Breeding Classes and Market Classes: How Each Works

Livestock shows divide animals into two big groups. Breeding classes judge an animal as a future parent. Market classes judge an animal as meat. The two use different standards, so a breed that excels in one can struggle in the other. Understanding the difference helps you choose a project and set expectations.

Rules vary by fair, species and state, so use this as a map and check the fair book for the details.

Breeding classes

A breeding class asks what kind of mother or father an animal would make. Judges evaluate:

• Structure. Correct legs, feet, topline and overall balance, because an animal that breaks down cannot work.
• Reproductive soundness. Udder shape and teat placement for females, testicle development for males, and general fertility indicators.
• Breed character. Whether the animal looks like her breed, including coat, color, head and size.
• Growth and condition. A healthy, well-grown animal for her age.

Classes are usually grouped by age and sex, such as senior heifers or yearling rams, and sometimes by breed. Winners compete for champion honors in their breed or division.

How rare breeds fit

If your breed has its own class, you will be judged against the breed standard and against other animals of the breed. If not, you may enter an Other Breeds class, where animals of many breeds are compared. In that case, breed character is harder for the judge to weigh, so preparing a short description of your breed can help.

Market classes

A market class asks how well an animal would work as a meat animal. Judges evaluate:

• Muscling. The amount and shape of muscle, especially in the hind quarter and loin.
• Finish. The right amount of fat cover for the species and market.
• Structure and style. Correct movement and balanced build.
• Weight. Many shows set minimum and maximum weights, and animals outside the range may be disqualified or sold differently.

Market classes are usually organized by weight, and winners go on to champion drives and often the premium sale.

How rare breeds fit

Many heritage breeds were developed for purposes other than fast, lean production. They may grow more slowly, carry more fat or have a different body shape. Some shows exclude them from market classes, and some place them in a general class. If you hope to sell through the premium sale, ask the fair office in writing whether your breed qualifies.

Other class types you will see

• Showmanship. Judges the handler, not the animal. See How Showmanship Is Judged.
• Pairs, trios and breeder's herds. Group classes that judge uniformity and quality across several animals.
• Fleece, egg and fiber classes. Judge the product instead of the animal.
• Carcass contests. Judge the meat after harvest.

Picking the right class for your project

1. Read the class list. See where your species and breed appear.
2. Ask about eligibility. Confirm weight, age and breed rules for each class.
3. Match the animal to the class. A fine-boned dairy-type animal is a poor market candidate, and a slow-growing heritage hog may not make a market weight in time.
4. Plan for more than one class. A breeding class plus showmanship gives you more chances to learn.
5. Keep records. A good record book helps in any class.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a breed is eligible for market classes without checking
• Buying an animal that cannot reach the weight range
• Ignoring the age cutoffs
• Showing in a class that does not match the animal's strengths

Keep going

Each breed profile on this site lists the pros and cons of showing in these classes. For a closer look at how the whole show works, read How to Win at the Livestock Show. Need a vet or feed supplier? agriculture.directory can help. And for a light look at the county fair, farm.fm has the Collin County Junior Livestock Show.