Albany FFA, 4-H prepare for busy 2025–26 show season
The fall semester is off to a fast-paced start for Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H members, with livestock entries, tag orders, sales, and validations scheduled almost weekly from now through mid-December.
While several deadlines and events already occurred earlier this month, a long list of important dates still lies ahead as students prepare for the 2025–2026 show season.
Upcoming Entry
Deadlines
Albany ag teacher and FFA sponsor Chris Beard said students planning to enter the State Fair of Texas or Heart of Texas Fair need to submit their entries by Monday, Aug. 25.
“This is a key deadline, and we want to make sure everyone who’s interested gets their entries in on time,” Beard said.
Orders for heifer tags for the Shackelford County stock show and spring major shows are due Aug. 27.
Tag Orders and
Scrambles
Sheep and goat tag orders are due Sept. 5, followed by a busy weekend that includes the West Texas Fair Calf Scramble on Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
“We have a good number of students planning to participate in scrambles this year,” Beard said. “The numbers for both that and overall stock show participation are strong, and it’s encouraging to see younger members get involved.”
Other Fall Deadlines
Pig sales continue to be a major focus in early September. The Shackelford County Pig Sale, which is a major fundraiser for the Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7.
Students and families must also meet upcoming validation deadlines to show animals at both the Shackelford County stock show and spring majors. The final day to order rabbits and chickens is Sept. 12.
The last day to order swine tags is Sept. 26, ahead of multiple validation events in October.
Sheep and goat validations are scheduled for Oct. 27 in Albany, Oct. 28 in Moran, and Oct. 29 as a final catch-up date. Heifer validation will take place on Oct. 28 at YL Ranch in Albany.
Sign-ups for both the Shackelford County stock show and major shows will be held Nov. 3 at the Albany ISD ag building.
Looking Ahead
While Beard is focused on helping students meet near-term deadlines, he also encouraged families to mark a few later fall dates.
Stock show chickens will arrive Dec. 5, and the Shackelford County Swine Showdown, also a SCYLA fundraiser, will be held Dec. 5–6 in Albany.
The final validation deadline for rabbits is set for Dec. 15.
“It’s a full fall, but we’re excited about how it’s shaping up,” Beard said. “Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H members are already working hard, and we’re looking forward to another strong show season.”
