Rate of Gain measures how efficiently an exhibitor's market animal puts on weight from tag-in date to fair weigh-in. The highest average daily gain wins.
★ THE FORMULA
Final Weight − Tag-In Weight
÷
Days on Feed
= Average Daily Gain (ADG)
Highest ADG within each species takes the species' Rate of Gain title. Top 3 awarded per species.
★ELIGIBLE SPECIES★
Open to four market species
Any market animal that has been officially tagged at a Rate of Gain weigh-in can compete. One contest, four parallel divisions — top 3 ADG per species.
Market Steers
Tag-in: Dec 13, 2025
Market Hogs
Tag-in: Apr 25, 2026
Market Lambs
Tag-in: Apr 25, 2026
Market Goats
Tag-in: Apr 25, 2026
★HOW IT WORKS★
Three weigh-ins. One winner per species.
1
Initial Tag-In Weigh
Animal officially weighed and tagged at species-specific tag-in date. This is your starting weight. Required for any market animal to be eligible for sale or Rate of Gain.
2
Optional Mid-Weigh
June 17, 2026. Optional checkpoint to see how your project is progressing. Not required, but helps you adjust feed before the final.
3
Final Weigh-In
August 1, 2026. Animal weighed at fair check-in. The difference between this weight and tag-in weight, divided by days on feed, is your Average Daily Gain.
4
Awards Announced
Top 3 ADG per species announced at the Parade of Champions. Awards delivered alongside species champion ribbons during the auction-night recognition program.
★ THE PRIZE
Top 3 Awarded Per Species
12 total Rate of Gain awards (3 per species × 4 species) presented at Parade of Champions. Recognition + ribbons for the exhibitors who fed the most efficient animals of the fair.
★KEY DATES★
Rate of Gain calendar
DEC
13
2025
Steer Tag-In
Saturday, fairgrounds. Required for market steers to be eligible.
APR
25
2026
Hog/Lamb/Goat Tag-In
Saturday, fairgrounds. Required for hogs, lambs, and goats. Different times per species.
JUN
17
2026
Optional Mid-Weigh
Wednesday checkpoint. Not required but recommended to track progress.
AUG
1
2026
Final Weigh-In
Saturday, fair check-in. Final weight calculated. Determines ADG.
AUG
7
2026
Parade of Champions
Friday, before the livestock auction. Top 3 per species announced.
AUG
7
2026
Livestock Auction
Friday, 6:30 PM. Rate of Gain animals can also sell at auction.
★CONTEST RULES★
Eligibility & requirements
Must Be Tagged
Animal must be officially tagged at the species tag-in date. No tag = no Rate of Gain.
Same Animal Throughout
The animal weighed at tag-in must be the same animal weighed at fair check-in. Tag matches verify identity.
Sale Weight Range
Animals must fall within the species' sale weight range at fair weigh-in to qualify for Rate of Gain awards.
Top 3 Per Species
Highest ADG within each of the 4 species takes 1st. Three awards per species: 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
Open to All Exhibitors
No separate registration. Every tagged market animal automatically competes. ADG calculated for all tagged animals.
Tied Scores
In case of a tie, the animal with the higher final weight is awarded the higher placing.
★ LIVESTOCK CHAIR
Mark Hostuttler
Questions about tag-in dates, weigh-ins, or Rate of Gain awards? [email protected] · (304) 839-2368
★BACK TO LIVESTOCK★
Get your animal tagged
Rate of Gain requires official tag-in at the species' weigh-in date. View your species page for tag-in details.
