REGISTRATION
How do I sign up cattle for the junior show?
Registration for the 2026 Expo through the online registration system will open on Monday, Aug. 10. All cattle must be registered online to show. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Registration for the junior show will close on Friday, Oct. 2 at 11:59 p.m. or once the barn reaches capacity, whichever comes first. If you miss the entry deadline, you will not be able to exhibit cattle with the exception of cattle bought at the sale. More information can be found on the Junior Show page.
What does it cost to enter cattle in the junior show?
Cattle may be registered for the entry fee of $55/head until Friday, Oct. 2 at 11:59 p.m. Late entries will be accepted until Monday, Oct. 5 at 11:59 p.m. for the late entry fee of $75/head. Additional costs may include a tie-out fee of $20/head, showmanship fee of $7/exhibitor and camper fee of $30/night.
Can I substitute cattle?
Substitutions of junior show cattle can be made during check-in. Substitutions are allowed across breeds and divisions. Be sure to bring registration papers for the substituted animal to check-in if entered in a breed class. Scratches can also be made during check-in.
How do I register for tie-outs?
Tie-out fees are $20/head and include bedding. Please purchase your tie-out slots when registering online. They are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must receive your tie-out location assignment from the Junior Show Office during check-in.
Do animals need to be TB tested?
Animals do not need to be TB tested. Please reach out with further questions.
I don’t see my breed listed. Can I still exhibit?
If your animal has a registration paper and isn’t a lower percentage of a listed breed, you can exhibit in the “any other breed” category against other animals of the same age.
How do I sign cattle up for the Supreme Row Sale?
Sale cattle must register through the online registration system. Registration will open on Monday, Aug. 10. Entries registered by Sept. 2, will qualify for early bird pricing at $200/head, any entries registered by the final deadline of Sept. 9, will be $255/head. More information can be found on the Supreme Row Sale page.
I bought an animal at the Supreme Row Sale and I want to show in the junior show. What do I need to do?
As soon as you get the winning bid, you can stop by the table outside of the sale ring to sign up with the Expo staff. We will be at a marked table near the Eberspacher Enterprises check-out area. If you are hoping to buy an animal to show at the Supreme Row Sale or later that day/evening, PLEASE HAVE THE EXHIBITOR’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON HAND. We are required to collect the Social Security number of all exhibitors for prize purposes. If you do not visit the table to do this, you will be unable to show in the Junior Show.
CHECK-IN
When is check-in?
Check-in will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 16, from 8-10 a.m., at the Junior Show office.
What do I need to bring for check-in?
If you have a purebred animal, please bring your registration papers for verification. We do understand that it is sale season, and the registration process can take time. Therefore, we are flexible on what is accepted as an official form of registration. If you recently purchased an animal and the registration has not transferred in your name yet, please have the original registration paper to show us. If you’ve sent in your registration information to your association but do not have the final paperwork yet, please have the email or registration submission on your phone or iPad ready to show the Expo staff.
I registered for showmanship online. Why do I need to check-in at the office?
Check-in for Showmanship is necessary to make sure we have even class sizes and exhibitors are registered in the correct age group. Exhibitors are required to register for showmanship through the online system no later Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 11:59 p.m. If you do not confirm your participation in showmanship at the Junior Show Office by Friday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. you will be removed from the competition.
STALLING
When will the barns be open to exhibitors?
Barns will be open starting on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 a.m. If you arrive later than 8 p.m. on Thursday, please keep your animals on the trailer until Friday morning when the barns reopen at 6 a.m. All cattle must be checked in and stalled by Friday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. You may not take cattle to tie-outs until you have received designated stalls from the show office.
Can I request to stall with other exhibitors?
Yes! If you would like to be in a stalling group with other exhibitors, you must have your group determined prior to registering. Each group must have a unique group name. The group name can be the name of an individual, the name of a county or a unique word or phrase. Everyone in the group must put this word or phrase in the “stalling comments” section on the registration form.
A block of stalls will be assigned to each group. The group must divide the stalls amongst themselves. Groups are expected to share tack space.
Sale cattle must indicate if they want to stall in the “Sale Block.” If a group name is provided in the stalling comments or the sale block is not listed, sale cattle will NOT be stalled in the sale block.
If stalling comments are not clear, they will be disregarded.
How do we receive our stalling assignments?
All stalls will be preassigned. Exhibitors must submit all stalling requests when registering via the registration system. Stalling requests must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 11:59 p.m.
Exhibitors will receive their stalling information via email on Monday, Oct. 12. A message containing your stalling assignments will be sent to the email you registered with. Stalling assignments will also be posted on the Junior Show webpage. All stalling assignments sent on Monday, Oct. 12 are FINAL! No changes will be made to stalling assignments after they have been emailed.
LODGING
Can I camp on the fairgrounds during the Expo?
Yes! We’re happy to accept campers during the Expo weekend for $30/night. Please stop by the Junior Show Office during the Expo to pay your fee or prepay via the online registration system. For more information, see our lodging & directions page.
What hotels are nearby?
We recommend our host hotel, the Doubletree by Hilton Roseville, but there are plenty of other great places to stay in the area. For more information, see our lodging & directions page.
JUNIOR ACTIVITIES
I want to judge in the Judging Contest, but I don’t have a team to join. Can I still participate?
Yes! Individuals can participate and compete on their own.
I really want to participate in the Expo, but I don’t have a calf to show yet. Is there anything I can do?
The Expo is a prime learning opportunity, so we have made it easy for you to jump right in and participate. First, consider coming to our sale on Saturday. All sale calves purchased can be shown in the junior show for free! Otherwise, if you can borrow a heifer from a friend, you’re welcome to show in the Showmanship Contest. If you are unable to show, there are plenty of other ways to stay busy. Try out the Judging Contest or Fitting Contest or, if you are new to the beef business, join us for the MYBEP Ideas & Insights Symposium on Thursday night. You’ll leave there much more confident in your beef industry knowledge. Browse the Junior Show & Activities menu above to learn more.
Can I attend the fitting workshop presented by Sullivan Supply and not participate in the contest?
Of course! In fact, that’s what most people do. The fitting workshop is meant to be a learning opportunity for both new and veteran show people. We welcome anyone to the workshop whether or not they plan to compete on a team.
What is the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP)?
MYBEP awards heifer calves to deserving FFA, 4-H and Junior Breed Association members ages 12-16 to allow for hands-on learning experience. Applicants must submit an online application to be judged by a panel. Each winner is responsible for raising, breeding and maintaining complete records on care of the animal while providing quarterly progress reports to the original owner and the Minnesota Beef Expo. The breeders who donated heifers also serve as mentors to the MYBEP participants to help guide them throughout the year. MYBEP is proud to have awarded 185 heifers to deserving youth since its inception in 2004. Visit the MYBEP Application & Overview tab to learn more.
GENERAL INFO
Do you have an official photographer?
Yes! Please welcome back Linde’s Livestock Photography as the Minnesota Beef Expo official photographer. Learn more about Linde’s and purchase photos from previous Expo’s here.
Are dogs allowed at the Expo?
All dogs at the show must be on a leash. This is a Minnesota State Fair facilities requirement.