What the Open Dairy Cattle Show Is
The Open Dairy Cattle Show is the breeders' show of the Indiana State Fair. Unlike the 4-H show held two days earlier, it is open to dairy breeders of any age, who bring registered cattle in Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn classes to Corteva Coliseum. In 2026 judging begins Tuesday, August 18 at 8:00 a.m., and at the end of the last breed show the judges name the Supreme Champion Heifer and Supreme Champion Cow.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Entry is open to any dairy exhibitor. The breed association and the fair check papers on ownership, age and classification at entry or on show day, and breed representatives assemble the classes.
- Every dairy animal, 4-H or open, must have an 840 RFID tag.
- Rules follow the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association Show Ring Code of Ethics.
- Enter only the animals you plan to bring. Stalls are assigned on animals delivered, and entering extra animals only costs you the entry fees.
- Regardless of how many animals one exhibitor enters in a class, only two premiums are paid in that class, and only one in a group class.
- If you bring more animals than you entered, or add a breed, late fees and deadlines apply. Animals bought after the entry deadline need the registration paper and transfer, and a late entry before show time.
- Barn rules: no pressure washers, no butt fans or misters, no water tanks in the aisles, and no hoses across the public walkways.
4-H members who want to compete in the open show must enter online under the open department, pay open fees and meet open deadlines.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri., Aug. 14, 8:00 a.m. | 4-H and open dairy cattle may begin arriving at the West Pavilion |
| Mon., Aug. 17, 8:00 a.m. | All open cattle must be stalled |
| Mon., Aug. 17, 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Open entries confirmed; substitutions (three per exhibitor) and group classes entered |
| Tue., Aug. 18, 8:00 a.m. | Judging begins: Guernsey alternating with Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn with Brown Swiss, Holstein with Red and Whites |
| Tue., Aug. 18, 9:00 a.m. | Jerseys show in their own ring |
| After the last breed show | Supreme Champion Heifer and Cow selected; open cattle released after showing |
Substitution cards and group class entries go to the cattle barn office before entry check or to the foyer at check-in; none are accepted after paper check-in closes.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
The entry fee 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. Tack and booth space is $50 per section, with a maximum of three sections per string, and paid sections do not guarantee space if room is short.
Premiums are paid on a sliding scale by class size. In a class of 20, first place pays $107, then $67, $52, $37, $34, $30, $28, $26, $24, $22, $15 and $14 for twelfth. Grand Champion Female earns a large banner and $55, and Reserve Grand Champion Female a medium banner and $30. Breed champions receive banners and rosettes. Premium checks are mailed in October.
Where
Corteva Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Cattle are stalled in the West Pavilion.
Questions
Can I switch animals after I enter?
Yes, up to three substitutions per exhibitor, turned in by the time paper check-in closes. Extra substitutions cost a late fee.
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 Open Dairy Cattle Entry Book (PDF)
- Open 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.