Brown County 4-H families have a busy August ahead, with deadlines tied to livestock shows, fair entries, youth activities and enrollment approaching throughout the month. The Brown County Extension Office has also announced training, volunteer and educational opportunities for local members.

The newsletter, posted by KOXE on Aug. 7, 2026, lists the key dates and explains what exhibitors must complete before entering major livestock shows. Families who plan to participate should review the deadlines carefully and contact the Extension Office if they need help.

August dates for Brown County 4-H families

  • Aug. 7: The Kicks 4 Kids Shoe Drive was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Citizens National Bank.
  • Aug. 10: Club manager training is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Extension Office.
  • Aug. 13: State Fair of Texas, West Texas Fair and HOT Fair entries are due to the Extension Office by 4:30 p.m.
  • Aug. 17: RSVPs are due for the 4-H Fun Day and Awards event.
  • Aug. 22: The 4-H Fun Day and Awards event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Brownwood Claybird Club will also host a hunter safety course from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Aug. 25: State validation tags must be ordered by 3 p.m.

The annual Kicks for Kids Shoe Drive is being organized with the Brown County Young Professionals. People who want to volunteer are asked to contact Rachel Howell. The newsletter also directs families interested in the Food and Nutrition Project to complete a survey. An informational meeting about Food Challenge and Food Show participation is planned for the coming weeks, although the newsletter does not provide a meeting date.

Livestock tags and fair-entry requirements

Anyone planning to show a heifer, lamb or goat at a 2026-2027 major stock show must purchase a state validation tag. The cost is $27 per tag, and the final purchase deadline is Aug. 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. The Extension Office can provide more information at 325-646-0386.

Entries for the State Fair of Texas, West Texas Fair and HOT Fair must be delivered to the Extension Office by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. The newsletter encourages prospective exhibitors to plan ahead and contact Nick Gonzales or Rachel Howell with questions.

Quality Counts enrollment is open for youth who need to complete the course for the first time or renew their verification. The course is required for all major livestock show entries, and exhibitors must finish it before entry deadlines. The newsletter says exhibitors generally need to complete the course once per grade division: junior for grades 3-5, intermediate for grades 6-8 and senior for grades 9-12. Some county and local shows may have their own requirements.

Contest, tour and enrollment information

Reed Vestal Ranches is accepting entries in a nationwide Show Barn Design Contest involving a proposed show cattle facility near Brownwood. The contest is open to everyone, and participants may submit anything from hand sketches to detailed designs. The newsletter says the contest offers $50,000 in total prizes, including an overall award of up to $15,000 and three $2,500 Featured Design Awards. Entries are due Aug. 16, with winners scheduled to be announced Aug. 22.

The 2026 Fall Tour for Young Farmers and Ranchers is scheduled for Sept. 11-13 in East Texas. Registration closes Aug. 9. Four packages range from $100 to $400, depending on whether meals, transportation and lodging are included and whether the booking is for an individual or couple. The tour is intended to expose participants to Texas agriculture, provide networking opportunities and introduce young people to Texas Farm Bureau and Young Farmer and Rancher activities.

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 4-H year opens Aug. 15, 2025, according to the newsletter. The discounted club-member fee is $25 from Aug. 15 through Oct. 31, rising to $30 beginning Nov. 1. Clover Kid enrollment is $10, while the adult volunteer application fee is also $10. New third- and fourth-grade members are asked to wait until Sept. 1 to enroll so their grade and age are recorded correctly for the new 4-H year.

The Brown County Extension Office is at 605 Fisk Avenue in Brownwood. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday. Families needing assistance with enrollment, Quality Counts or livestock tags can call 325-646-0386 or contact the office by email through the newsletter’s listed staff contacts.