What the Dairy Goat Shows Are
The Indiana State Fair dairy goat shows run three days, August 21 to 23, 2026, in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The weekend opens with 4-H showmanship and wether classes on Friday, moves to the 4-H and Open Junior Doe Show on Saturday, and finishes with the 4-H and Open Senior Doe Show on Sunday. The doe shows are sanctioned by the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) and run under ADGA rules.
Divisions and Ways to Enter
| Show | Day | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| 4-H Dairy Goat Showmanship | Fri., Aug. 21, 5:00 p.m. | 4-H members: junior (grades 3-5), intermediate (6-8), senior (9 and up) |
| 4-H Dairy Goat Wether Show | Fri., Aug. 21, 4:00 p.m. | 4-H members showing wethers |
| 4-H and Open Junior Doe Show | Sat., Aug. 22, 7:30 a.m. | 4-H and open exhibitors with young does |
| 4-H and Open Senior Doe Show | Sun., Aug. 23, 7:30 a.m. | 4-H and open exhibitors with milking does |
Breeds show in this order each day: Recorded Grade, LaMancha, Alpine, Nubian, Sable, Nigerian Dwarf, Oberhasli, Toggenburg and Saanen. Each breed champion must stay for the Best Doe of Show selection on Sunday.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- 4-H exhibitors must be 4-H members in good standing in the dairy goat project. Open class is available to any exhibitor, and 4-H members who want to enter open must enter online under the open department and pay open fees.
- An exhibitor may make no more than two entries per class.
- All animals must arrive show ready. No 4-H goats may come on the grounds before their arrival time unless the superintendent allows it.
- A vehicle has 45 minutes to unload or load goats and tack at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion.
- Wethers show by declared weight and must weigh at least 50 pounds (35 pounds for Nigerian Dwarf wethers).
- Pens must be cleaned before you leave, and a release form is required.
Doe classes run by birth date and milking age. Junior doe kids are born April 1 to May 15, intermediate kids March 1 to 31, and senior kids January 1 to February 28 of the current year. Yearling does never freshened, and milking does run by age from 1 year up to 5 years and over. Group classes are Produce of Dam, Mother and Daughter, and Best Three Females.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri., Aug. 21, 7:00-11:00 a.m. | 4-H dairy goats admitted; check-in at the pens until noon; all goats penned by 11:00 a.m. |
| Fri., Aug. 21, noon | Wether declared weight and sift; paperwork due for all goats in the 4-H show |
| Fri., Aug. 21, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. | Wether show, then showmanship; the senior winner advances to Supreme Showmanship on Sunday night |
| Sat., Aug. 22 | Junior doe shows at 7:30 a.m.; exhibitors-only 4-H social at 8:00 p.m. |
| Sun., Aug. 23 | Senior doe shows at 7:30 a.m.; goats released as they finish; all animals and tack out of the barn by midnight |
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Entry is $22 per head from May 18 to July 1, $82 from July 1 to July 31, and $97 from August 1 to August 9 for 4-H; open dairy goat entry follows the same fee amounts. Placings from first to tenth earn ribbons and a sliding-scale premium that starts at $22 for first place. The champion 4-H senior doe receives a small plaque and $275, and the reserve a lavender rosette and $110, unless they are chosen for the Celebration of Champions. The champion junior 4-H doe under two years earns a small plaque and $110, and the reserve a rosette and $55. The Celebration of Champions also recognizes the Grand and Reserve Grand dairy goat wether and the Supreme and Reserve Supreme senior and junior does.
Where
Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Are these shows registered ADGA shows?
Yes. The 4-H Junior Doe, 4-H Senior Doe, Open Junior Doe and Open Senior Doe shows are separately sanctioned by ADGA and run under its rules.
Who do I call?
The Entry Department at 317-927-7515, or the fair at 317-927-7500.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair livestock show schedule
- 2026 4-H Dairy Goats Entry Book (PDF)
- 2026 Open Dairy Goat 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.