By John Monzingo
Livestock showing has been a foundational component of 4H since its earliest days, and
Claiborne Parish is proud to be part of that long-standing tradition. Claiborne Parish has hosted
fairs and livestock events for well over a century. The earliest known county fair took place in
Haynesville in 1890, and the Claiborne Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office still holds a copy
of the 1908 rule book.
The 1908 contests included 100yard and 200yard foot races for boys, horse and mule racing,
mule and horse team competitions, as well as canning, clothing construction, and quilting. While
the racing and draft team events have faded away over time, livestock showing remains a vibrant
and valued tradition in Claiborne Parish. Just as in 1908, today’s exhibitors can still participate in
poultry, rabbits, swine, beef cattle, lambs, and goats.
Preparing for the 2026 Show Season
Claiborne Parish 4H is already preparing for the 2026 livestock show season, which traditionally
begins during the second week of October. Local exhibitors have opportunities to participate in:
Claiborne Parish Fair
The State Fair of Louisiana
The Northwest District Livestock Show
The LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show
To participate in the livestock program, youth must be certified members of either 4H or FFA
and must meet the official possession dates for their animals. A possession date is the deadline
by which an exhibitor must own or take physical possession of the animal to be eligible for
competition. These dates are set by the governing body of each livestock show in accordance to
the LSU Livestock Show tentative dates.
Tentative Possession Dates for the 2026 Claiborne Parish Fair
(Dates are tentative and subject to change.)
Animal Category Possession Date
Market Steers June 10, 2026
Lambs July 10, 2026
Goats July 10, 2026
Commercial Heifers July 10, 2026
Dairy Cows July 10, 2026
Breeding Beef July 10, 2026
Rabbits August 1, 2026
Exhibition Poultry August 1, 2026
Swine August 10, 2026
Claiborne Parish 4H Livestock Club
In addition to livestock showing, Claiborne Parish 4H offers a Livestock Club open to any youth
interested in learning how to raise and exhibit animals. The club meets monthly in the afternoons
during the school year and provides handson learning in animal husbandry, showmanship, and
livestock industry education.
Topics covered so far this year include:
Proper care of livestock while at shows
The poultry industry
Animal health
Upcoming sessions will feature:
The beef industry
A livestock interest day (date to be announced)
The Livestock Club is an excellent opportunity for youth to develop responsibility, confidence,
and practical skills while working with animals. New members are welcome, and no prior experience with livestock is required. Families interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact John Monzingo at 3189273110 for more information.
For more information about 4-H livestock call John Monzingo at 318-927-3110 or email
Jmonzingo@agcenter.lsu.edu.