05/06/2026
WELCOME TO GAME ON GRAND ISLAND!
Players, start your engines! The countdown is officially on, and we can't wait to welcome you to the 2026 Maine-Anjou & Chianina Junior National in Grand Island, Nebraska.
By now you've likely reviewed the Exhibitor Handbook, but we wanted to send a few important reminders and highlights as you prepare for your trip to the Mushroom Kingdom. Additional arrival maps, stalling information, and traffic flow details will be emailed closer to the event, so keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels.
POWER-UP CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
✔ Review Nebraska health requirements and make sure all required paperwork is complete. If you have any questions please call the NE Department of Animal Health at 402-471-2351.
✔ Double-check tattoos on every animal and make sure they match the original registration papers.
✔ Bring your ORIGINAL registration papers. Copies will not be accepted at check-in.
✔ Review the Exhibitor Handbook for all rules, contest information, and show details.
✔ NEW THIS YEAR - Exhibitors will wear their own attire for showmanship. A shirt will NOT be provided.
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN
Tack-only unloading into the barns begins Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m.
No cattle will be allowed on the grounds until 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 12.
Tack & Cattle move-in will continue overnight, the gates will not close.
All cattle must be in place by Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Trailer staging and parking will be in the Brunks Lot across from Gate 2. This will follow the same procedures used during the Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben events.
Tattoo verification will take place Saturday morning in the barn you are stalled in. Registration papers must be tattoo verified before cattle check-in.
Cattle and contest check-in will be held Saturday from 12:00–2:00 p.m. in the Expo Hall.
Steer weigh-in will be held Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. outside of the show ring.
Exhibitor packets will be available beginning Friday afternoon and will include back numbers, contest information, and additional event materials. Please pick these up before check-in.
STALLING & TIE-OUT REMINDERS
Bedding is provided in both the barns and tie-outs.
Stalling assignments are by state.
Each head entered will receive 5 feet. That includes your tack space. Due to large entry numbers, cattle will be stalled butt to butt. It will not be cattle on one side and tack on the other as it has been in the past.
Tie-outs are first-come, first-served. They are not assigned.
No generators, tents, porta-cools, or pens (except approved cow/calf pair pens) are allowed in tie-outs.
Please be courteous with space and electrical usage so everyone can comfortably enjoy the week.
DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS
🎮 Opening Ceremonies & Complimentary Meal
Sunday, June 14
🎮 New Exhibitor Orientation & Contest Overview
Saturday, June 13 at 4:00 p.m.
If this is your first Junior National, we strongly encourage you to attend.
🎮 SC Online Sales Dodgeball Tournament
Gather your team and watch for sign-up information on social media.
🎮 Power-Up Snacks of the Day
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday we will have complimentary snacks for all exhibitors. Watch social media for more information.
🎮 Cowboy Church Service
Join us Sunday morning at 7 a.m. for a Church service in the show ring courtesy of the Influence Group and Chis for Christ.
🎮 Sullivan Supply Educational Clinic
Sullivan Supply is hosting a clinic on Sunday, June 14th at 11 a.m. in the Showring. All are welcome to attend to learn new tricks and collect some cool giveaways.
🎮 Princess Peach Queen & Princess Tea
Join us in the Quilt Room in the Expo Hall for tea and fun activities on Sunday, June 14th.
🎮 Waterpark Fun Night
Thank you to the Gensini Family for sponsoring the waterpark night for all exhibitors and their families on Monday, June 15th. Don’t forget to pick up your complimentary towel and super soaker too at check-in compliments of Kersten Cattle, Dunk Cattle Co., Ohlrichs Cattle and HPS Cattle Co.
🎮 Boyert/Core Fun Zone
Scooters, games, activities, and fun throughout the week.
🎮 Power Pals Activities
Sunday through Tuesday for our youngest exhibitors.
🎮 AJCA Fundraiser Auction
Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the VIP Club.
🎮 Herdsman Gathering & Maine Meet-Up
Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Show Ring.
🎮 Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
A FEW FINAL REMINDERS
This event is about more than banners and buckles. It's about learning, friendships, sportsmanship, and creating memories that last long after the final drive.
Please remember that the National Junior Heifer Show is a JUNIOR event. We ask all exhibitors, families, advisors, and supporters to help create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone attending.
We are excited to welcome more than 850 exhibitors to Grand Island and can't wait to see everyone level up for an incredible week.
Safe travels, and we'll see you soon!
Game On Grand Island
2026 Maine-Anjou & Chianina Junior National Staff
