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Kansas 4-H Tip Sheet

April 15, 2024

State Market Beef Nominations Due May 1

Submitted by Lexie Hayes

The 2024 state livestock nomination season is upon us! Market beef nominations are due by May 1, 2024. This includes market steers and market heifers, of any breed. The deadline is a postmark (for signed DNA envelopes) and online submission deadline. Families who plan to show market beef at the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive or KJLS need to plan ahead and get their nominations submitted as soon as possible. The due date is firm, non-negotiable, and will be enforced.

We have transitioned to an online nomination system, so families will need to order DNA envelopes in advance, by April 20, as well as complete their YQCA certification and the Declaration Form before submitting nominations for the exhibitors in their family. All exhibitors who plan to participate in the Grand Drive or KJLS must have an account through ShoWorks. The DNA envelope orders and animals should be entered under an exhibitor's name in the system (not a parent). Families will also need their KSU Family Name and Number. Returning families who have previously nominated, even if it's been a few years, may locate their number on the KSU Family Nomination Name and Number List posted on the KSU youth livestock program website.  New families who will be state nominating for the first time need to request a number here. This needs to be done as soon as possible, as it takes 1-3 days to process these requests and issue names and numbers to new families.This information will also be necessary to set up a new exhibitor's account through ShoWorks. 

The nomination fee is now paid through purchasing DNA
envelopes, which means no payment will be included when the completed and signed DNA envelopes are mailed. The deadline to order official DNA envelopes is April 20. Instructions on purchasing DNA envelopes before entering animal nominations into the system are located on the website, above the DNA envelope order deadlines. Those who choose to order DNA envelopes first MUST return to the Kansas nomination ShoWorks link by May 1 to enter each market beef nomination under each exhibitor within the famiily. When the first animal is entered under a child's name online, the system will prompt families to upload BOTH required documents at the same time (YQCA and Declaration Form). Uploads cannot be added or edited once the document box is closed. Additionally, no paper forms will be mailed. Families will only mail in their completed DNA samples and a copy of the receipt from their online nomination entry submissions (list of animals/tag numbers). Barcode stickers will need to be obtained from the local extension office before materials are mailed! Extension agents and FFA advisors will approve nominations online.

Nomination information for all species may be found on the KSU Youth Livestock Program website, under the Nomination Information tab. This includes the link to order DNA envelopes and submit state livestock nominations. The website includes an overview of the process, as well as the resources available. No paper forms or old DNA envelopes will be accepted. Families should use the checklist, make sure the DNA envelopes are signed by all exhibitors within the family, as well as a parent, and cross reference the information submitted online with the DNA envelopes (most importantly the Tag ID).

Kansas State Livestock Nomination ShoWorks Link:  https://kansasnom.fairwire.com/

For more information, contact your local extension office or Lexie Hayes via email at adhayes@ksu.edu or 785‐532‐1264.