Junior National Show Rules

Exhibitor Rules For All Shows
  1. All junior exhibitors must be paid active members of the American-International Junior Charolais Association (AIJCA).
  2. Junior exhibitors, 8 years of age or older on May 20, 2025, are eligible to show at Junior National. If a junior member is 21 years of age as of January 1 of the junior national year, he or she is eligible to show at the Junior National.
  3. Eligibility of Entries: Registration and/or transfer of ownership must be recorded in the AICA office in the sole name of the exhibitor by May 1, 2025 or May 10, 2025 for late registration with a fee. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
  4. All junior exhibitors must participate in one Junior National Contest to be eligible to compete in the cattle shows.
  5. Health Requirements: All cattle must have official identification and be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) that lists official identification issued within thirty (30) days of event start date. Examples of Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) acceptable official identification are: Purebred registry tattoos or a USDA approved RFID 840 series tag. Electronic CVIs are acceptable. Rules and regulations of the Missouri Department of Agriculture must be adhered to. Contact the MDA Animal Health Division, 573-751-3377, for specific questions related to animal movement requirements.
  6. Any breeding animal upon check-in, which does not have a legible tattoo or firebrand number, corresponding to its registration certificate, is ineligible to show. Once disqualified, animals cannot be re-tattooed and re-checked at the show.
  7. No aid can be given in the showring (one animal - one exhibitor), except by the ring stewards.
  8. Any exhibitor who loses control of his/her entry twice in the showring will be required to remove the animal from the ring.
  9. Animals from the same state/affiliate association will be stalled together.
  10. All junior exhibitors must wear the official applicable years’ Junior National T-shirt when showing entries—excluding showmanship contest.
  11. Each exhibitor is expected to take entire care of his/her animal(s) after arriving at the show. AIJCA members are encouraged to use the help of other AIJCA members.
  12. Each animal will be presented in the showring in its natural conformation. Surgical alterations are allowed only if there is a medical reason and this includes an explanation from a veterinarian. Use of artificial tailheads is not permitted. No artificial filling.
  13. No nurse cows allowed except for nursing females entered in individual classes (including cow-calf classes). Calf must show with cow entry.
  14. No substitution at the halter except for illness or if exhibitor has two animals in the same class. Only another AIJCA member may show the animal. Notice of this situation must be given to the AICA Youth Activities Coordinator prior to the show.
  15. Any infraction of the aforementioned rules and regulations will result in immediate disqualification of the animal concerned and forfeiture of premiums.
  16. All protests must be submitted to the AICA Youth Activities Coordinator in writing and must be accompanied by $25 no later than one hour after conclusion of show. If protest is not sustained, monies will be forfeited.
  17. All exhibits of Charolais breeding cattle shall be governed by the American-International Charolais Association Rules & Regulations, Article XV and special show rules.
  18. Entry fees will not be refunded if animal(s) is not eligible for exhibition.
  19. All entries will be released following the completion of the Show on Saturday, June 21st. Cattle must be off the grounds by 12 PM on Sunday, June 22nd.
  20. Enforcement of these rules, pertaining to the show, shall be the responsibility of a committee consisting of the AICA Youth Activities Coordinator, three junior members appointed by that administrator, the AICA Director of Activities and the AICA Junior Council Chairman.
Bedding Fee ($55) Includes

Common Bulk Bedding Provided in Stalls and Tie-Outs.
*Fee included with animal entry.
Additional bedding available for purchase on-site.

Owned Heifer Show
  1. Eligible purebred heifers must have been born on or after September 1, 2023.
  2. Heifers must be purebred and the junior must hold full interest and possession of the cattle by May 10, 2025. See general exhibitor rule #3.
  3. A $90 entry fee ($100 late entry fee) will be charged for each animal. No refunds on heifer show entries. Bedding fee ($55) part of entry fee.
  4. Bring the original registration certificate(s) on your animal(s) to the show. Only original certificates of registration will be accepted. No photocopies.
  5. Premiums:
    • Grand Champion - $600
    • Reserve Grand Champion - $300
    • Third Overall Champion - no premiums
    • Fourth Overall Champion - no premiums
    • Fifth Overall Champion - no premiums
    • Third, Fourth and Fifth Overall Owned Females will be selected from Division Champions and Reserve Division Champions
    • Division Champions - no premiums
    • Reserve Divisions - no premiums
    • Class Placings:
      • First – $150
      • Second – $100
      • Third – $75
      • Fourth – $50
  6. The Owned Heifer Show will be broken into classes at the discretion of the show classification committee. Owned Heifer Show classes will be divided into 7 divisions, plus a cow-calf division. Classes and divisions will be broken as proportionately to age and class size as possible.
  7. Cow-Calf Class:
    • Calf must be purebred and the cow’s natural calf, not embryo transplant.
    • Calf to be no more than 250 days of age by day of show.
    • Calf(s) must be tattooed and registered.
    • Bull calves shown at the side of cow are not required to have a nose lead.
    • Cow must be born on or before August 31, 2023.
    • Calf not eligible to compete in individual calf classes if shown with dam.
    • Pair is eligible for Grand or Reserve Grand Champion Female.
    • Cow-calf pair included in State Group of Three will be considered a single animal unit.
  8. State Group of Three:
    • Entries consist of three heifers from same state or recognized affiliate and shown by their respective owners.
    • No limit to the number of entries per state or affiliate.
    • No premiums paid.
Bred & Owned Heifer Show
  1. Eligible purebred heifers must have been born on or after September 1, 2023.
  2. Heifers must be purebred and list the junior exhibitor, and only the junior exhibitor, as current owner. Juniors must be listed as the breeder to be eligible for this show. See general exhibitor rule #3.
  3. Entries in the Bred and Owned Heifer Show must also be entered in the Owned Heifer Show.
  4. A $10 entry fee ($20 late entry fee) will be charged for each bred and owned heifer entry. No refunds on bred and owned heifer show entries.
  5. Bring the original registration certificate(s) on your animal(s) to the show. Only original certificates of registration will be accepted. No photocopies.
  6. Premiums:
    • Grand Champion - $300
    • Reserve Grand Champion - $150
    • Third Overall Champion - no premiums
    • Fourth Overall Champion - no premiums
    • Fifth Overall Champion - no premiums
    • Third, Fourth and Fifth Overall Bred and Owned Females will be selected from Division Champions and Reserve Division Champions
    • 70% of entry fees received. Payback will be based on the number of entries in each class.
  7. The Bred and Owned Heifer Show will be broken into classes at the discretion of the show classification committee. Bred and Owned Heifer Show classes will be divided into 4 divisions, plus a cow-calf division. Classes and divisions will be broken as proportionately to age and class size as possible.
  8. State Group of Three:
    • Entries consist of three heifers from the same state or recognized affiliate and shown by their respective owners.
    • No limit to the number of entries per state or affiliate.
    • No premiums paid.
NEW! Phenotype & Genotype (P&G) Show

The Phenotype & Genotype (P&G) Show will provide an educational opportunity and encourage a greater interest in utilizing genomically enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) in their breeding decisions and seedstock selection. P&G Show placings will be the result of a composite score where genotypes (GE-EPDs) and phenotypes are equally weighted at 50%.

Prior to the show, the P&G judge will receive judge’s cards split into classes that include entry number, birthdate and GE-EPDs with breed percentile rankings. Results will be recorded as the genotype rankings for the show. The same judge will evaluate the phenotype classes at Junior National. P&G Show class placings will be the composite score of 50% genotype and 50% phenotype rankings. In the event of a tie, preference will be placed on the phenotype rankings. Judges will receive judge’s cards with the composite placing and respective GE-EPDs to provide reasons. During divisions and the grand drive, the judge will receive judge’s cards.

  1. Eligible purebred heifers must have DNA sample results on file with AICA by March 1 and genomically enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) published in the April 2025 National Cattle Evaluation (NCE).
  2. Heifers must be purebred and born on or after September 1, 2023.
  3. Junior must hold full interest and possession of the cattle by May 10, 2025. See general exhibitor rule #3.
  4. The P&G Show is a non-fit competition.
  5. A $35 entry fee ($45 late entry fee) will be charged for each P&G heifer entry. Heifers must also be entered in the Owned Heifer Show OR a ($55) bedding fee will be charged. No refunds on P&G show entries.
  6. Bring the original registration certificate(s) on your animal(s) to the show. Only original certificates of registration will be accepted. No photocopies.
  7. Premiums:
    • Grand Champion - $300
    • Reserve Grand Champion - $150
    • 70% of entry fees received. Payback will be based on the number of entries in each class.
  8. The P&G Show will be broken into classes at the discretion of the show classification committee. Classes will be divided into 4 divisions. Classes and divisions will be broken as proportionately to age and class size as possible.
Bred & Owned Bull Show
  1. Eligible bulls for this show must have been born on or after January 1, 2024. See general exhibitor rule #5 for additional health requirements if applicable.
  2. Bulls must be purebred and bred and owned by the junior exhibitor. The junior exhibitor must be listed as the breeder, first and continuous owner of the bull on the registration paper.
  3. Entry fee is $100 ($110 late entry fee). Bedding fee ($55) part of entry fee.
  4. All bulls must be shown with a nose lead (including strap). All bulls born on or before August 31, 2024 must have a permanent nose ring.
  5. Any exhibitor who loses control of his/her entry once in the showring will be required to remove the animal from the ring, no exceptions.
  6. Bulls calved on or before April 30, 2024 must have a satisfactory semen evaluation from a veterinarian or semen collection facility.
  7. The number of classes will be determined by the total number of bull entries. Classes will be broken as proportionately to age and class size as possible.
  8. Premiums:
    • 70% of entry fees received. Payback will be based on the number of entries in each class.
Steer Show
  1. Steers must have certificate of recordation with the AICA. Steers must be composed of at least 50% Charolais parentage.
  2. Steers will be subject to sift by a committee during processing. Steers must exhibit physical characteristics of an animal that is at least 50% purebred Charolais. Committee’s decision is final.
  3. Entry fee is $100 ($110 late entry fee). No refunds on steer entries. Bedding fee ($55) part of entry fee.
  4. All steers will be weighed and divided by weight into classes at the discretion of the show classification committee. There is no minimum or maximum weight limit for market steers.
  5. All steers must be stalled in the barns with the exhibitor’s state.
  6. Premiums:
    • 70% of entry fees received. Payback will be based on the number of entries in each class.
  7. The number of classes will be determined and announced after processing has been completed.
  8. State Group of Three:
    • Entries consist of three steers from the same state or recognized affiliate and shown by their respective owners.
    • No limit to the number of entries per state or affiliate.
    • No premiums paid.
Percentage Heifer Show
  1. Eligible percentage heifers must have been born on or after September 1, 2023. No Cow-Calf Class will be offered.
  2. Percentage heifers must be composed of at least 50% and no more than 15/16 Charolais parentage. Heifers must have a certificate of recordation with the AICA.
  3. A $100 entry fee ($110 late entry fee) will be charged for each entry. No refunds on percentage show entries. Bedding fee ($55) part of entry fee.
  4. All percentage heifers must be stalled in the barns with the exhibitor’s state.
  5. Premiums:
    • 70% of entry fees received. Payback will be based on the number of entries in each class.
  6. The Percentage Heifer Show will be broken into classes at the discretion of the show classification committee. Percentage Heifer Show classes will be divided into 4 divisions. Classes and divisions will be broken as proportionately to age and class size as possible.
  7. Grand and Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Percentage Heifer will be selected from the highest placing bred & owned heifer in each class. To be eligible for this division, juniors must be listed as the breeder and dams must be registered with the AICA. Eligible heifers will be shown in a lead-out class at the completion of the show if the Percentage Heifer Champion and Reserve are not bred and owned.
  8. State Group of Three:
    • Entries consist of three percentage heifers from the same state or recognized affiliate and shown by their respective owners.
    • No limit to the number of entries per state or affiliate.
    • No premiums paid.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

GRAND CHAMPION OWNED FEMALE

Sponsored by Riverdale Land & Livestock
This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the Exhibitor of the Grand Champion Owned Female.
Thank you to Bill Nottke, Sunset Hills, Missouri for beginning this sponsorship in 2020.

GRAND CHAMPION PERCENTAGE HEIFER

Sponsored by Lehman Charolais
This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the Exhibitor of the Grand Champion Percentage Heifer.
Larry and Robbie Lehman, Tioga, Texas have sponsored the Grand Champion Percentage Heifer Scholarship since 2005.

GRAND CHAMPION BRED & OWNED FEMALE

In Memory of Carol Doughty, Big Creek Charolais
This $500 scholarship will be awarded to the Exhibitor of the Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female in memory of Carol Doughty, Big Creek Charolais.

JUNIOR NATIONAL AGREEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY

It is clearly understood and agreed that the American-International Charolais Association and its officials, officers, directors, employees and agents (hereinafter collectively referred to as “The Association”) shall not be responsible for any damage, loss or injury to any person or property which is caused directly or indirectly for any reason. By submitting this application for entry and/or by attending the AICA’s Junior National, the exhibitor, owner, their agents and/or representatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Participants”), agree to indemnify, defend, save and hold the Association harmless from and against any damage, injury, claim, loss or expense, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, suffered during or in connection with his, her or their participation or attendance at the AIJCA’s Junior National.

Participants are required to comply with all federal, state and local rules and regulations related to the COVID-19 virus. EACH PARTICIPANT HEREBY WAIVES, DISCHARGES, FORGIVES AND RELEASES ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ASSOCIATION OR ITS OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS, INCLUDING ANY INFECTION, ILLNESS, DISEASE, INJURY OR DEATH RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS, RESULTING FROM PARTICIPATION OR ATTENDANCE AT the AIJCA’S JUNIOR NATIONAL.

In the event the Association is subject to any expense or liability, including, but not limited to consultant fees, legal or court costs, The Association management labor and expenses, expenses and/or costs for blood, tissue, urine, hide and/or carcass sampling and testing incurred as a result of the Association’s rules and regulations violations and all agreements thereunder, including, but not limited to unethical fitting, filling, meat tampering, illegal or non-approved use of drugs, medication and/or prohibited substance(s) as a result of Participants involvement in the AIJCA’s Junior National, Participant shall indemnify and hold harmless The Association for all damage, injury, claim, loss or expense or other liabilities incurred as a result thereof. Participant may also be subject to criminal charges.

The Participant will have full control, custody, care and feeding of any animal(s) and/or personal property which are brought on or about the premises of the site of AIJCA’s Junior National.

It is clearly understood and agreed between the parties, that as a material condition to any participant entering or showing at the AIJCA’s Junior National. The Association will at no time have control, custody or care of any animal(s) and/or personal property which are brought on or about the AIJCA’s Junior National.

For the overall working of the show, the Participant will maintain control, custody, care and feeding for any and all animals and/or personal property in accordance with rules and regulations of the AIJCA’s Junior National, and in no way will the Association be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur or be caused by an animal or personal property.

By submitting an application for entry, Participants agree to comply with all the rules and regulations governing the AIJCA’s Junior National as published in the rules and governed under the American-International Charolais Association rules. Further, these provisions include total ownership and possession of the entry, continuous possession and care and provisions against unethical fitting, filling and/or alteration of conformation and color of animal(s), meat tampering and illegal or non-approved use of drugs, medication and/or prohibited substance.