What 4-H Dairy Beef Showmanship Is
Dairy beef showmanship is the contest that closes out the dairy steer day at the Indiana State Fair. Junior 4-H members who raise dairy-breed steers for beef show their steers in Corteva Coliseum on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The dairy feeder show starts at 1:00 p.m., the dairy beef show follows it, and showmanship begins 30 minutes after the dairy beef show ends. The judge scores the exhibitor, not just the animal: how well you fit, train and present your steer.
Divisions at a Glance
| Dairy Beef (finished steers) | Dairy Feeder / Dairy Fats | |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | 100 percent dairy: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey or Milking Shorthorn | At least 85 percent dairy; dairy-cross feeders at least 25 percent dairy |
| Weight | At least 900 pounds at check-in; shown by weight, not breed | Declared weight 300 to 700 pounds; dairy fats show with feeders |
| Weigh-back | Top three per class re-weighed and tag-checked; finished steers within 5 percent of declared weight | Top three re-weighed; feeders at least 300 pounds and within 10 percent of declared weight |
| Grand champion | Large banner and a place in the Celebration of Champions | Large banner and $1,100 |
| Reserve | Large plaque and $110 | Large plaque and $110 |
Who Can Enter and Rules
- You must be a 4-H member in good standing in the beef project, with the steer identified in Indiana 4-H Online and DNA submitted by May 15, 2026.
- Dairy beef steers do not have to be registered, but a breed classification committee checks that every steer shows only dairy characteristics in the head, neck, back and muscle. Any sign of crossbreeding with beef breeds or among the six dairy breeds keeps a steer out of the premium and champion classes.
- Steers must be dehorned and castrated before the fair. Freshly dehorned or freshly castrated steers cannot show.
- No adhesive or paint may be used on dairy beef; mineral oil and other grooming oils are allowed.
- Each steer's 840 RFID tag must match the one recorded before May 15, or it is disqualified.
- No dairy feeder heifers are allowed in this division.
- A steer sifted out for weight may still be used in showmanship.
How Showmanship Works
Showmanship is split by grade in school on January 1: junior is grades 3 to 5, intermediate is grades 6 to 8, and senior is grade 9 and up. Each division names a champion, who receives a small plaque, and a reserve champion, who receives a lavender rosette. Placings pay a sliding-scale premium that starts at $22 for first place.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mon., Aug. 10, 1:00 p.m. | Stalling assignments; dairy feeder cattle admitted to the West Pavilion |
| Mon., Aug. 10, 10:00 p.m. | All dairy feeder cattle must be in place |
| Tue., Aug. 11, 7:00 a.m. | Animal ID checks; declared weight cards due for all steers |
| Tue., Aug. 11, 1:00 p.m. | Dairy feeder show in Corteva Coliseum, then the dairy beef show |
| 30 minutes after the dairy beef show | Showmanship for dairy feeder and dairy beef exhibitors |
Fees and What You Get
Dairy beef is entered through the 4-H beef department: $100 per head from May 18 to July 1, $160 from July 2 to July 31, and $175 from August 1 to August 2, plus $25 for tie-out space. The grand champion dairy beef steer is recognized in the Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions; a steer selected for it cannot be withdrawn and goes to testing and harvest.
Where
Corteva Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Steers are stalled in the West Pavilion.
Questions
Can a steer with a Jersey-Angus cross show?
No. Dairy beef must be 100 percent dairy blood, and crosses between beef and dairy breeds are not allowed.
Who do I call?
The fair at 317-927-7500, or the Entry Department at 317-927-7515.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair: 4-H Dairy Beef Showmanship
- 2026 4-H Beef Cattle Entry Book (PDF)
- Livestock show schedule
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.