Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you Located?
Appalachian Fairgrounds
100 Lakeview Street, Gray, TN 37615
Is the event open to the public, is it free to attend?
Yes! The event is free to attend and open to the public. No ticket is required.
When is the event held?
The Southeast Highland Cattle Auction is a once-a-year event held each fall.
We only facilitate the auction and do not sell cattle year-round.
What are the dates and times?
Friday, October 16, 2026
9:00 AM – Junior Show
11:00 AM Junior Showmanship
12:00 PM – Open Show
6:00–8:00 PM – Social
Saturday, October 17, 2026
• 11:00 AM – Animal Viewing
• 1:00 PM – Live Auction
Where Funds Go and How You Can Help
Where does the money from this event go?
The Southeast Highland Cattle Show & Sale is organized by Southeast Highland Cattle LLC. Auction commissions and consignment fees help cover the costs of operating and managing the event.
Funds raised specifically for the show, including sponsorships, donations, silent auction proceeds, and junior fundraising, are dedicated exclusively to supporting the show and its junior exhibitors. These funds are used for awards, junior activities, scholarships, facility expenses, and improvements to future events.
Any remaining designated show funds will be carried forward to support future Southeast Highland Cattle Shows or donated to causes that align with our mission.
Past donation recipients include:
- American Highland Cattle Association Junior Scholarships
- Daniel Boone FFA Beef Show Team
- Wild South
(A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects Southern public lands. Our donation supported hurricane cleanup and relief efforts in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee).
- Empowering Hands Charity
(A 501(c)(3) organization connecting compassionate donors to urgent needs, including hurricane relief in Western NC and East TN)
-Families directly impacted by Hurricane Helene
(including Jones Farm and multiple families in Yancey and Mitchell Counties, NC who suffered significant damage or lost their homes)
If you’d like more information or want to help these families rebuild, feel free to message us — we’re happy to share their GoFundMe links.
-Local relief efforts, including heaters, emergency supplies, and direct aid delivered to families, along with supplies taken to distribution centers in NC and TN
Want to help support junior participants?
We’re so grateful! There are a few easy ways to contribute:
-Donate toward prizes, activities, or scholarships for junior exhibitors
-Sponsor an award directly through the Showman App under the Show Entry Form page
-Use the Donate tab below
-Bring a Silent Auction item the day of the event.
- Buy a Silent Auction item the day of the event.
Is there a Silent Auction? Can I donate something to it?
Yes! We’ll have a Silent Auction during the event, and 100% of the proceeds will go toward junior awards for the show and AHCA Junior scholarships.
If you’d like to donate, simply bring your item with you and drop it off at the designated table when you arrive — no need to contact us ahead of time.
Why aren’t you a regional association?
We were established in 2018 and chose to operate as an LLC rather than a formal regional association. Although we have a committee that helps guide the sale, our LLC structure allows us to remain flexible, make decisions efficiently, and avoid much of the politics and administrative bureaucracy common in larger organizations.
Our focus is on creating a fun, welcoming, and professionally run event that’s all about the cattle, the breeders, and the next generation — not organizational drama.
We are also proud to be recognized by AHCA
as a Roll of Excellence (ROE) Super Point Show.
LODGING & PARKING
Are there hotel blocks available?
Yes. We have discounted group rates available at select hotels for attendees and consignors.
Visit the Accommodations page on our website for full booking details, prices, deadlines, and links.
Can I park a trailer at the fairgrounds?
Yes. If your hotel doesn’t allow trailer parking, you can leave your trailer at the fairgrounds.
Are camper spots available?
A limited number of camper spaces are available at the fairgrounds.
Contact Phill at (423) 477-3211 to reserve.
BIDDING & BUYING
How do I bid?
You can register in person at the auction barn or sign up online.
Online bidding will be available through Sale Ring Live
You must have a valid ID and credit card on file to receive a bidder number.
When does online bidding registration open?
Online bidding opens once the consignment period ends and the catalog is posted. We recommend registering early.
What payment methods are accepted?
- Credit Card (4% processing fee applies)
- Cash
- Check
When do I pick up animals I purchase?
All animals must be picked up by Sunday, October 18 at 12:00 PM (noon).
Buyers are responsible for arranging transportation.
Contact us ahead of time if you'd like help connecting
with a livestock transporter.
Animals become the buyer’s responsibility once paid for.
SELLERS & CONSIGNMENT
When do consignments open and close?
August 1 – September 15, 2026
What are the fees to consign?
$100 per animal
10% commission on final sale price
$25 consignment fee on frozen genetics
Do I need to bring registration papers?
Yes — you must bring the original AHCA registration papers for any animals you are consigning.
If you’ve misplaced them, you’ll need to order a replacement from AHCA before the event.
Can I set a reserve price?
Yes. You may set a reserve using the form provided at check-in.
If your animal does not meet the reserve, it will be marked a “no sale” — but the 10% commission fee still applies, and the consignment fee is non-refundable.
What types of cattle are accepted?
We only accept animals that are registered with the American Highland Cattle Association (AHCA) and meet AHCA breed standards.
We allow a limited number of unregistered steers,
but all females and bulls must be AHCA registered.
Why is the number of bull entries limited?
Our breed is increasingly being flooded with poor-quality bulls sold as breeding stock. To help protect the integrity of the Highland breed, we strictly limit the number of bulls accepted into the auction.
All bull entries must be AHCA-registered and will be juried by a selection committee. Only the highest-quality bulls will be accepted.
We strongly encourage breeders to castrate mediocre bulls and only leave the best intact for breeding. This standard supports the long-term health and reputation of Highland cattle across the industry.
If my bull wasn’t accepted, does that mean he’s a bad bull?
Not necessarily. We receive many quality bull entries, but we only accept a limited number of the very best. This is to ensure the bulls featured in the auction represent the strongest genetics, structure, and breed character.
Most farms only need one or two bulls but have space for multiple females.
To meet buyer demand and maintain breed integrity, we prioritize showcasing top-tier bulls and keeping the total number limited.
Your bull may still be a great fit for your own herd or local sales — he just wasn’t among the most competitive entries for this year’s auction.
We reserve the right to refuse any animal that does not meet our health, registration, or breed standards, or that we feel is not in the best interest of the auction.
When can I deliver animals to the sale?
Animals may be delivered during the following times:
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Wednesday, October 14, 2026: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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Thursday, October 15, 2026: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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Friday, October 16, 2026: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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Saturday, October 17, 2026: Before 10:00 AM
If you need to arrive earlier, contact Emily 828-208-5015
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes. You must bring your own water tub and feed.
Hay is available for purchase but must be preordered when you submit your consignment form. It will not be available last minute at the facility.
What health paperwork is required to consign?
All consigned animals must have:
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Official Individual Identification (USDA-approved EID or other official ID) and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 30 days of the sale.
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The animal's breed tattoo listed on the CVI.
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A negative BVD-PI test performed once during the animal's lifetime (acceptable test methods include IHC, AC-ELISA, PCR, or VI).
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A negative Trichomoniasis test for all bulls 12 months of age and older.
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A current Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) for all bulls over 14 months of age.
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A negative official Brucellosis test within 30 days of the sale for all test-eligible breeding cattle unless exempt under current state or federal regulations.
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Official calfhood-vaccinated females must have a legible Brucellosis vaccination tattoo.
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Animals from a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd are exempt from Brucellosis testing.
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Tuberculosis (TB) testing is not required for animals originating from a USDA Tuberculosis Accredited-Free state or an accredited TB-free herd. Animals originating from areas or herds subject to TB restrictions must meet all applicable state and federal testing requirements.
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One additional printed copy of the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for each consigned animal.
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Health requirements are subject to change based on state and federal regulations. Consignors are responsible for ensuring their animals meet all health requirements in effect at the time of the sale. Buyers are responsible for complying with the import requirements of their destination state. Any additional testing or documentation required for interstate movement after the sale shall be the responsibility of the buyer unless otherwise agreed upon by the buyer and seller.
SHOW INFORMATION
When do show entries open and close?
August 1 – September 5, 2026. All show entries will be done online.
Is a health certificate required to show?
Yes. All show animals must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) dated within 30 days.
Do animals need to be AHCA registered to show?
Yes. All animals must be AHCA registered and in good standing to enter the Open Show.
Junior Show participants may show heifers or steers under 2 years old registered in their name, a parent’s, grandparents, or legal guardian’s name. Showmanship rules are more flexible.
When can I arrive for show check-in?
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Earliest arrival: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM
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Latest arrival: Thursday, October 15, 2026 by 8:00 PM
It’s my first show and I don’t know what to do.
You’re in the right place. We love welcoming new exhibitors! This is a friendly, supportive event with plenty of experienced breeders, volunteers, and fellow participants ready to offer guidance and answer questions.
If you're new to showing and will need hands-on help, we can connect you with the Daniel Boone FFA Beef Show Team, who will be volunteering throughout the weekend. They’re a fantastic group of young leaders who can assist with unloading, grooming, and leading cattle. If they lend you a hand, we kindly recommend tipping them as a thank-you.
If you'd like to be paired with a student helper, please email us in advance to schedule help for the day of the show.
We’ll make sure you feel welcome and supported. You're not alone in this.
Please note: Your animal must be halter-broken and safe to lead prior to arrival in order to participate.
Do I have to fit my cattle for the show?
Fitting is completely optional — it’s a personal decision. While fitted cattle may have a more polished look in the ring, we understand that not everyone wants to trim or clip their animals, and some may not know how.
Fitting is not required at our show.
Do I need to bring anything to show?
Yes — all animals must meet the following requirements to participate:
-Be AHCA registered
-Be halter-broken and safe to lead
-Have a legible tattoo matching registration papers
-Have an official USDA-approved identification tag
(either a metal NUES tag or 840 EID tag)
-Have a current health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
-You must also bring your own halter, water tub, and feed.
Hay is available for purchase, but it must be preordered when you sign up your animal to show. It will not be available for last-minute purchase at the facility.
Why do you only allow AHCA-registered animals?
We believe the American Highland Cattle Association (AHCA) is the only legitimate Highland cattle registry in the United States.
Maintaining AHCA registration helps preserve the integrity of the breed, ensures accurate lineage, and protects the value of Highland genetics for future generations.
For that reason, all animals shown or consigned at our event must be registered with AHCA.
Do you have security?
Yes — we have a night watchman on-site during the event to help monitor the grounds.
However, please note that animals and equipment are left at your own risk, and neither the facility nor show organizers are liable for any loss, damage, or injury. We do our best to provide a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Friday Night Breeder Social & Awards
What is the Friday Night Social?
Join us Friday, October 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the fairgrounds for a relaxed evening with fellow Highland breeders, consignors, exhibitors, and attendees following the Open Show.
Instead of a formal banquet, we'll be hosting a casual social gathering where everyone can unwind, catch up with friends, meet new people, and enjoy the evening before sale day.
I'm new to the breed. Am I welcome?
Absolutely! Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime breeder, we'd love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity to meet other Highland enthusiasts, ask questions, make new connections, and become part of the community.
What should I wear?
Casual attire is encouraged. Jeans and boots are perfectly appropriate.
Will food be available?
Yes. A pizza truck will be on-site throughout the evening with food available for purchase.
You're also welcome to bring your own meal or have food delivered to the fairgrounds through DoorDash or another delivery service.
Will awards be presented?
Yes. Awards will be presented during the Friday Night Social.
Do I need to RSVP?
No. There is no formal RSVP required. Simply stop by, grab some food, visit with fellow breeders, and enjoy the evening before the auction.
VENDORS
Can I set up a vendor booth?
Yes! We welcome vendors selling arts & crafts,
farm-themed products, and gifts.
For pricing, setup times, and booth guidelines, visit the Vendor Page for full details and to apply.
Have questions or want to get involved?
Whether you have questions about the auction, show, consigning, or becoming a vendor, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Us:
southeasthighlandcattle@gmail.com
Text: Emily Young – 828-208-5015
