All youth planning to show Sheep at the Dane County Fair must meet these species specific educational requirements:
- Attend at least one approved education event (listed below)
- Education Requirement Card – Complete this card after attending a species-specific education meeting/event to confirm attendance. The completed card should be uploaded by June 1 to FairEntry portal that opens in April.
- To upload the education card, please save the document as a JPG, TIFF, or PDF. Youth can take a picture of the education card to upload.
- Complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certificate between 9/1/2025-6/1/2026.
- Submit your YQCA certificate number by June 1 with your entry in FairEntry - OPENS in APRIL. Failure to submit this number will make you ineligible to show your animal at the Dane County Fair.
- If showing in more than one species, youth must complete and submit the requirements for each species separately.
2026 Approved Education Offerings - TO BE ANNOUNCED AS APPROVED
- 1/12/2026 – Animal Health, Illness, and Common Treatments for Livestock from 6:00pm-7:00pm at St. Martin School (5959 St. Martin Circle, Cross Plains). No Cost. Open to All youth. The Ashton Go Getters 4-H Club is hosting an education opportunity focused on animal health, illnesses, symptoms of stress, and common treatments. Learn how to keep your animal healthy and happy, especially if they are going to travel to a fair this summer. Dr. Shane from Waunakee Veterinary Service will present the information. Animals covered will be beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and rabbits. This meeting is designed for youth in Grades 3+ and all youth should have an adult present. NOTE: This session ONLY counts towards ONE species. Youth MUST have different education per species. RSVP with Mary – 608-212-4173 or m.hellenbrand@outlook.com
- 3/28/2026 - Sheep Lambing Workshop All Ages Sat, Mar 28th, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT Four Winds Farm Fitchburg, 5735 Adams Road Fitchburg, WI 53575 Fitchburg, WI. Join us at Four Winds Farm in Fitchburg, WI, for an informative and hands-on Sheep Lambing Workshop! This comprehensive workshop will be led by Carolyn Ihde, Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension and lowa State University Extension and Outreach. The workshop will cover essential topics such as biosecurity, animal health, and nutrition to ensure your flock thrives. Learn about the necessary lambing supplies, the phases of lambing, and effective lamb processing techniques. Try your hand at pulling lambs from a life-size ewe replica! Whether you're a seasoned shepherd or new to lambing, this workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage your flock. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your lambing expertise in a supportive and engaging environment! Workshop fee: $45 (includes lunch) Get Tickets*All sales final, we do not issue refunds. If you can't make your booking, we must be notified 24 hours in advance to issue class credit. For more information feel free to contact kinzie@fourwindsfarmfitchburg.com We will respond within 48 hours of inquiry. Please check your spam/junk folders for replies. 608-835-5834 http://www.fourwindsfarmfitchburg.com
- Alternative ONLINE Sheep Education:
- Purdue 4-H Sheep Showmanship Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fTMV4bUFjo
- Badger Lambing School organized by the UW with online sessions offered every Wednesday at 7:00pm in February. Topics include nutrition, health, lambing, facilities, and neonatal care. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to explore the sheep unit, observe lambing, and participate in feeding, processing, and ewe and lamb care activities. This practical experience is invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in sheep management. Questions? Contact Carolyn Ihde at carolyn.ihde@wisc.edu or 608-262-3803; Todd Taylor at toddtaylor@wisc.edu or 608-846-5858. CLICK HERE for more information and to register...fee required.
- FFA Curriculum
- FFA Livestock Evaluation Contest - have your advisor sign the education card
Complete the form below or contact the Fair Office at entries.danecountyfair@gmail.com to receive approval for educational opportunities not listed. Forms can be submitted with 30 days of the education session and by June 1.
NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY REQUEST FORM
Dane County Fair Sheep Tag Pick Up - Review Premium Book for more information (to come)
All sheep must be owned on or before May 1 of exhibit year.
Market lambs will be tagged on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 - 11 a.m at the Stoughton Fairgrounds, Mandt Park .
Exhibitors may tag up to 10 lambs. Market lambs must have attached scrapie tags by May 1, 2026
All paperwork will be provided. Youth should bring their animal(s) to the check in; exhibitors are not required to be in attendance. Contact Jerry Ace at (608) 628-7309 or sevenaces@msn.com with questions.
Dane County Fair Meat Animal Sale (MAS) Information
The Dane County Meat Animal Sale is managed by the Dane County Meat Animal Sale Association. This association is an organization of interested persons whose purpose is the organization and operation of the Dane County Meat (Large) Animal Sale. This is an independent association and is not connected to the Dane County Fair Board, Dane County 4-H Leaders Association, UW-Extension Office, or any other group. For questions, contact DaneCountyMeatAnimalSale@gmail.com or 2026 Sale Chair, Blayne Outhouse at (608) 669-0105.
The Meat Animal Sale will be held at the Dane County Fair on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 6:45 PM in Pavilion 2.
2025 MAS Scholarship Application (DUE by June 15) - COMING SOON