What the 4-H Gilt Show Is
The 4-H Gilt Show is the breeding swine show for Indiana 4-H members at the Indiana State Fair. A gilt is a young female pig that has not yet farrowed, and unlike market barrows, gilts are judged as breeding stock. The 2026 show is Saturday, August 15 (purebreds) and Sunday, August 16 (crossbreds) in the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, with showmanship on Friday, August 14. The Supreme Drive caps the weekend on Sunday afternoon.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- You must be a 4-H member in good standing, enrolled in the swine project, with the gilt identified in Indiana 4-H Online and DNA submitted through your county Extension office by May 15, 2026.
- Purebred gilts show by age and must have been farrowed on December 1, 2025 or later. Registration papers are checked at check-in.
- Crossbred gilts show by declared weight, which must be between 200 and 360 pounds. The top gilts in each class are weighed until two per class land within 15 pounds of their declared weight.
- Purebred gilts in breeds such as Berkshire, Chester White and Duroc must have at least six functional udder sections on each side. Several breeds also require stress-negative status, and Berkshires need proof of stress status.
- Classes hold no more than 11 head. The information card with declared weight is due at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 and cannot be changed.
- Chester White champions can be sampled for DNA to verify parentage and the stress gene; a failed test means disqualification.
How It Works: The Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Tue., Aug. 11 | Tack may arrive after 10:00 p.m. if pre-penning is done; exhibitors and family must stay in the barn because the fair is closed |
| Wed., Aug. 12 | Gilts admitted 7:00-11:00 a.m. and 3:00-7:00 p.m. |
| Thu., Aug. 13 | Admitted 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; ear notches verified and purebreds classified 12:00-3:00 p.m.; cards due 6:00 p.m. |
| Fri., Aug. 14 | Showmanship orientation 7:30 a.m., then junior, intermediate and senior showmanship at 8:00 a.m. |
| Sat., Aug. 15 | Orientation 7:30 a.m., purebred gilt show 8:00 a.m. in two rings; order posted Friday after 3:00 p.m. |
| Sun., Aug. 16 | Crossbred gilts 8:00 a.m.; Supreme Drive at 4:00 p.m. in Corteva Coliseum, then all swine out of the barn |
The Supreme Drive
The champion gilt in each breed advances to the drive for Supreme Champion 4-H Gilt. The Supreme and Reserve Supreme gilts earn banners and a spot in the Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions, which also honors the 3rd, 4th and 5th overall gilts. Indiana Farm Bureau presents the 4-H Supreme Drive, which recognizes the top 4-H dairy cattle, Boer goats, breeding ewes and breeding gilts.
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 5, paid online by credit card. Class premiums begin at $22 for first place and drop with placing and class size. A breed champion gilt not chosen for the Celebration of Champions receives a large plaque and $275, and the reserve champion a small plaque and $110. Showmanship winners get a small plaque and a lavender rosette. Breeding weekend exhibitors get two complimentary credentials; additional breeding-week credentials cost $55.
Where
Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Trailers park free at 1209 E. 46th St.
Questions
Can I groom outside my pen?
No. All grooming must be done in your assigned pen, and tents, canopies and portable grooming pens are not allowed in or around the pavilion.
Who do I call?
The State Fair Entry Department, 317-927-7515, or the fair office, 317-927-7500.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair livestock show schedule
- 2026 4-H Swine Entry Book (PDF)
- Indiana Farm Bureau: 2026 State Fair highlights
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.