Livestock Validation

Purpose of the State Validation Program. In order for any 4-H/FFA member to make entry into any major livestock show in Texas, their livestock projects must have been validated within the Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Validation Program. The validation of 4-H/FFA livestock projects occurs annually to establish a permanent identity of the animal and verify ownership by the exhibitor. The validation program helps to ensure all animals are placed on feed and under the direct care of the owner on a designated date. The validation process occurs on a predetermined date established by the State Validation Committee.

At the time of validation, all animals are ear tagged; individual hair sample is collected on each animal to be used for DNA testing to verify identity at a later date; record of exhibitor(s) animal project(s) and code of ethics policy form completed by each 4-H/FFA member.