Submitted by Maggie McMurray

For many people, Christmas fun and holiday planning seem far removed from the Clark County Fair in April, but for young 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) beef showmen, December means something else entirely. The annual Clark County Junior Livestock beef weigh-in took place on Dec. 6 at the Moapa Valley High School Ag Farm in Overton and is generally considered the official kick-off for the upcoming fair season.

Beef projects came from all over Clark, Lincoln and Nye counties to be weighed, tagged and registered for the 2026 fair, with some kids traveling several hours to be there and be counted. In order to be eligible to show at the fair, all beef must attend this event and be accounted for, making it an important day for hopeful youth. The beef will be checked at a second weigh-in right before fair to see how much weight has been gained and to make sure it is in top condition before being shown and sold.

The number of beef showing at the fair dropped during the COVID lockdown and has taken a couple of years to rebound, but numbers have been steadily climbing in recent years. Beef steward Stetsy Cox and other Junior Livestock board members weighed in a total of 46 beef this year, including seven alternates. If all of them come back to the fair in April, the number of beef contestants this year will be up from last year.

Cox was pleased with how the initial weigh-in went. She said, “Initial weigh-in is always a fun time and sometimes a bit of a rodeo. Kids are bringing young livestock that they have recently acquired and some are tamer than others, but it is always great to see the kids again and feel the excitement in the air. We’re so excited for this year’s upcoming fair!”

This year brings a few changes to the rulebook and although beef weigh-in has passed, those hoping to show sheep, goats and/or pigs are encouraged to review the updated rules before the small animal weigh-in in January. Notably, beginner showmen ages five to eight who are planning to show in Beginner Showmanship must be registered this year by January 31, 2026 – the same as their older counterparts. Fees this year for beginners will be $20 per species, with a limit of two species per beginner. Milk teeth are required on all sheep and goats and will be verified at the initial weigh-in in January. They will not be rechecked in April.

The complete 2026 rulebook, including this year’s changes, as well as other handy information, can be accessed at CCJLA.com. All exhibitors are responsible for reading, understanding and abiding by the rulebook.

If you are interested in showing livestock besides beef at the 2026 Clark County Fair, it’s not too late. Weigh-in for lambs, goats and pigs will take place on January 31, 2026, at the Clark County Fairgrounds from 8 to 11 a.m. This will be followed by a potluck lunch and a preshow/showmanship clinic for all interested exhibitors. All animals must be registered online and fees paid before weighing in at clarkcjla.fairwire.com. The same link can be used for Beginner Showmanship registrants.

CCJLA president Jennifer Reber said, “We have been working hard since September to make this the best year ever and are so excited to welcome all our youth back. Getting to know them and watching them grow and learn and become better every year is the most rewarding part of this job! We can’t wait to see everyone in January!”