NH 4-H Animal Science at the Big E

NH 4-H Animal Science at the Big E
Big E Dog 2023

 

4-H youth 12 and older have the opportunity to show their animals at the next level at The Big E. Youth travel with the team from New Hampshire and compete against the other New England states in the show ring, knowledge, and judging contests.

To qualify, youth must have enrolled their animal by their specified date as noted on the NH 4-H Animal Requirements and Deadlines document. Additionally, they must meet the qualifications for their species, found in the 2026 NH 4-H Qualifying for ESE form. The packet needs to be completed and received by Hannah Majewski, NH 4-H Animal Science Field Specialist by August 23rd for any youth wanting to show an animal at the Big E (with the exception of horses) (scanning digital copies of the form is preferred and can be emailed to hannah.majewski@unh.edu, but can be mailed to NH 4-H Office, c/o Hannah Majewski, 129 Main St, Kendall Hall UNH Rm 313, Durham, NH 03824). Late submissions will not be accepted.

Youth interested in participating in one of the teams should also complete their corresponding page in the packet, and submit to Hannah Majewski by August 23rd. 

ESE Online Entry Deadlines

Once your qualifications have been met, it is up to each youth to register for their show independently. All entry information can be found on The Big E website.  Most species have a form and online portion of their entry, so be sure to read all the directions thoroughly.

Online entry deadlines for each of the species are below:

  • Beef Cattle: March 1, 2026 (Market Steers), May 25, 2026 (heifers)
  • Horse: 2026 information coming soon!
  • Dog: August 23rd
  • Dairy Cattle: August 23rd (quiz bowl and judging teams are submitted by the state 4-H office)
  • Dairy Goat: August 23rd 
  • Sheep: August 23rd
  • Working Steer: August 25th 
  • Rabbit: August 23rd
  • Poultry: August 23rd

All animals must also abide by NH Health Regulations for Fairs and Shows in addition to those set by the Big E.

Each species also has opportunities for youth 12 and older to attend as junior leaders without animals. Form can be found in the 2026 NH 4-H Qualifying and Entry for ESE or reach out to hannah.majewski@unh.edu for more information.