Agriculture and Livestock at the State Fair of Texas

Saddle up for an unforgettable experience at this year's State Fair of Texas, themed "24 Days of Fun!" With agriculture as a fundamental pillar of our organization, we are thrilled to announce new and returning animal encounters, agricultural education, and activities the whole herd can enjoy all 24 days of the State Fair of Texas. We hope to provide you with family-friendly agriculture and livestock activities that you might not have access to the rest of the year - from our Livestock Birthing Barn and Annual Big Tex® Youth Livestock Auction to the Rodeo and everything in between, it's time to dust off your boots and head to the Most Texan Place on Earth!

Livestock Shows and Competitions

The State Fair of Texas has many opportunities for students to not only show off their animals but their knowledge of the agriculture and livestock industry. One of the most popular contests students participate in is our Skillathon Contests, including Beef, Sheep, Swine, and new this year, Meat Science. In these contests, students exhibit their understanding of the industry by completing an exam, identification stations, interviews, and showing their skills that pertain to the field. In addition to the Skillathon Contests, find the full schedule of livestock shows and competitions at BigTex.com/Livestock.

At the Most Texan Place on Earth, the most anticipated and well-known show is the Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction. Students throughout the Lone Star State invest their time, energy, and passion into their animals all year in hopes of walking away with a grand champion prize. The 76thAnnual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction will take place Friday, October 4, at the 2024 State Fair of Texas. Proceeds from the auction, as well as proceeds from other year-round State Fair fundraising events, go directly back into the hands of deserving students through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, which has awarded nearly $33 million in its history.

Educational Activities

The State Fair of Texas offers several educational activities for fairgoers from all walks of life. Whether you consider yourself a livestock or agriculture expert, or a beginner wanting to learn more, below are just a few activities sure to leave you with a new piece of knowledge.

Come and visit the Livestock Birthing Barn for a unique educational experience that exhibits the incubation and birthing process of various livestock animals and highlights the agricultural importance of breeding livestock and its role in our everyday lives.

For fairgoers who want to learn more about agriculture and its significance in our everyday lives, the "I Spy Texas" exhibit is a perfect destination. Located near the Birthing Barn, this interactive exhibit takes visitors on a road trip of Texas, allowing them to tour each region of the Lone Star State and learn about the natural resources and wildlife native to each area.

Come see Cowboy Trey at Farm and Fork University, located on United Ag & Turf® Plaza. This daily talk show-style presentation is educational and enjoyable for fairgoers of all ages. Cowboy Trey will share his knowledge about the animals in the barns and how our food production system works. He will also talk about how food in our supermarkets gets on shelves, provide more information on raising livestock, and discuss your role in it all!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 9, for Ag Awareness Day. Students will spend the day participating in various activities celebrating Texans and our rich agricultural history by supporting the local community in a canned food drive, educational scavenger hunt, and more. Visit BigTex.com/AADfor more information.

Fun Attractions

Grab your cowboy hat and head to the Coliseum for the return of the State Fair of Texas Rodeos! To name a few, the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta will feature captivating charro-style rodeo performances, and if you're interested in barrel racing, make sure to check out the Cowboys of Color Rodeo that promotes the diversity of the rodeo as well as amplifies the riders who are often underrepresented in the sport. For the full rodeo schedule, visit BigTex.com/Rodeo.

Say "Howdy!" to emus, goats, and more furry friends at the Oncor® Petting Zoo in the Pam Am Arena. This opportunity provides fairgoers the chance to interact with a variety of animals up close and personally. You even have the option to feed them!

Join renowned horseman Jerry Diaz and his family at their Majesty of the Horse show in the Coliseum - as they take you on a journey exploring the beauty of the horse. Showcasing traditional equestrian skills, along with heart-racing thrill riding and everything in between, fairgoers will be educated on the majesty of the horse.

No one likes to hog the spotlight more than Boris; the more than 1,000-pound hog is eager to meet fairgoers of all ages. Stop by Boris' Hog Heaven to see him eat, sleep, and live his life at the Fair. In addition, head over and see Boris' friends right next door at the Swine Barn.

For a full list of the fun educational activities and livestock attractions at the Fair, visit BigTex.com/Attractions.

The State Fair of Texas is a celebration of all things Texan - including the thousands ofurban and rural youth students from across the state of Texas who work diligently in preparation for the competitive livestock events and leadership contests. Fairgoers like you propelthe future of Texas agriculture and Big Texinvitesyou to join us at the 2024 State Fair of Texas, running Friday, September 27, through Sunday, October 20.

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