What the 4-H Supreme Drive Is
The 4-H Supreme Drive is the championship parade for Indiana's junior breeding livestock. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the best 4-H females in six categories walk into Corteva Coliseum to be sorted into a single Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion for each. Indiana Farm Bureau presents the drive, which recognizes the state's top 4-H dairy cattle, Boer goats, breeding ewes and breeding gilts.
The Six Categories
| Category | Who competes |
|---|---|
| Ewe | The champion ewe from each sheep breed in the 4-H Breeding Sheep Show |
| Gilt | The champion gilt from each swine breed; the winner is Supreme Champion 4-H Gilt |
| Dairy heifer | Junior champions from the six dairy breeds (Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn) |
| Dairy cow | Grand champions from the same six dairy breeds |
| Percentage breeding doe | Boer goat does in the percentage division |
| Full blood doe | Boer goat does in the full blood division |
How It Works
Each breed show crowns its own champion earlier in the weekend. For gilts, the champion in each breed advances once the breed shows are done, and the Reserve Breed Champion is allowed to enter the ring once its breed champion has been placed in the overall selection. For sheep, the champion ewe in each breed competes for Supreme Champion 4-H Ewe. For dairy, the junior champion and grand champion from each breed are required to stay over for the Supreme Drive on Sunday.
If a champion becomes ill or injured or is found unsound, the reserve animal of that breed represents the breed. The department superintendent tells the judge before the supreme selection is made. Animals shown in the AOB (all other breeds) division in swine, beef and sheep are eligible for grand or supreme drives too, and premiums for AOB are paid no matter how many head are in the class.
Awards and What You Get
Supreme and Reserve Supreme gilts receive banners (a large banner for Supreme and a medium banner for Reserve) and are honored in the Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions. The Celebration also recognizes the Supreme and Reserve Supreme dairy cows and heifers, the top five 4-H ewes and the top five gilts, and the supreme and reserve supreme full blood and percentage meat goat does. The total award for Celebration honorees includes premiums and an accomplishment award, based on a formula.
The Day Around It
Sunday, August 16 is also the second day of the 4-H Gilt Show (crossbred gilts at 8:00 a.m.), the day of the 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (judging from 7:30 a.m.), and the second day of the 4-H Breeding Sheep Show (Southdown and Hampshire at 8:00 a.m.). Swine are cleared from the barn right after the drive.
Where
Corteva Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. The fair runs August 7 to 23 and is closed Mondays.
Questions
Can I enter the Supreme Drive directly?
No. Entries are marked "do not enter" in the books. A breed champion advances automatically from the 4-H breed shows.
Who do I call?
The fair at 317-927-7500 or the Entry Department at 317-927-7515.
Official Links
- Indiana Farm Bureau: 2026 State Fair highlights
- The Hoosier Farmer: INFB state fair preview
- Livestock show schedule
- 2026 4-H Dairy Cattle Entry Book (PDF)
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.