Validation ear tags should be ordered by April 20

All 4-H and FFA members who plan to enter steers in major livestock shows in the fall of 2019 or the spring of 2020 should have already placed their order for validation ear tags. Tags should also have been ordered for show heifers, swine, market lambs, and market goats destined for the State Fair. 

The tags cost $15 each if they were ordered by the early deadline, or $25 each if ordered late, but before June 30. After June 30, animals (except breeding heifers) will not be eligible for validation.

Heifers can be validated now for $15 and in most cases remain eligible for the remainder of their show career.

The State Fair of Texas does not participate in the breeding sheep and breeding goat validation program, so no breeding validations will be ordered for those categories. 

According to ag instructor Chris Beard, he emailed everyone to remind them about the deadline, and since he should already have everyone’s ear tag orders, he will place the official county order before the end of this week to make sure it’s in before the April 20 deadline. 

All tag orders, including any late orders, must be placed through Beard, who is currently the official county validation chairperson.

“If we missed anyone, please call ASAP to insure the order without late fees,” said Beard. “You can also tell Matthew Hise or Michaela Bradford if you need to order tags, and they can let me know. I need to complete the tag order this week!”  

Individuals will be charged for the number of tags ordered whether they are used or not.