Brown County 4-H families preparing for the 2026–2027 livestock show season will have an opportunity to complete entries, submit payments and review requirements during Livestock Show Entry Night from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Brown County Extension Office, 605 Fisk Avenue in Brownwood.

The entry night will accept paperwork for the Sandhills Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, Rodeo Austin, the Texas Elite Gilt Show and the Brown County Youth Fair. Families are encouraged to attend so entries can be completed before the county deadlines.

Deadlines and required documents

Exhibitors planning to participate in the Sandhills Stock Show or Fort Worth Stock Show must submit entries to the Brown County Extension Office by Nov. 10, 2026. Entries for the San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, Rodeo Austin, Texas Elite Gilt Show and Brown County Youth Fair must be completed by Nov. 17.

For major livestock shows, exhibitors should bring a Social Security number, an active Quality Counts number and cash or a check for entry fees. Brown County Youth Fair entries require a Social Security number, a BCYF membership number and payment for entry fees.

The Brown County 4-H newsletter lists the Extension Office phone number as 325-646-0386. 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.

Animal validation dates approach

Sheep and goat validation is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Brown County Youth Fair Barns. The newsletter says there will be no county validation makeup day, and animals must be present if exhibitors plan to participate in the Brown County Youth Fair. Youth must also be enrolled in 4-H before validation.

Heifer validation is set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Bob Clark’s Pens. Any heifer intended for a major show that has not been validated must be brought to that event, according to the newsletter.

The Brown County 4-H Food Show, themed “Food Truck Favorites,” has an Oct. 19 county deadline. Participants will focus on nutrition, food safety and healthy food preparation, and are directed to contact the Extension Office to sign up.

Scholarship workshop open to all students

Brown County 4-H will host “Pathways to Mastering Scholarships” at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Howard Payne University’s Main Campus. The workshop will be held in the Faith and Life Leadership Center’s Jackson Conference Center, Room A, also identified as Room 138.

The workshop is intended to help students and parents navigate scholarship applications and prepare for future educational opportunities. It is open to all students and families; 4-H membership is not required. The newsletter says registration is required so participants can receive updates and additional information.

Brown County 4-H also reminds high school seniors and families that Texas Free College Application Week is scheduled for Oct. 12–18, 2026. Eligible Texas residents can submit undergraduate applications to participating public colleges and universities through ApplyTexas without an application fee during that period. Students are advised to confirm eligibility and participation directly with prospective schools.

Changes planned for the 2027 Brown County Youth Fair

The newsletter identifies several changes for exhibitors planning to compete in the 2027 Brown County Youth Fair. All animals must be state validated to be eligible, including market and breeding animals. Exceptions are registered breeding heifers and pee-wee-only animals.

  • Sheep and goat state-validation tags must be ordered by Aug. 24.
  • The sheep and goat validation date is Oct. 24; swine validation is Nov. 14.
  • The swine tag-order deadline is listed as to be determined.
  • Each exhibitor may enter a maximum of three animals per division.
  • Every exhibitor must have an individual membership; family memberships will no longer cover entries.
  • Each exhibitor or entry form will include a $10 processing fee.

The newsletter warns that missing a state-validation tag deadline may make an animal ineligible for the 2027 fair. It directs families with questions about validation or BCYF requirements to the Brown County Extension Office.

Quality Counts remains required for major livestock show entries. Youth complete the course once per grade division: junior for grades 3–5, intermediate for grades 6–8 and senior for grades 9–12. Exhibitors must finish the course before entry deadlines, and county or local shows may have additional requirements.

Brown County 4-H is also introducing a participation-point system for the 2026–2027 year. Members can earn points through approved activities such as meetings, workshops, contests, community service, leadership activities, camps and other 4-H opportunities. The system includes Bronze, Silver, Gold and Emerald recognition levels, with progress tracked by junior, intermediate and senior age divisions.