights: Beef, Goat, Sheep & Swine underweight & overweight animals may stay at Fair pending vet approval and may show in a designated over/under class for a participation premium only. Animals may also show in showmanship and open class. These animals do not have the option of selling direct or participating in the livestock sale and must go home at end of the Fair. Exhibitor may receive add ons as long as animal is shown at the Fair.
- Health and safety of Animals: Animals are subject to inspection upon arrival and may be isolated or removed by the Fair Vet if they show signs of contagious illness or do not meet standard body condition guidelines.
Livestock Sale
- Final destinations for all animals are due by noon on the first Saturday of Fair. No exceptions.
- Attendance at Livestock Sale Required: For the privilege of selling a market animal in the Livestock Sale, the exhibitor must present his/her own project for sale.
- Graduates: Exhibitors who have graduated and are away at college are eligible to receive add-ons only. Seniors with a champion animal must be present at the Defiance County Fair and able to take animal through the sale ring. Must notify barn superintendent of intentions at check in.
Horses:
- The barn meeting at the Fair will be on Saturday from 10-11 am and is not mandatory. It will serve as a question-and-answer session. Each exhibitor will receive a packet of info at Friday check in and asked to review.
- There will be a separate mandatory horse QA session(s) in the spring, and a parent/guardian will be required to attend.
- Driving classes have been updated.
Poultry: Dropped the maximum weight on market chickens.
Cattle:
- Dropped the market heifer and prospect heifer classes.
- Feeder calves’ minimum weight is 300 lbs and maximum weight of 700 lbs. This now matches the Ohio Sate Fair guidelines.
- Feeder claves will need to make a class entry for following
- Feeder calf auction and sending direct
- Feeder calf auction and going through Friday Sale
- Friday Sale for Premium only – animal going home
- All beef and dairy cattle exhibitors will be responsible for cleaning ALL of pen and putting ALL manure waste and sawdust in the appropriate bunker/roll off. The livestock committee will no longer be cleaning pens in the cattle and dairy barns. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of premiums and can also result in disqualification from future fairs.
- Skillathon for Cattle: Exhibitors must demonstrate how to properly tie their animal. This will be the first station checked by the barn supervisors/assistants.
Goats:
- New Market Class: There will be a separate Boer Market Doe class. Winners will show against the Boer Market wether winners for overall Boer Market Goat. Only the overall Boer Market champions will go through the sale.
Sheep:
- Dropped the pen of two class as we have not had a min of three entries for several years.
Swine:
- New Class: Overall swine showmanship class and award.
Dogs:
- Youth participating in a B class are not required to move up to the next level.
Livestock Committee: Approved 10/21/25
Defiance County Ag Society: Approved 12/9/25
