Competitors come from all over the U.S. to participate in our judging contests.
The National Western Stock Show Livestock Judging Contests are some of the most prestigious of their kind and an integral part of the Best 16 Days in January. With hundreds of teams entered in several contests, competitors come from all over the U.S. to take part in the Super Bowl of Livestock Shows. In the accordions below, teams can find their respected contest entry information.
4-H/FFA Livestock Judging
2026 Dates
4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest
Friday, January 9th at 8 AM, Stadium Arena NWSS
Friday, January 9th at 8 AM, Stadium Arena NWSS
4-H and FFA Meats Judging Contest
Saturday, January 10th  at 8:30 AM, Colorado State University Meats Lab, Ft Collins, Colorado
Saturday, January 10th  at 8:30 AM, Colorado State University Meats Lab, Ft Collins, Colorado
Rules & Regulations
Collegiate Livestock & Carload Contest
2026 Dates – Coaches: Please Note NEW DATE INFORMATION for 2026
- Livestock Judging Contest – Friday, January 16 – 8:30 AM in the historic Stadium Arena
- Carload Judging, Contets – Saturday, January 17th – 8:30 AMÂ Stockyards Event Center
- Collegiate Livestock Judging Awards Banquet – 6PM, January 17th.Â
- The Legacy, National Western Club on the National Western Grounds.
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Entry Link: Enter HERE
Hotel Booking Link:Â Book HERE
Enter Collegiate & 4-H Wool Contests
2026 Contest:
- Collegiate Wool Contest
- Collegiate Awards Banquet – January 15th, 7:00 PM Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, January 13th at 4:00 PM.
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The Legacy, National Western Club on the National Western Grounds.
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- 4-H Wool Contest
- 4-H Awards Banquet
Entry Link: Enter HERE
Hotel Booking: Book HERE
