What the 4-H Barrow Show Is
The 4-H Barrow Show is the junior market hog show of the Indiana State Fair, held on the opening weekend of the fair in the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion (the swine barn). A barrow is a castrated male market hog, and the show judges each hog on its quality as a market animal. It is run by the Indiana State Fair with Purdue Extension 4-H, and Indiana Farm Bureau sponsors the showmanship contests that run alongside it.
The 2026 show runs Saturday, August 8 (purebreds) and Sunday, August 9 (crossbreds). Showmanship is Friday, August 7.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Exhibitors must be enrolled in the 4-H swine project and be members in good standing, with county 4-H requirements met.
- Hogs must be identified in Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, 2026, and DNA for the animal had to go to the county Extension office by that date.
- Each exhibitor must own the hog and care for it from the ID deadline through the show.
- Declared weight must fall between 230 and 290 pounds. Hogs outside that range are disqualified. The top hogs in each class are weighed at the ring until two per class are within 15 pounds of their declared weight, and the declared weight is used as the sale weight.
- Classes hold no more than 11 hogs. Hogs with weighted ear tags are ineligible.
- Grooming happens inside your assigned pen only. Tents, canopies and portable grooming pens are not allowed in or around the pavilion, and water is the only coat dressing allowed for the 2026 4-H swine show.
Breeds and Showmanship
Purebred barrows show by breed in two rings. The West Ring takes Poland, Berkshire, Spots, Tamworth, Hereford and Chester. The East Ring takes Landrace, Duroc, York and Hamp. Crossbred barrows show Sunday by declared weight, also in two rings. Each breed champion competes for grand champion barrow.
Showmanship is split by grade on January 1: junior is grades 3 to 5, intermediate is grades 6 to 8, and senior is grade 9 and up. Judges score the fitting and training of the hog and the exhibitor's ability. Each breed names a champion and reserve in all three divisions.
How It Works: The Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Tue., Aug. 4 | Tack drop-off at 7:00 a.m. (tack only, no animals) |
| Wed., Aug. 5 | Barrows admitted 7:00-11:00 a.m. and 3:00-7:00 p.m. |
| Thu., Aug. 6 | Admitted 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; ear notches verified and purebreds classified 12:00-3:00 p.m.; declared weight cards due 6:00 p.m. and cannot be changed |
| Fri., Aug. 7 | Showmanship orientation 7:30 a.m., showmanship at 8:00 a.m. |
| Sat., Aug. 8 | Barrow show at 8:00 a.m.; hogs are released after showing except champions and reserves |
| Sun., Aug. 9 | Crossbred barrows at 8:00 a.m.; Grand Drive at 6:00 p.m. in Corteva Coliseum, then all swine out of the barn |
Fees, Awards and What You Get
The entry fee is $22 per head if you enter May 18 to July 1, $82 from July 2 to July 31, and $97 from August 1 to August 5. Entry is online through Exhibitors Corner with a credit card, and there are no phone entries.
Class premiums start at $22 for first place and step down by class size. The champion barrow earns a large plaque and $1,100 (unless selected for the Celebration of Champions), and the reserve earns $110. The Celebration of Champions honors the top five barrows, and a hog picked for it cannot be withdrawn and goes on to testing and harvest. Showmanship winners earn plaques and lavender rosettes.
Each exhibitor gets two complimentary exhibitor credentials for the market weekend; extra market-week credentials are $45.
Where
Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Free trailer parking is at 1209 E. 46th St., with shuttles to the livestock barns.
Questions
Can I show more than one animal in showmanship?
No. Each exhibitor enters one barrow or gilt in showmanship, and you sign up for a division and breed at check-in.
Who do I call?
The State Fair Entry Department at 317-927-7515, or the fair at 317-927-7500.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair livestock show schedule
- 4-H livestock entry books
- 2026 4-H Swine Entry Book (PDF)
- Purdue Extension: 4-H at the Indiana State Fair
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Marion County Fair
Mark June 26 to July 5, 2026 for the Marion County Fair in Indianapolis (10 days, Friday start). Held each year; the most recent dates were June 26 to July 5, 2026.
Indianapolis, IN Official event details - Indiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Judging Contest
Open to 4-H and FFA members, this state contest at the Indiana State Fair teaches youth to evaluate horses, and no Area Contest qualifier is required. Held each year; the most recent date was August 6, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair fills the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis with livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and farm displays, closed Mondays. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 7 to 23, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair 4-H Beef Showmanship
Young Indiana 4-H exhibitors lead their beef animals before the judge in showmanship classes at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair Open Cattle Show
Breeders from around Indiana bring beef cattle to the Open Cattle Show at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, which shares its day with 4-H beef showmanship. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.