The Tarrant County Junior Livestock Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors and Executive Committee. These volunteers come from 4-H, FFA, and the Fort Worth Farm & Ranch Club. Monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting 4-H and FFA youth.
 

The first Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show was held in 1950 under the Jacksboro Highway Bridge on Leonard’s Parking Lot (now Panther Island Event Center). Initiated by W.A. "Bill" King of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the North Fort Worth Kiwanis Club, the show aimed to provide 4-H and FFA youth a platform to showcase their projects. Initially sponsored by the Chamber and the Kiwanis, the show is now governed by an elected board from the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club, Tarrant County 4-H Clubs, and FFA Chapters, with division superintendents and committee chairs appointed by the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Association (TCJLA).

As the event grew, it moved to the Will Rogers Complex, expanded from one day to three, and added a premium sale in 1979 and a scholarship program in the mid-1990s. An annual dinner and live auction in April support the scholarship fund. Membership in TCJLA is open to anyone interested in supporting the show and related activities.

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The show now features livestock (cattle, goats, horses, lambs, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine) and Youth Fair projects (horticulture, baked goods, leather craft, welding, photography, sewing, and creative arts). It provides 4-H and FFA youth with valuable experiences in teamwork, competition, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Participation is limited to Tarrant County 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters members. The event is free to the public, offering a firsthand look at the positive impact of 4-H and FFA on youth.