NCHCA Show requirements

Show Requirements
  1. Entries must be received by August 30, 2026. Submission of entries online (including payment) is required. Cancellations will not be eligible for refund.
  2. Entry fee is $50 per animal with initial shavings included. Entry fees for cows with calves at side are also $50 for the pair. If calf is shown in another class by itself, an additional fee of $50 is required. The entry fee is per animal, whether entered in one or more classes, including the junior show. Payment must be made at time of entry. Entry fee increases to $75 per animal after August 15th.
  3. 10’ x 10’ tie out pens are available for $60 each for Bulls and Cow/Calf pairs ONLY.  This will include bedding. Only 10 pens available
  4. All animals in the junior show must be in place by 9 am on Friday. Sale and open show animals must be in place by 3pm on Friday. Exhibitors should have appropriate livestock health papers and cattle ready for inspection by the show veterinarian.
  5. Exhibitors must be members in good standing of the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society.
  6. All open show breeding animals must be owned by the exhibitor and registered with the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society prior to participation in the show. No Pending Animals.
  7. Any animals registered in the Junior show must be first entered as an open show entry.
  8. Registration papers must be presented to show officials or AHCA representatives upon request.
  9. Tattoos must be legible and correspond to registration papers.
  10. Exhibitor’s number must be worn while showing.
  11. Exhibitors are required to post a card over each animal stating: Name, registration number, birth date, sire, and dam.
  12. Use of hormones or steroids in animals exhibited is prohibited.
  13. Purebred breeding animals may not be dehorned.
  14. A heifer is defined for sanctioned shows as a female that has not had a calf. A bull is defined for sanctioned shows as an intact male.
  15. Rule violations will be handled by AHCA, and they reserve the right to refuse any entry application. Each exhibitor also agrees to submit any entries to any inspection deemed necessary.
  16. Exhibitors agree to abide by the IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) National Code of Show Ring Ethics. Submitting the entry form signifies that all representatives of the farm agree to this.
  17. A calf in the cow/calf class must be the cow’s natural calf, still nursing, and a maximum of 250 days old. Both the cow and calf must be registered purebred Highland cattle.
  18. All bulls 12 months or older must be shown with a nose ring or nose lead. Note: We recommend bulls be experienced with nose ring or nose lead prior to showing the animal.
  19. All cattle must be double tied in stalls at night with neck ties or straps in addition to halters.
  20. The exhibitor is responsible for the health of their animals. Please do not bring sick animals to the show. If animals become sick during transport or at the show, please see the show managers for a quarantine area. The Show Committee has the right to call for the services of a veterinarian to treat any animal that is sick or injured if the exhibitor is not available. The fee must be paid by the exhibitor prior to release of the animal.
  21. Any animal deemed uncontrollable by the Ring Steward will be excused from the show ring.
  22. The Show Committee reserves the right to remove or release any exhibitor not conducting his or herself in a courteous manner as a member representing the American Highland Cattle Association.
  23. Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards will be given to the breeder or exhibitor who has the highest number of points based on a maximum of the five highest placing animals in the single classes owned by the breeder or exhibitor. Points shall be awarded as follows: 1st-5 points, 2nd-4 points, 3rd- 3 points, 4th-2 points, 5th-1 point. No points will be awarded for Division or Grand Champions. Only registered pure and crossbred market animals and registered sovereign heifers will count toward the Premier Breeder and Exhibitor awards at ROE shows.
  24. In the event of joint ownership of an animal, Premier Breeder/Exhibitor points will be given to the  farm that entered/exhibited the animal unless specified prior to the start of the show.
  25. Registered and unregistered market animals (both pure and crossbred) and registered sovereign heifers will be included for the number of animals in a point show.
  26. Animals in group classes (get of sire, produce of dam, breeders herd, etc.) must be registered fullblood Highlands.
  27. The Show Committee will use reasonable diligence to ensure the safety of the exhibitors after their arrival and placement, but in no case will they be responsible for any loss or damage done to, occasioned by, or arising from any animals or articles on exhibition. The exhibitors shall indemnify the Show Committee, AHCA, NCHCA, and the Steele County Fair Board and Fairgrounds, of all legal or other proceedings in regard thereto. The placing of any exhibits on the show grounds by any and all signifies their agreement to abide by this rule.
  28. It is neither the desire nor the business of AHCA to act as a showring policeman. It is, however, within the scope of AHCA’s responsibilities to maintain the integrity of the breed and its breeders. This includes the promotion of the breed in an attractive public setting by both amateur and professional exhibitors, building camaraderie and participation among owners and enthusiasts, and encouraging the selection of highly productive cattle with attributes of the Highland breed. It is also within the scope of AHCA responsibilities to mediate and ensure the ongoing contentment within its constituency.
  29. With the continued growth of the North Central Show, please be considerate in keeping the show moving by having animals ready. Also be considerate of limited tie area in the “on deck” area of the show arena.

Other Show Information
  1. Farms are encouraged to promote their farms using farm banners/signs and identify animals. Exhibitors will be judged for the David Larson & Roger Weideman Memorial Herdsmanship traveling trophy for the best exhibitor space and their promotion of the breed including communication to the public.
  2. NOTE:  Initial shavings will be provided for bedding for each farm. Additional bags of shavings will be available for a fee. Straw, if desired, should be brought from home
  3. No dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds.
  4. Barn must be empty by 11am Sunday, Sept. 13  to allow for cleaning. If you are not present to load your cattle and equipment, cattle will be put in the outside tie-outs and equipment will be moved to the outside of the building.
  5. Please be respectful of the space and place your garbage in the provided garbage bins.
 
​Junior Show
  • Participants must be a junior member of AHCA and NCHCA. There is no charge and all you need to do is contact AHCA to request a youth to be a junior member (under 21 years of age based on age as of Jan, 1 2026). Special consideration will be extended for persons with developmental disabilities to show in the junior show through age 26. To become a junior member in NCHCA, complete the membership form available online at nchca.org.
  • The animal must be a heifer born on or after January 1, 2024, and the animal does not have to be registered in the junior’s name for this NCHCA show.
  • Showmanship classes will follow the heifer classes – any animal may be shown: bulls under one year of age, steers and heifers.
  • A junior’s age for showmanship classes is the age as of January 1, 2026.
  • Costume class will follow the market show – Use your imagination
  • If juniors are showing animals from another farm, they must have that animal signed up as part of the junior entries.