2024 Mississippi State Fair and 2025 Dixie National Junior Round-Up: Dairy Cattle Division

Reminders and Important Dates

Reminders

The rules in the current year’s Mississippi State Fair or Dixie National Junior Round-Up Premium book supersede any rules published previously in a Mississippi State Fair or Dixie National Junior Round-Up Premium book or in this publication. [New rules and regulations passed by the Mississippi Livestock Council Show directors will be in brackets throughout this book.]

An official show veterinarian from the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine will be on site during the junior livestock shows.

General Show and Animal Health Reminders:

• Health certificate from a veterinarian is required to get on fairgrounds
• 60-day health record forms are uploaded in MSU livestock show check-in app used for checking in all livestock
• [All lactating dairy cattle coming to the State Fair (Open or Junior Shows) and Dixie National Junior Round-Up will need to have a negative Milk Avian Influenza Test within 7 days of arriving at the Fairgrounds. The test results must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, or the exhibitor must have a copy of the negative test results for inspection when checking into the fairgrounds. Exhibitors will need to coordinate with the State Veterinarian’s Office 2 weeks ahead of anticipated arrival date at the fairgrounds to schedule milk testing. Exhibitors may use their local veterinarian to arrange for collection of milk for the test. There is no cost to the exhibitor for testing if handled by the Board of Animal Health; however, if a local veterinarian is used, there may be charges associated with collection and handling. Exhibitors waiting until the last minute to request testing may have to use a local veterinarian at their own expense. Exhibitors should call the MS Board of Animal Health Office at 601-359-1170 and give the following information: A) Contact Name/Phone Number for exhibitors; B) Dairy Name/Farm Name/Address (Note: a Premise ID is required for lab form, and the MS Board of Animal Health can help with this as well); C) number of lactating dairy cows to test and milking times. This sampling process can be coordinated through the MS Board of Animal Health for lactating dairy cows in the junior and open shows for Mississippi exhibitors whose lactating dairy cows are in state. Out-of-state exhibitors with lactating dairy cows who enter the 2024 MS State Fair Open Dairy Cattle Show must contact their State Veterinarian for instructions on how to get this test conducted. Accredited veterinarians will need to coordinate with the MS Board of Animal Health or the Diagnostic Lab prior to collecting milk samples.]

Important Dates

Ownership of animal – August 30, 2024 (Friday)

• Ownership for both Mississippi State Fair/Dixie National
  • Market Steers, Market Lambs, Market Goats, Market Hair Sheep
• Ownership for Mississippi State Fair
  • Beef Breeding Animals, Commercial and Dairy Breeding Females, Commercial Beef Heifers, Market Hogs, Commercial Meat Goat Does, Wether Dams, Commercial and Registered Dairy Goats, Breeding Hair Sheep, Registered Breeding Boer Does

Entries must be submitted to county Extension office by Friday, August 30, 2024.

Classification/DNA Hair Collection Week, September 9–11, 2024

• Monday, September 9: Hattiesburg – 8 a.m–2 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 10: Raymond – 8 a.m–2 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 11: Greenwood – 8 a.m–11 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 11: Oxford – 2 p.m–6 p.m.

Mississippi State Fair, Jackson – October 2–13, 2024

Ownership of animal – Monday, December 2, 2024

• Ownership for Dixie National Junior Round-Up
  • Beef Breeding Animals, Commercial and Dairy Breeding Females, Market Hogs, Mississippi Bred Barrows, Commercial and Registered Dairy Goats, Commercial Beef Heifers, Wether Dams, Commercial Gilts, Commercial Meat Goat Does, Breeding Hair Sheep, Registered Breeding Boer Does

Entries must be submitted to county Extension office by Monday, December 2, 2024

Classification/DNA Hair Collection Week, December 9–12, 2024

• Monday, December 9: Hattiesburg – 8 a.m–2 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 10: Raymond – 8 a.m–2 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 11: Greenwood – 8 a.m–2 p.m.
• Thursday, December 12: Oxford – 8 a.m–12 p.m.

District Livestock Shows

• NW District Show, Batesville – January 16–18, 2025
• NE District Show, Verona – January 16–18, 2025
• SE District Show, Hattiesburg – January 15–18, 2025
• SW District Show, Jackson – January 14–17/27, 2025
• Delta District Show, Greenwood – January 20–22, 2025

Dixie National Junior Round-Up, January 27–February 6, 2025

Dairy Cattle Division

Superintendents

Ross Overstreet, MSU Extension – Lamar County

Bob Robinson, MS FFA – Pelahatchie High School

Ownership/Entry Dates

Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Show: August 30, 2024 (Fair) and December 2, 2024 (District and DNJR)

Purebred Dairy Cattle Show: August 30, 2024 (Fair) and December 2, 2024 (District and DNJR)

2024 State Fair Show Dates

Showmanship: Saturday, October 12, 8:30 a.m.

Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Show: Saturday, October 12, following Showmanship

Purebred Dairy Cattle Show: Saturday, October 12, following Commercial Dairy Shows

2024 State Fair Deadlines for Entry at Show Using Check-in App

At the time of check-in at the Fair, all jointly owned animals must be changed to a single entry in the app so that the FFA or 4-H youth in that joint ownership will be declared as the individual who will show each animal in that show. The following list summarizes when Dairy Cattle are to be checked in using the web, when weights are to be declared for commercial Dairy Cattle, along with uploading the 60-day 4-H Animal Health Record Form:

• Registered Dairy Cattle: declare entry at show by 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 10
• Commercial Dairy Heifers and Cows: declare show weight by 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 10
• Dairy Cattle Showmanship: declare intent to participate in Dairy Cattle Showmanship by 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 10

2025 Dixie National Junior Round-Up Show Dates

• Showmanship: Thursday, January 30, 8 a.m.
• Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Show: Thursday, January 30, following FFA Dairy Handler Class
• Purebred Dairy Cattle Show: Thursday, January 30, following Commercial Dairy Shows

2025 DNJR Deadlines for Entry at Show Using Check-in App

At the time of check-in at DNJR, all jointly owned animals must be changed to a single entry in the app so that the FFA or 4-H youth in that joint ownership will be declared as the individual who will show each animal in that show. The following list summarizes when Dairy Cattle are to be checked in using the web app, when weights are to be declared for commercial Dairy Cattle, along with uploading the 60-day 4-H Animal Health Record Form:

• Registered Dairy Cattle: declare entry at show by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29
• Commercial Dairy Heifers and Cows: declare show weight by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29
• Dairy Cattle Showmanship: declare intent to participate in Dairy Cattle Showmanship by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29

Dairy Cattle Showmanship

All showmanship rules listed in Extension Publication 3814-1 2024 Mississippi State Fair and 2025 DNJR: General Rules apply for Dairy Cattle Showmanship in addition to the ones listed below.

Exhibitors will check in for Dairy Cattle showmanship at the Fair and DNJR on the dates and times listed above.

Exhibitor in showmanship classes must show their own animal.

• For Dairy Cattle Showmanship at the Fair and DNJR, the exhibitor must have a purebred dairy heifer or cow or a Commercial Dairy Heifer/Cow checked in to their respective show.

Exhibitor will be judged on their skills in displaying their animal to the best advantage while in the arena, as well as on their neatness and attitude.

Order of Show for Dairy Cattle Showmanship:

• For Dairy Cattle Showmanship at the Fair and DNJR: Ages 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–18

FFA Dairy Cattle Handlers Class (only held at DNJR)

• Through participation in the FFA Dairy Cattle Handlers Class, students learn to work with others in a way that is cooperative, courteous, and helpful while demonstrating effective dairy handling skills. Students in this activity present animals for evaluation as part of the Dairy Cattle Management and Evaluation Career Development Event. Handlers earn recognition for their ability to set up their assigned animal to its best advantage, maintain the animal in its most advantageous post, exhibit effective restraint, and move the animal as requested by the event ringmaster. Poise, calmness, and a positive attitude play a significant role in gaining success in the Dairy Cattle Handlers Class.
• Each chapter is allowed to enter multiple participants for this event. The FFA Dairy Cattle Handlers Class will be held in the Judging Arena (Barn 14) at the conclusion of Junior Dairy Cattle Showmanship to select the Mississippi FFA member to qualify for the national competition.
• Participating FFA members are required to wear an official FFA Jacket.

General Dairy Cattle Rules and Regulations

General Rules

• Review the General Rules and Regulations for all exhibitors and animals. These rules and regulations will apply in the Purebred Dairy and Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow shows.
• All Dairy Cattle (Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows and Purebred Dairy Cattle) will be shown with a leather, nylon, or coated cable show halter in the show ring. No rope halters or rope leads will be allowed by exhibitors in the show ring. Show management or Livestock Committee Leadership/Ring Stewards reserve the right to decide what constitutes acceptable show equipment and how the equipment is being used by the exhibitor.
• Exhibitors will be required to furnish feed and hay. No bedding will be used.
• Exhibitors are encouraged to wear neat, appropriate uniforms while showing animals in the arena. White or 4-H and FFA uniforms are preferred.
• All heifers and cows must be dehorned. Heifers not dehorned will be disqualified.
• Blue, red, and white groups. Divisions of premium money for the various ratings will be on a 3-2-1 basis. All animals of a given rating in any class will receive identical premium money, except for the 1st place blue ribbon animals in classes of 5 or more. They will receive an additional $5 each.
• Basis of Award:
  • At the Fair, cows two years and older will receive an additional $10 and $7, respectively, over younger blue and red ribbon animals.
  • At DNJR, cows two years and older will receive an additional $5 and $3, respectively, over younger blue and red ribbon animals.
• Only blue-ribbon animals are eligible to compete for a breed championship. Separate breed champions will be selected.

Dairy Cattle Arrival and Departure

All Dairy Cattle must be in place according to the schedule for the Fair and DNJR. Furthermore, Dairy Cattle must remain in place until being released after the completion of the show as outlined in the Fair and DNJR schedules.

Stalling

All Dairy Cattle must be tied in assigned area in the barn from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except cattle that are being groomed, washed, exercised, or shown). No cattle are to be tied in alleyways, walkways, or the show arena. Animals taken to be exercised must remain in their assigned barn or in their respective show arena. After entering the show grounds, at no time will animals be allowed in a trailer except for loading to leave.

Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Shows

Nominations

Exhibitors can nominate the number of Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows they desire. At the Fair and DNJR, the number of animals that one can check in and exhibit is six Dairy Cattle (combination of registered dairy females and Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows), not to exceed three entries per class. Nomination forms are due in the MSU Extension county office by the dates listed below. Nomination forms must be submitted by the Extension agent or agricultural education teacher verifying all Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows are under their supervision.

• Fair deadline: August 30, 2024
• District and DNJR deadline: December 2, 2024

Exhibitors in the Commercial Dairy Heifer/Cow show may enter Dairy Cattle showmanship classes at the time of entry and confirm participation in showmanship using the online check-in app at the show.

[Commercial dairy heifers must have no more than four permanent incisors showing to be eligible to compete in the show.]

Heifers and cows shown in the Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Shows are not eligible to be shown in any other division at the Dixie National Junior Round-Up.

[Commercial dairy heifers and cows must be identified with an 840 USDA Official (All-in-One) EID ear tag matched set through the State 4-H Livestock Office by the dates below.]

• Fair deadline: August 30, 2024
• District/DNJR deadline: December 2, 2024

Weight Limits

Certified scales will be available for weighing Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows as outlined in the schedule. For the Fair and DNJR, the minimum weight of Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows is 200 pounds with no maximum weight. Heifers who have never calved are eligible for the Commercial Dairy Heifer show. Those heifers who have calved will be show in the commercial dairy cow show.

• Commercial dairy heifer and cow weights for the Fair and DNJR will follow the dates/times listed in the Dairy Cattle Division Section above.

Weight Classes

Commercial Dairy Heifers will be assigned to one of four classes based on weight (Lightweight; Mediumweight; Light Heavyweight; Heavyweight) and cows will be assigned to one of three classes based on weight (Lightweight; Mediumweight; Heavyweight). Show management will divide heifers and cows into classes to distribute the weights in a practical manner.

[The Senior Commercial Dairy Cow Champion at the Dixie National Junior Round-Up will receive a scholarship from the Sale of Junior Champions.]

Grade Requirements

Heifers and cows must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Animals must be Grade (not registered) heifer offspring or cows of Purebred Dairy Cattle or dairy breed crosses.
• No heifers or cows registered by a recognized dairy breed association or crosses of dairy and beef breeds are eligible to show in the Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Shows.
• Heifers and cows exhibiting breed characteristics other than those of the major Dairy Cattle breeds will not be allowed to show.

Purebred Dairy Cattle Show

Nominations

Exhibitors can nominate the number of purebred dairy breeding cattle they desire. At the Fair and DNJR, the number of animals that one can check in and exhibit is six dairy breeding animals (combination of registered dairy females and Commercial Dairy Heifers/Cows), not to exceed three entries per class. Nomination forms are due in the MSU Extension county office by the dates listed below. Nomination forms must be submitted by the Extension agent or agricultural education teacher verifying all purebred dairy breeding cattle are under their supervision.

• Fair deadline: August 30, 2024
• District/DNJR deadline: December 2, 2024

Exhibitors in the Purebred Dairy Cattle show may enter Dairy Cattle showmanship classes at the time of entry and confirm participation in showmanship using the online check-in app at the show.

Registered heifers and cows are not eligible for the Commercial Dairy Heifer and Cow Shows, respectively.

Competition is limited to registered dairy females of the Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red and White breeds owned by youth residing in Mississippi who are 8–18 years of age as of January 1 of the current show year. If any purebred dairy breed does not have 10 or more animals exhibited for two consecutive years, that breed will be shown in an Other Dairy Cattle Breeds category.

Registration Certificates

Each purebred animal must be accompanied by a registration certificate showing ownership by junior exhibitor and recorded in the junior’s name no later than August 30, 2024 (for Fair) and/or December 2, 2024 (for DNJR) for animals to show. However, for the 2024 Fair and 2025 DNJR, there can be a signed affidavit by the current owner, exhibitor, exhibitor’s parents or guardian, and Extension agent/agricultural education teacher that confirms the exhibitor is in possession and has ownership of the animal for the purpose of showing at any Mississippi Junior Dairy Show for the dates recorded on the affidavit. All other rules concerning possession, housing, and care of the animal still apply as per DNJR rules and regulations. A copy of the affidavit and registration certificate must be sent to ADS by the ownership deadline referenced above in the Dairy Cattle Division section.

[For registered animals with a dual registry in multiple breed associations, once the animal has been nominated for exhibition in one breed through the Mississippi 4-H/FFA Livestock Program, it may not show in another breed regardless of other registration certificates. Animal registration information will be verified electronically before the Fair and DNJR with the nominated breed association only.]

• Dairy cattle in the purebred show must be checked in according to the dates/times listed in the Dairy Cattle Division Section above.

Refer to original show rules regarding pending Dairy Cattle registration.

Order of Show

• Holstein
• Jersey
• Other Dairy Cattle Breeds (included purebred animals of the Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red and White Dairy Cattle breeds).

Classes Offered at 2024 Mississippi State Fair

• Spring Heifer Calf – March 1–May 31, 2024
• Winter Heifer Calf – December 1, 2023–February 29, 2024
• Fall Heifer Calf – September 1–November 30, 2023
• Summer Yearling Heifer – June 1–August 31, 2023
• Spring Yearling Heifer – March 1–May 31, 2023
• Winter Yearling Heifer – December 1, 2022–February 28, 2023
• Fall Yearling Heifer – September 1–November 30, 2022
• Junior Champion – Highest rated animal from classes 1-7, Rosette.
• Reserve Junior Champion – Second highest rated animal from classes 1-7, Rosette.
• Junior, 2 Years Old – March 1–August 31, 2022
• Senior, 2 Years Old – September 1, 2021–February 28, 2022
• Cows, 3 Years Old – September 1, 2020–August 31, 2021
• Cows, 4 Years Old – September 1, 2019–August 31, 2020
• Cows, 5 Years Old and Over – born before September 1, 2019
• Senior Champion – Highest rated animal from classes 10–14, Rosette.
• Reserve Senior Champion – Second highest rated animal from classes 10–14, Rosette.
• Grand Champion – Highest rated animal from classes 8 and 15, Banner.
• Reserve Grand Champion – Second highest rated animal from classes 8 and 15, Banner.
• County Herd – six registered animals of the same breed, any age, owned by one or more Junior Show exhibitors from the same county. Herds will not receive less than $30 for Blue and $20 for Red. White herds will not receive premium.
• There will be separate breed classes and championships. No championship will be awarded unless there is competition between classes.

Classes Offered at 2025 Dixie National Junior Round-Up

• Fall Heifer Calf – September 1–November 30, 2024
• Summer Yearling Heifer – June 1–August 31, 2024
• Spring Yearling Heifer – March 1–May 31, 2024
• Winter Yearling Heifer – December 1, 2023–February 29, 2024
• Fall Yearling Heifer – September 1–November 30, 2023
• Summer Yearling Heifer – June 1–August 31, 2023
• Spring Yearling Heifer – March 1–May 31, 2023
• Junior Champion – Highest rated animal from classes 1–7, Rosette.
• Reserve Junior Champion – Second highest rated animal from classes 1–7, Rosette.
• Junior, 2 Years Old – September 1, 2022–February 28, 2023
• Senior, 2 Years Old – March 1–August 31, 2022
• Cows, 3 Years Old – March 1, 2021–February 28, 2022
• Cows, 4 Years Old – March 1, 2020–February 28, 2021
• Cows, 5 Years Old and Over – born before March 1, 2020
• Senior Champion – Highest rated animal from classes 10–14, Rosette.
• Reserve Senior Champion – Second highest rated animal from classes 10–14, Rosette.
• Grand Champion – Highest rated animal from classes 8 and 15, Banner.
• Reserve Grand Champion – Second highest rated animal from classes 8 and 15, Banner.
• County Herd – six registered animals of the same breed, any age, owned by one or more Junior Show exhibitors from the same county. Herds will not receive less than $30 for Blue and $20 for Red. White herds will not receive premium.
• There will be separate breed classes and championships. No championship will be awarded unless there is competition between classes.

Special Awards at DNJR

Supreme Champion Dairy Female Rules: The exhibitor of the Supreme Champion Dairy Female will receive a $2,000 Sale of Champions scholarship, provided said animal has not received the award in previous years. The scholarship can be attached to a dairy female only once in her lifetime (regardless of any change in ownership). An animal named Supreme Dairy Female in previous years remains eligible to compete for the Supreme Dairy Female title and award in the current year; however, the exhibitor of said animal IS NOT eligible to receive the $2,000 academic scholarship. Should a winning animal from previous years be named Supreme Dairy Female in the current year, the judge will declare a next-highest placing animal and her exhibitor will receive the $2,000 scholarship if the animal has not been named Supreme Champion Dairy Female in previous years. If necessary, selection will continue from the pool of Grand Champions and Reserve Grand Champions from each dairy breed until an animal that has not been named Supreme Champion Dairy Female in previous years is declared by the judge to award the academic scholarship.

Supreme Dairy Exhibitor: The Supreme Dairy Exhibitor Award goes to the exhibitor who accumulates the most points in the junior dairy show. Points will be awarded on the following basis.

• Exhibitors must be present and showing dairy animals at the Dixie National Junior Round-Up.
• Joint ownership will not be allowed to participate.
• Exhibitors may show in both the purebred show and the Commercial Dairy Heifer show. Each of the first 10 animals in a regular class will be given one point for each animal placing below it, plus one point. Points are not to exceed 10 for first place.
• The first five placings in the showmanship classes will be given one point for each animal placing below it, plus one point. Points are not to exceed five for first place.
• Animals not placing in the top 10 in a regular class or the top five in showmanship classes will not receive points for that class.
• Junior and Senior Champions will receive five points.
• Reserve Junior and Senior Champions will receive three points.
• In the case of a tie, the winner will be determined on the most points earned in showmanship classes. If a tie still exists, the winner will be determined by the most points earned in the greatest number of classes (not including Champion classes). Ties still existing will be broken by counting the total number of animals beaten in all classes (not including Champion classes)
  • Supreme Champion Dairy Female Award Sponsored by Premier Select Sires, Inc.

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Publication 3814-3 (POD-08-24)

By Dean Jousan, PhD, Extension Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences, and Cobie Rutherford, former Extension Instructor, Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development.