What the 4-H Heifer and Steer Show Is
The 4-H Heifer and Steer Show is the junior beef cattle show of the Indiana State Fair, held in Corteva Coliseum on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026. Market steers and market heifers are judged on how they fit the beef market, and breeding heifers are judged on breed type and structure. Judging starts at 8:00 a.m. both days, and the Grand Champion 4-H Drive is Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Exhibitors must be 4-H members in good standing in the beef project, with the animal identified and DNA submitted by May 15, 2026. The exhibitor must own the animal.
- Animals cannot be registered in a father's name only, a farm name only, or a partnership with unrelated people.
- Market steers and market heifers must be born on or after January 1, 2025.
- Steers show by breed and declared weight; market heifers show by declared weight only. Slick steers also show by weight.
- Minimum declared weight is 800 pounds (600 pounds for Mini Hereford and Belted Galloway). There is no upper limit, but an animal whose weight changes by more than 5 percent from declared weight is disqualified.
- Market classes hold no more than 10 head.
- For breeding heifers, no more than two per breed may be shown in the same age class. Age classes run from junior heifer calves born January 1 to March 31, 2026 up to senior yearlings born September 1 to December 31, 2024.
How It Works: The Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Tue., Aug. 4 | Stalling assignments and tack admitted, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., West Pavilion |
| Wed., Aug. 5 | Cattle admitted 8:00 a.m.-noon and 4:00-10:00 p.m. |
| Thu., Aug. 6 | Cattle in place by 8:00 a.m.; exhibitor check-in 8:00 a.m.-noon; exhibitors meeting 1:00 p.m. in Corteva Coliseum; animal ID checks 4:00-6:00 p.m., when declared weight cards for all steers and market heifers are due |
| Fri., Aug. 7 | Open beef show at 8:00 a.m.; 4-H beef showmanship 30 minutes after it ends |
| Sat., Aug. 8 | Judging begins at 8:00 a.m. for steers and heifers; animals shown Saturday are released after the show |
| Sun., Aug. 9 | Judging at 8:00 a.m. (Salers, Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Red Angus, Chianina and Chi-Angus heifers); Grand Champion 4-H Drive at 6:00 p.m. |
| Mon., Aug. 10 | All beef must leave the West Pavilion by 6:00 a.m. |
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Entry is $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. Class premiums begin at $22 for first place in classes of 19 or more. Steer breeds include Angus, Belted Galloway, Charolais, Chianina, Hereford, Highland, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Mini Hereford, Red Angus, Red Poll, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus and Simmental, plus crossbreds and AOB.
The Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions honors the top five beef steers and the top five beef heifers. A steer chosen for it cannot be withdrawn and is tested and harvested. The Indiana Angus Association adds $1,000 for the champion 4-H Angus steer and $500 for the reserve, provided the steer passes a purebred Angus parentage DNA test.
Where
Corteva Coliseum and the West Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Is there a weight limit on steers?
There is a minimum of 800 pounds and no maximum.
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
- 2026 4-H Beef Cattle Entry Book (PDF)
- 4-H livestock entry books
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.