View livestock and support exhibitors!
Producers from around the region have selected their top-notch livestock to bring to this show and want YOU to come and see them! These producers raise a variety of livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Each day is a different species so you will get a new experience no matter which day you visit! The day of the show, producers clean and prep their livestock to look their best for the judge of their respective species. They are divided into classes by weight, age or breed and judged on their structural soundness, ability to move, and their overall appearance. The top individuals in each class get put into a final class where they are judged against each other to see who is the top overall in each species. Come out and pick your favorite species of livestock and root for those in each class that you think should have the chance of winning the top overall honors!
Where We Are
Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Sioux Empire Livestock Show operates out of the Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. We’re easy to find for both people in town and coming in from the surrounding areas.
From I-29
To North Gate of the Fairgrounds:
Take Exit 80 (Madison Street) and head east. Continue about a half mile until you see the Sioux Empire Fair sign on the south side of the road. Keep in the right hand lane and turn into the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The Expo Building is the large building located toward the south end of the Fairgrounds.
To South Gate of the Fairgrounds:
Take Exit 79 (12 Street) and head east. Get into the left hand lane and after one block, take a left onto Lyon Blvd. Stay to the right and continue into the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The Expo Building is the large building located near this gate.
From Downtown Sioux Falls
Head west on 10th Street, which will become 12th Street. Proceed 1.2 miles, staying in the right lane. Take a right on Lyon Blvd. Stay to the right and continue into the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The Expo Building is the large building located near this gate.
Lodging and Dining
2023 Sioux Empire Livestock Show Host Hotel – Holiday Inn & Suites Airport
There are many other hotels in Sioux Falls that welcomes visitors and exhibitors as guests. To the right you’ll find a directory of Chamber member hotels and motels as well as a variety of dining options.
Schedule for 2023
Barn hours are 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Click here for a printable schedule. Schedule subject to change.
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 24 | ||
| Noon - 5 p.m. | Purebred Cattle Shows Check-In | South side of Expo Building |
| 1 - 3 p.m. | 4H/FFA Invitational Calf Show Check-In | Grand Falls Casino Ring |
| 4:30 p.m. | 70th Annual SELS Ribbon Cutting | Backdrop area |
| 5 p.m. | 4-H/FFA Invitational Calf Show | Grand Falls Casino Ring |
| 6 p.m. | Purebred Consignors Meeting | North side of Expo Building |
| Wednesday, January 25 | ||
| 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Purebred Cattle Shows | Big Country 92.5 KTWB Ring & Grand Falls Casino Ring |
| 9 a.m. | Midwest Communications Trade Show Opens | North side of Expo Building |
| 1 - 5 p.m. | Purebred Cattle Sales | Tri-State Neighbor Sale Ring |
| 4 - 6 p.m. | Market Swine Show Check-In | Smithfield Foods Ring |
| 5 p.m. | Midwest Communications Trade Show Closes | North side of Expo Building |
| Thursday, January 26 | ||
| 8 a.m. | Market Swine Show | Smithfield Foods Ring |
| 8 - 10 a.m. | Market Beef Show Check-In | Grand Falls Casino Ring |
| 8 a.m. | Midwest Communications Trade Show Opens | North side of Expo Building |
| 1-2 p.m. | Market Goat Show & Market Lamb Check-In | Smithfield Foods Ring |
| 1 - 3 p.m. | Prospect Calf Show Check-In | Behind backdrop area |
| 3 p.m. | Market Beef Show | Big Country 92.5 KTWB Ring |
| 3 p.m. | Market Goat Show | Smithfield Foods Ring |
| 5 p.m. *or 30 mins following the conclusion of the goat show* | Market Lamb Show | Smithfield Foods Ring |
| 6 p.m. | Midwest Communications Trade Show Closes | North side of Expo Building |
| Immediately following the Market Beef Show | Supreme Row Judging | Big Country 92.5 KTWB Ring |
| Immediately following Supreme Row Judging | Supreme Row Social | Tri-State Neighbor Sale Ring |
| Friday, January 27 | ||
| 8 a.m. | Prospect Calf Show | Grand Falls Casino Ring |
| 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Breeding Heifer Show Check-In | Behind backdrop area |
| 5 p.m. | Exhibitors Meeting | North side of Expo Building (enter through middle doors) |
| 5 p.m. | Social | North side of Expo Building |
| 6 p.m. | Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions | North side of Expo Building |
| Saturday, January 28 | ||
| 10 a.m. | Breeding Heifer Show | Big Country 92.5 KTWB Ring |
| 4 p.m. | Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest Coaches Meeting | North side of Expo Building |
| Sunday, January 29 | ||
| 7:30 a.m. | Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest Announcements | Expo Building bleachers |
| 8 a.m. | Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest | Expo Building |
| Noon | Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest – Reasons – Awards & Official Reasons to Follow | Southeast Technical College |
| 12 - 12:45 p.m. | 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest Check-In | North side of Expo Building |
| 1 p.m. | 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest | Expo Building |
