Saddle Up for the 2026 National Peanut Festival Cattle Events!
The heart of the National Peanut Festival beats strong in the cattle barns and show rings! Join youth exhibitors, breeders, agricultural families, and cattle enthusiasts from across the Southeast for two exciting days celebrating quality livestock, hard work, and the future of agriculture.
2026 Cattle Show Schedule
Junior Heifer & Feeder Steer Show
Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Showmanship begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Junior Heifer Show immediately follows
- Feeder Steer Show will conclude the competition
- Check-in: Friday, November 6, from 3:00–6:00 p.m.
This is a “Blow and Go” show with no fitting required. Animals should be presented clean and dry.
Open Beef Cattle Show
Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Devotional begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Show begins at 10:00 a.m.
- Check-in: Saturday, November 7, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Open Show cattle may enter the barn only after the Junior Heifer & Feeder Steer Show has concluded.
Open to breeders of registered beef cattle. Animals may be shown fitted or non-fitted.
Youth Leadership in the Ring
The Junior Heifer & Feeder Steer Show is open to bona fide 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA members who have not graduated from high school. The program gives young exhibitors an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility, livestock knowledge, showmanship, and pride in agriculture.
Exhibitors must be registered in a show to participate in showmanship, and the animal used for showmanship must be owned by the exhibitor.
Prize Money & Awards
Junior Showmanship
- 1st Place: $55
- 2nd Place: $50
- 3rd Place: $45
- 4th Place: $40
- 5th Place: $35
- 6th–10th Place: Award ribbons
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Division winners will also receive a custom belt buckle.
Junior Heifer & Feeder Steer Classes
Class premiums range from $40 to $80, with ribbons awarded through 10th place. Grand and Reserve Grand Champions will receive cash prizes and rosettes. Breed champions will advance for Supreme Heifer and Grand Champion Steer honors.
Open Beef Cattle Show
Eligible breed classes award premiums through fifth place, with additional cash prizes and rosettes presented to qualifying champions and reserve champions.
Featured Breed Divisions
The show ring will feature an outstanding variety of cattle, including:
- Angus
- Brahman—Gray and Red
- Brangus
- Charolais
- Hereford—Polled and Horned
- Shorthorn
- Simmental
- Other Breeds—American, British, and Continental
- Commercial Heifers in the Junior Show
Breed shows require a minimum of two exhibitors and five registered animals. Breeds meeting those requirements may be recognized as separate divisions.
Registration, Admission & Parking
- Registration deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Junior Show entry fee: $10 per animal, per show
- Open Show entry fee: $25 per animal, per show
- One-day admission: $9
- Four-day admission pass: $25
- Agricultural parking pass: $27 for one vehicle and trailer
- Pen and stall fees: None for cattle shows
Registration and payment must be completed online. No late entries will be accepted. Each registered exhibitor will receive a complimentary admission armband; all other attendees must purchase admission.
Register Online
Important Exhibitor Reminders
- Out-of-state cattle must be accompanied by a current health certificate.
- Registration certificates are required for animals entered in the Open Beef Cattle Show.
- Trailers may not be unloaded until a barn assignment has been issued.
- After unloading, trailers must be moved immediately to the designated parking area.
- Vehicles are not permitted on the midway in front of the livestock barns.
- Exhibitors must keep stalls clean and place manure and bedding in designated locations.
- Failure to clean stalls may result in prize money being withheld.
- Dogs and overnight sleeping are not permitted in the cattle barns.
- All animals are exhibited at the owner’s risk.
Location
National Peanut Festival Grounds
5622 U.S. Highway 231 South
Dothan, Alabama 36301
(334) 793-4323
Whether you are bringing a prized heifer, preparing a feeder steer, competing for a championship, or encouraging the next generation of agricultural leaders, the 2026 National Peanut Festival Cattle Events are where tradition, excellence, and opportunity come together. We look forward to welcoming you to the show ring!