NCHCA Show requirements

  1. Entries must be post marked on or before the deadline date (September 7, 2024).  Submissions of entries online (including payment) is encouraged. Cancellations will not be eligible for refund.
  2. Entry fee is $40 per animal with initial straw bedding included.  Entry fees for cows with calves at side are also $40 for the pair.  If calf is shown in another class by itself, an additional fee of $40 is required. The entry fee is per animal whether entered in one or more classes, including the junior show.  Payment must accompany the entry forms.
  3. All animals must be in place by 5 pm on Friday night and exhibitors should have appropriate livestock health papers, and cattle ready for inspection by the show veterinarian. 
  4. Exhibitors must be members in good standing of the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society.    
  5. 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.
  6. Any animals registered in the Junior show must first be entered as an open show entry. 
  7. Registration papers must be presented to show officials or AHCA representatives upon request.
  8. Tattoos must be legible and correspond to registration papers. 
  9. Exhibitor’s number must be worn while showing.
  10. Exhibitors are required to post a card over each animal stating:  Name, registration number, birth date, sire, & dam.
  11. Use of hormones or steroids in animals exhibited is prohibited. 
  12. Purebred breeding animals may not be dehorned.
  13. 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 mail.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. All bulls 12 months or older must be shown with a nose ring or nose lead.  We recommend that bulls be experienced with nose ring or nose lead prior to showing the animal.
  18. All cattle must be double tied in stalls at night with neck ties or straps in addition to halters. 
  19. 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.
  20. Any animal deemed uncontrollable by the Ring Steward will be excused from the show ring. 
  21. 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. 
  22. Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards will be given to the breeder or exhibitor who has the highest number of point 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 pts., 2nd – 4 pts., 3rd – 3 pts., 4th – 2 pts., 5th – 1 pt. 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. 
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. Animals in group classes (Get-of-Sire, Produce-of-Dam and Breeders-Herd, etc.) must be registered purebred Highland cattle. 
  26. The Show Committee will use reasonable diligence to insure 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, Mower County Fair board and Fairgrounds, and the Mower County Agriculture Society of all legal or other proceedings in regard thereto.  The placing of any exhibits on the show grounds by any and all signifies there agreement to abide by this rule. 
  27. It is neither the desire nor the business of AHCA to act as a show ring 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.
  28. 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 and 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 or may be available for purchase at Runnings Farm Store in Austin.
  3. No dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds.
  4. Barn must be empty by 11 am Sunday, Sept. 22 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.