DNA identification technologies have proven to safeguard the reputation and integrity of the state’s youth livestock programs. To be eligible for all 2026 Wisconsin State Fair Championship awards, you must submit DNA identification for market and non-registered breeding stock shows of the Junior Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine Divisions.
Wisconsin State Fair’s process for 2026 DNA identification is:
840 Ear Tag Identification
Wisconsin State Fair requires an 840 ear tag as official animal identification. State Fair recognizes the 15-digit sequence of numbers beginning with “840” as the individual animal identification number. RFID tags will also speed up unloading and check-in procedures.
DNA Identification Sample Envelopes
State Fair requires DNA sample envelopes to collect and submit DNA samples. Purchase envelopes from Wisconsin State Fair or from county fair programs that use Animal ID Inc. as their DNA service provider. Return envelopes to the State Fair or the county fair from which they were purchased.
The Wisconsin State Fair will not accept DNA samples for processing that are not in official State Fair envelopes.
Sample envelopes must be identified in the exhibitor’s name or in the names of immediate family members only. If animals are identified in the immediate family names, all siblings’/stepsiblings’ names MUST appear on both the envelope and the DNA identification document. Cousins are not considered immediate family.
Purchases Through Wisconsin State Fair:
Wisconsin State Fair DNA identification 840 ear tags and sample envelopes are available for purchase online: entry.wistatefair.com. Walk-up orders are not accepted at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
* DNA Identification Sample Envelope: $8
* 840 RFID Ear Tag: $8
* DNA Identification Sample Envelope and 840 RFID Ear Tag: $16
DNA Identification Submission Date:
In-person drop-offs of DNA sample envelopes are not accepted at Wisconsin State Fair Park. DNA sample envelopes may only be returned via mail, FedEx, or UPS. Address to: Wisconsin State Fair, Agriculture Department, 640 S 84th St, West Allis, WI 53214.
DNA identification sample envelopes must be returned postmarked by or before May 20 to be eligible for Wisconsin State Fair champion awards. Animal entries in the market and non-registered breeding stock shows of the Junior Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine Divisions without proper DNA identification postmarked by or before May 20 are eligible to be shown at the Wisconsin State Fair, but are not eligible for champion awards.
Questions? Contact Wisconsin State Fair at [email protected].
