Defiance Co Fair

2026 Market Steer Tags

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2026 Defiance County Junior Fair – Market Steers

There will be NO IN PERSON tagging for market steers in 2026.

  1. Exhibitors must register by 1/15/2026.
  2. Livestock committee will make farm visits for animals needing a tag.
  3. Exhibitors will register and indicate if a tag is needed or register animal that already has a tag and upload a photo of the tag.  Photo must be of tag in the animal’s ear.
  4. Exhibitor must show the animal associated with his/her registration of animal tag.
  5. Registration link:  http://go.osu.edu/defisteer

NEW 2026:  There will only be two classes of market steers in 2026.  Dairy Market Steer of Beef Market Steer

2026 Ohio State Fair:

  • DNA Sample Kits are available at the Extension Office.
  • Samples must be received at the Ohio State Fair by January 15, 2026.

 

Shake Rattle-n-Roll in need of Volunteers

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4-H Member Volunteers are Needed!!! 

Shake Rattle-n-Roll
Applications due January 16, 2026
Return to Extension Office.
Email application to johnson.1389@osu.edu
Click here for application

Mission:

  • To empower, educate and inspire 4-H youth by giving back .
  • The primary responsibility is to operate all aspects of the Shake Shack at the Defiance county Fair.
  • The group meets on Sunday afternoons at the Extension Office.
  • Dates for 2026 TBA.

We support:

  • Defiance County 4-H
  • Defiance County Junior Fair
  • Scholarships (camper and college)
  • Local Families through food banks and Christmas sponsorships

Marketing Your Livestock Project

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WHY SEND BUYER LETTERS?

4-H and FFA members marketing livestock through the livestock sale at the fair expect to receive a premium price for their animals. The price paid for most animals at the auction is directly related to the amount of effort the exhibitor puts forth in recruiting buyers—inviting more buyers (especially new buyers) to the auction results in being paid a higher price for the animal. Many people and businesses are not aware of the livestock auctions that take place at the fair. With an invitation from you, they could become potential buyers!

Most buyers at the auction take into consideration several factors when bidding: did you send them a letter to buy your animal, did you send a thank you to them if they bought your animal in the past, and does your family conduct business with them when possible.

Letters should be sent to anyone you identify as a potential buyer—businesses, organizations, individuals, or groups of individuals. Create a list of people you would like to contact. Your list should include past supporters of the livestock auctions as well as potential new buyers. You determine the number of buyers you contact; keep in mind the more people you contact the higher the chance that one of them will  purchase your animal.

LIVESTOCK SALE