It is that Time of the year!
With Summer officially here that means the 77th Annual McDowell Junior Livestock show is just around the corner. This show is open to any North Carolina youth that has not surpassed their 21st birthday as of January 1st, 2023.
The 2023 Livestock Show will be held Friday, August 4 and Saturday, August 5 at the McDowell Agricultural Center, Inc., 188 Ag Services Drive, Marion, 28752. This show is a great show for both new and experienced exhibitors.
Applications open June 28, 2023. There have been a few changes made to the show this year. This year we will be going by the ages of the Catawba Valley Youth Showmanship Circuit. The age ranges are as follows for all species:
Pee-Wee6 & under
Novice 7-8
Junior 9-11
Intermediate 12-14
Senior 15-18
Senior Plus19-21
The entry fees have also increased this year, you will no longer have to pay for showmanship separately unless you have a kid who ONLY wants to participate in showmanship.
Beef and Dairy: $20 per animal
Sheep, Goats, Swine: $15 per animal
Chickens, Ducks, Rabbits: $5 per animal
Showmanship ONLY: $10 per class
Another change that has been made is that Beef and Dairy heifers are the only ones showing by birthdate. Steers, Sheep, Goats and Pigs will all be shown by weight.
The McDowell County Junior Livestock Show is hosted by the McDowell County Agricultural Youth Foundation. The Ag Youth Foundation has supported opportunities for McDowell County youth in agriculture since 1994. If you would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities for the show, please call Skyler Murray at 828-652-8104.
You can access the show rules, schedule, and online entry form below:
2023 McDowell Junior Livestock Show Rules
2023 McDowell Junior Livestock Show Schedule
Online Entry Form (Deadline to register is Friday, July 28)
If you have any questions about the show contact Skyler Murray Extension Agent, Agriculture - Livestock & Field Crops at 828-652-8104 or email skyler_murray@ncsu.edu.
