El Dorado County Fair | June 18-21, 2026 | Placerville, CA
California State Fair | July 17-August 2, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
December 1, 2025 is the deadline to enroll in a 4-H animal project and be eligible to show at the 2026 El Dorado County Fair.
All 4-H youth planning to exhibit a 4-H project animal at a California fair must submit their Declaration of Intent to Show by December 1st of the current program year. 4-H members that meet County Fair eligibility requirements are eligible to exhibit at the California State Fair.
Junior Livestock Information
Junior Livestock Exhibitors are required to complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification annually in order to exhibit at the El Dorado County Fair and California State Fair. YQCA certification must be completed and submitted by the date set by the fair.
- El Dorado County Fair Website
- California State Fair Website
- 4-H Equine Lease Agreement (PDF, 353.1 KB)
- 4-H Equine Lease Agreement Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 412.9 KB)
- YQCA Website
California Department of Food and Agriculture
- CDFA Fairs & Expositions
- State Rules for California Fairs
- CDFA’s Agreement Between 4-H Youth Development Program, Future Farmers of America, and Grange
- CDFA Animal Health
- Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) Practice Model – Youth Agriculture
Livestock Project Transfer
At the beginning of the year, youth must choose in which organization they will carry their ownership/entrepreneurial project (i.e., project animal). The Livestock Project Transfer Form that should be used when project animal transfers are taking place between organizations; 4-H, FFA, Grange, or Independent. The form and policy regarding project transfers is outlined in the 4-H Policy Handbook Chapter 7, IV, E Animal Ownership. Youth who transfer their animal project from 4-H to another organization may continue to stay involved in a 4-H leadership capacity within the same project.
Livestock Project Transfer Form (PDF, 186.6 KB)
4-H Age Divisions
- Primary 4-H Members - 5 years to 8 years old as of December 31st of the program year
- Junior 4-H Members - 9 years to 10 years old as of December 31st of the program year
- Intermediate 4-H Members - 11 years to 13 years old as of December 31st of the program year
- Senior 4-H Members - 14 years to 19 years old as of December 31st of the program year
California 4-H Uniform for Fair
The CDFA Fairs and Exposition Rule Book and the 4-H Youth Development Organization do not mandate a uniform or attire for judging. While a uniform is not required for participation in any 4-H sponsored activity, event, meeting or occasion, fairs do not fall under the jurisdiction of the 4-H program and may require their own clothing for showing.