What the 4-H Dairy Cattle Show Is
The 4-H Dairy Cattle Show is the junior breeding dairy show at the Indiana State Fair. Indiana 4-H members show heifers and cows from six breeds in Corteva Coliseum on Sunday, August 16, 2026, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The day also includes breed showmanship, an overall senior showman contest, and the Supreme Drive that evening.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- You must be a 4-H member in good standing in the dairy project, with each animal identified in Indiana 4-H Online and DNA submitted through the county Extension office by May 15, 2026. Every dairy animal needs an 840 RFID tag.
- Owned animals must be registered in the 4-H member's name or a family arrangement. Dairy cattle registered only in a father's name or a farm name are not accepted unless there is a certified lease. Partnerships with unrelated dairy operations are allowed for cattle.
- The dairy lease program is for members who do not own dairy cows or heifers. Only heifers under two years old at the show can be leased, and a lease is treated as ownership.
- Substitutions within a breed are allowed during Saturday morning check-in if the animal was identified by May 15.
Breeds are Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. Classes run by birth date, from spring heifer calves born March 1 to May 15, 2026 up through aged cows six years and older, with dry cow classes in some breeds.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Thu., Aug. 13, 6:00 p.m. | Tack and supplies only may arrive at the West Pavilion |
| Fri., Aug. 14, 8:00 a.m. | 4-H dairy cattle may arrive |
| Sat., Aug. 15, 8:00 a.m. | Animals must be stalled; entry check-in 9:00 a.m.-noon |
| Sat., Aug. 15, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Outstanding 4-H Dairy Producer competition (10:00 a.m.) and the 4-H Dairy Skill-a-thon (11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) |
| Sat., Aug. 15, 2:00 p.m. | Registration papers checked at each exhibitor's stalls |
| Sat., Aug. 15, evening | Exhibitors meeting at 7:00 p.m. with 10-year and Rookie awards; exhibitors-only ice cream social at 8:15 p.m. |
| Sun., Aug. 16, 7:30 a.m. | Judging begins; showmanship follows each breed show (about 1:30 p.m.); supreme showmanship follows the show in the Youth Arena |
Junior champions and grand champions from each breed must stay for the Supreme Drive on Sunday.
Showmanship
Showmanship is judged on the exhibitor's skill with an animal also shown in a halter class. Juniors are grades 3 to 5, intermediates grades 6 to 8, and seniors grade 9 and up. A member shows in only one breed showmanship class per year, and every showman gets a participation ribbon. Each breed names a champion junior, intermediate and senior showman, and the six breed senior champions compete for Grand Champion 4-H Dairy Showman, scored on how they show their animal.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Entry is $22 per head from May 18 to July 1, $82 from July 2 to July 31, and $97 from August 1 to August 2. Class premiums start at $22 for first place and drop one dollar per place in large classes. Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion dairy heifers and cows earn banners and a place in the Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions.
Where
Corteva Coliseum (show) and West Pavilion (stalls), Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Can I show a leased heifer?
Yes, if it is under two years old at the show and the lease is certified. Leased heifers must be registered and identified by May 15.
Who do I call?
The Entry Department at 317-927-7515, or the fair at 317-927-7500.
Official Links
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.