Have you ever attended a Stock Show University®’s Grad Program? If you have, you know that it is a time for education, relationship building, and FUN. During this “Tips from Stock Show University®” article, Tess Mittag, Stock Show University Manager, guides the individuals that may be a first timer to the program and share some information about what to expect at your program along with some details to help you become prepared for the event!
So — Stock Show University®’s Grad Program? Our program is a 2-day fun-filled event where students can bring their animals and work one on one with the industry’s best and most talented. Topics covered include: daily care, clipping, fitting, proper breakdown, and showmanship. Participants will walk away motivated and prepared for success! This clinic is an excellent experience for new exhibitors as well as experience showman. This program is sponsored by Sullivan Supply, Andis, and Purina.
Cost to Attend — The cost to attend these Grad programs are FREE for the participant and their family.
Age of Participants — Typically, the age range for Stock Show University Grad Programs is 7-21, but we make exceptions for kids that might be a little younger that are really willing to learn.
*NEW — Health Papers — New in 2026, Stock Show University is requiring health papers for all animals that attend our programs. We want to ensure that all animals are healthy that are attending our programs for biosecurity purposes.
Stock Show University Graduate Program Schedule Outline
DAY 1
Registration
Welcome
Daily Care Demo—Followed by Professors One on Ones
Lunch, sponsored by Sullivan Supply®
Showmanship Demo—Followed by Professor One on Ones
Fun Activities with Professors
Closing Comments
DAY 2
Welcome
Clipping Demo—Followed by Professor One on Ones
Lunch, sponsored by Sullivan Supply®
Fitting Demo—Followed by Professors One on Ones
Closing Finale
Other Information For Participants
If you are wanting to camp at the facility, you need to reach out to the fairgrounds/facility directly. Stock Show University does not manage or is not responsible for any lodging for participants.
During our 4-Species Grad Programs, a participant will need to select one species to attend rather than bring multiple species. As we understand that a participant might want to learn about multiple species, the species clinic do go all at once, making it challenging for the participant to focus on their animals at the clinic and participant during the one-on-ones that are so valuable for learning.
Animals that come to the Grad Program can come unclipped. During the one-on-one clipping portion, the Professors will be assisting the kids with this task.
As there will be more participants than Professors/staff, we ask that each participant that bring an animal works on one animal during the program to make the time with the Professors more fair and even. If your animal does need a companion animal, you are more than welcome to bring that animal along for the ride.
Do I have to bring animals with me to attend? As it is not mandatory to bring animals with you to the Grad Program, we highly recommend that you do! Our program is based around the individuals that do bring their animals and learn with us hands-on. Our schedule will not be modified for participants that choose to not bring an animal with them. (Suggestion: Even if you have an old show animal at home, bring them! It doesn’t have to be your current show animal.)
