More young people will have the opportunity to show livestock at future Illinois state fairs.

Fair officials said Thursday they plan to expand the age requirements for junior livestock shows beginning in 2016 to match requirements for nationally recognized events. The change applies to both the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and southern Illinois' DuQuoin State Fair.

Currently, participants must be between 10 and 18 years old. Starting next year the age range will be 8 to 21.

State Fair Manager Patrick Buchen says: "If a young adult is able to show at a national show in Texas, Iowa or Kentucky, they should also be able to show at the Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs."

Participants must turn 8 before Jan. 1 and can't turn 21 prior to Jan. 1.

Scott Olson, Getty Images
Scott Olson, Getty Images
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