What the Market Hog Show Is
The Colorado State Fair Market Hog Show is the youth market hog competition at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, the first of the fair's market animal shows. Hogs are judged by class and a Grand Champion is chosen in a Grand Drive; qualifiers then sell in the Junior Livestock Sale. In 2026 the show was Friday, August 28 at 9:00 a.m. in the CSU Livestock Pavilion. The 2027 fair runs August 27 to September 6.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- 4-H members ages 8 through 18, or FFA members under 19, as of December 31 of the prior year; full-time Colorado residents from nomination through the fair
- 2026 changes: a new maximum weight of 300 pounds, and hogs are wiped for color. Any paint on a pig results in disqualification.
- Up to four animals per species may be shown
- Declared weights are checked after placement; the top five in each class are reweighed, and more than 5 percent off the declared weight means disqualification
- PID number, DNA on every market animal, and a meat quality assurance certificate (4-H MQA or YQCA)
- Hogs carry the county or FFA ear tag. One ear notch change per animal is allowed, submitted in writing by the advisor, and crossbred hogs within a family must have different notches.
- A certificate of veterinary inspection dated within seven days of arrival
How It Works: The Timeline
- Nominate through the county Extension or FFA office by June 1; the office sends the form and DNA to the fair by June 8. Forms for hogs are printed on orange card stock.
- Enter online by July 27, 2026. Mailed entries are not accepted.
- Wednesday, August 26: receiving from 7:00 a.m., wool in place at noon, hogs in place by 5:00 p.m., no exceptions.
- Thursday, August 27: exhibitor meeting 8:45 a.m., inspection and ear tags at 9:00 a.m. in the Sheep and Swine Tent, weight declarations 9:00 a.m. to noon, CJSA award presentation 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., showmanship 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 28: show at 9:00 a.m., Grand Drive 30 minutes after the show, non-sale hogs out by 9:00 p.m.
The Premier Market Hog Exhibitor Contest
On Saturday, August 29, after the Grand Champion Market Lamb is selected, sale-qualified hog exhibitors can compete in the Premier Market Hog Exhibitor contest. Entry is free and voluntary, and exhibitors who qualify for the Junior Livestock Sale are automatically eligible. The contest scores up to 250 points:
| Category | Weight | Max points |
|---|---|---|
| Market class placing | 20% | 50 |
| Market showmanship placing | 20% | 50 |
| Judging classes (12 minutes per class, ranking four animals) | 20% | 50 |
| Written exam, one hour, multiple choice | 40% | 100 |
The winner is named Colorado State Fair Premier Market Hog Exhibitor and receives $500 cash from CO Livestock, a trophy and a banner from Sure Champ / Vita Charge. The exam covers anatomy, retail products, medicine identification and antibiotic label reading.
The Sale
Top hogs qualify for the Junior Livestock Sale, where up to 40 hogs can sell and no animal placing below third is eligible. The 2025 Grand Champion Market Hog, shown by Annie Hanratty of Pueblo County, sold for $32,000.
Where
CSU Livestock Pavilion and the Sheep and Swine Tent, Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004.
Questions
Can a hog with paint show?
No. Hogs are wiped for color and any paint results in disqualification.
Do I have to do the Premier Exhibitor contest?
No, it is voluntary, but you must take part in every category to stay eligible once you start.
Who do I call?
Livestock Department 719-404-2035, or the main office at 719-561-8484 extension 2027.
Official Links
- 2026 livestock schedule
- What's new in 2026
- Premier Market Hog Exhibitor rules
- 2026 nomination procedures
- Junior livestock requirements
Colorado County Fairs: The Essentials
Colorado county fairs run through local CSU Extension offices, so every county sets its own dates and deadlines. In 2026 they ran from San Miguel's July 10-19 fair through Delta County's August 1-9.
Deadlines
Garfield County required fair entries on FairEntry.com by July 1 at 5:00 pm with no late entries. Delta County's pre-entry forms were due June 26 at 4:30 PM. Market animals are tagged at spring weigh-in.
Rules
Counties often require Meat Quality Assurance training for new exhibitors and set weight ranges. Washington County's market hogs run 220-300 lbs and lambs 100-170 lbs.
The junior sale
Garfield sells only blue and red ribbon animals. Delta requires two buyer invitations per exhibitor and a 5 percent consignment fee. Thank-you notes are expected. Confirm 2027 dates with your Extension office.
More to know
Elbert County's fair ran July 25 to August 2 in Kiowa, and Washington County's fair week began July 20. The Colorado State Fair is in Pueblo. Interview judging for general 4-H projects happens just before fair, and record books are often due soon after.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
Eleven-day state fair and rodeo at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. Fair organizers have announced Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, 2027; the 2026 fair ran Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
- Colorado State Fair Market Lamb Show
Market lamb classes at the Pueblo state fair, beginning at 9 a.m. in the livestock pavilion. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 29, 2026.
- Colorado State Fair Market Poultry Show
Market poultry judging at 8:30 a.m. followed by showmanship in the Small Animal Building at the Pueblo fair. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 29, 2026.
1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004 Official event details - Colorado State Fair Market Goat Show
Market goat and junior wether doe classes at the Pueblo fair, starting at 9 a.m. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 30, 2026.
1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004 Official event details - Colorado State Fair Market Beef Show
Market steer show starting at 9 a.m. on the opening Monday of livestock judging in Pueblo, followed by the FFA Heifer Wrangle. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 31, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.