(TOPEKA) – Nearly 900 Kansas youth will bring more than 2,200 animals to Hutchinson, October 2-4 for the 94th Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
A total of 887 exhibitors from across the state have entered 2,236 animals, including 175 market steers, 412 breeding heifers, 252 market hogs, 358 breeding gilts, 299 market lambs, 300 breeding ewes, 224 market goats and 216 commercial does. Cash awards will be presented to exhibitors of the top five animals in both market and breeding shows in all four species.
KJLS again will feature a supreme female drive, in which judges will select the top five breeding females in each species. The show also will recognize bred-and-owned breed champions and reserves, as well as the top five overall, from the registered divisions of the heifer, gilt and ewe shows.
A carcass contest has been added for 2026, with prizes awarded following the show for the champion, reserve champion and third-overall steer carcasses.
Youth will be recognized for accomplishments beyond the show ring, as well. Several scholarships will be presented to exhibitors who have excelled academically, in community service and in 4-H/FFA. Now in its 33rd year, the scholarship program has awarded a total of $597,550 to 411 exhibitors since 1993. Last year, 13 individuals received $20,000 in scholarships.
Showmanship will give exhibitors another opportunity to compete. Separate from the selection of species champions, the top showman in the junior, intermediate and senior divisions of each species will receive a buckle. Exhibitors can further demonstrate their knowledge and skills through the LEAD Challenge, an education, advocacy and leadership event focused on current issues facing the livestock industry. Individuals will compete in the junior, intermediate or senior division and give prepared speeches, while also participating in the LEAD Listen & Learn, showmanship, skills stations and a mock job interview.
In conjunction with KJLS, the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) will host a club calf show and sale October 3. Steer and heifer prospects from some of the top club calf producers in the Midwest will be consigned. Sale commission proceeds go toward KLF Youth in Agriculture scholarships.
The Flint Hills Mid-America Classic Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest will be held October 2 along with the show. The event helps competitors sharpen their livestock evaluation skills, develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities, and refine public speaking skills. Both junior and senior colleges will participate.
More information about KJLS, including a full schedule of events, can be found at www.kjls.net. Those who cannot attend the show can watch on Ringside Live at www.ringsidelive.co.
-30-