April 15, 2026
State Market Beef Nomination Deadline Approaching May 1
The 2026 state livestock nomination season is upon us, and the first deadline is quickly approaching! Market beef nominations are due by May 1, 2026. This includes market steers and market heifers, of any breed, families would like to be eligible for the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and/or KJLS. The deadline is a postmark and an online submission deadline. Both components must be completed by May for market beef animals to be eligible. Families need to plan ahead and get them submitted as soon as possible. DNA envelopes must be ordered in advance, as well as exhibitors completing their YQCA certification and the Declaration Form before submitting their nominations. The nomination fee is paid through purchasing official DNA envelopes online. The deadline to order official DNA envelopes is April 20. The nomination deadlines are firm. Late nominations are not accepted.
After receiving their official DNA envelopes, families will return their completed and signed DNA hair sample envelopes and a copy of the receipt from their online nomination entry submission through ShoWorks (list of animals/tag numbers). Extension agents and FFA advisors will approve nominations electronically. Nomination information for all species may be found on the KSU Youth Livestock Program website, including the link to the online system: https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/youth-programs/nominated-livestock/. The website includes an overview of the process, as well as the resources available. No paper forms or old DNA envelopes will be accepted.
Families should use the checklist, make sure the DNA envelopes are signed by all exhibitors within the family, as well as a parent, and cross-reference the information submitted online with the DNA envelopes (most importantly the Tag ID). For more information, contact Lexie Hayes via email at adhayes@ksu.edu or 785‐532‐1264.