What the 4-H and FFA Competitions Are
The Iowa State Fair is where Iowa 4-H and FFA members bring their projects to the biggest stage in the state. Livestock and static classes are judged during the fair, which runs August 12-22, 2027, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines. 4-H members enter through FairEntry (4hOnline), and FFA members are entered by their ag instructor. The top animals in each species can go on to the Sale of Champions.
Divisions and Classes
| Program | Departments with their own premium book |
|---|---|
| 4-H | Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goat, Dairy Judging, Dog, Exhibits Building, Herdsmanship, Horse, Horticulture, Meat Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, Swine, Youth Livestock Judging |
| FFA | Ag Mechanics, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goat, Farm Crops, Floriculture, Herding, Horse, Horticulture, Meat Goat, Photography, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, Showing, Swine, Youth Livestock Judging |
Each premium book sets the classes, entry requirements and awards for its department, and exhibitors are responsible for knowing the rules and the livestock health requirements.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- 4-H entries are for Iowa 4-H members only, made through FairEntry. FFA entries are for Iowa FFA members only, made through the FFA ag instructor.
- All nominations and entries are submitted online.
- FFA required forms: the Code of Ethics Form for all exhibitors, the Horse ID Form for horse nominations, the Animal Care Statement for market meat goat, market sheep and swine exhibitors (turned in at check-in), and the Beef Affidavit for performance beef exhibitors (turned in at check-in). A Livestock Partnership Form covers school cooperative or family partnerships.
- The fair has an Animal Care Committee and strict animal care policies. Exhibitors follow the Iowa 4-H Code of Ethics or the FFA Code of Show Ring Ethics.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The fair's entry deadlines page lists July 1 for 4-H and FFA entries, with late entries accepted until July 8 for a late fee. Livestock exhibitor camping needs advance registration and payment, and space is limited.
Example: the 2026 4-H Beef schedule
The 2026 premium book shows how a department runs. Beef arrived from 5:00 p.m. the Sunday before, and Monday brought showmanship sign-up (8:00-10:00 a.m.), check-in (8:00 a.m. to noon, all beef in by 11:00 a.m.), an exhibitor meeting at 1:00 p.m. and beef showmanship at 2:30 p.m. The breeding heifer show was Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., the market steer and market heifer show Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., and all beef and equipment had to be out by 7:00 p.m. Wednesday or premiums and herdsmanship placings were forfeited. Check the current premium book for 2027 dates.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
- 2026 beef entry fee: $35 per head, non-refundable, with a limit of two beef animals per exhibitor. A chute reservation was $15, one per family.
- Ribbons and premiums: Every beef entry received a ribbon, with cash premiums of $40, $25 and $15 for the top three in each class.
- Champion Beef Member: $3,800 total ($750 from the fair and $3,050 from breed associations), awarded by interview.
- Showmanship: Divisions for grades 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12, with top individuals earning belt buckles.
- Sale of Champions: 16 4-H and FFA exhibitors sell their champion livestock. The 2026 sale totaled $734,000.
- Special awards: The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement posts an awards list for 4-H and FFA livestock shows.
Fees and premiums for other species are in each department's premium book.
Where to Go
Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317. Livestock exhibitors have a designated vehicle and trailer parking lot, on-grounds and off-grounds camping, and the Youth Inn, which is open to members of any recognized youth organization if accompanied by a responsible adult (pre-registration recommended).
Questions
How do I enter?
4-H members enter online through FairEntry. FFA members work through their ag instructor.
Is there a limit on beef animals?
In 2026, two beef animals per exhibitor.
Who do I call?
4-H and open entries: 515-262-3111, ext. 207. FFA: 515-262-3111, ext. 246. Toll-free: 800-545-3247.
Official Links
- Enter 4-H competitions
- Enter FFA competitions
- Entry deadlines
- 2026 4-H Beef premium book
- 2026 Sale of Champions results
Iowa County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Iowa youth livestock shows run from county fairs in June through August to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, August 13 to 23, 2026, per the fair listing. County fairs set their own rules, so check your premium book.
State Fair deadlines
Entries for beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy and horse were due July 1, with late entries through July 8 for a fee. Poultry, rabbit and prospect calf entries were due July 15, per the entry deadlines page. Beef cattle require Iowa residency.
Ownership and weights
State Fair market beef must be identified in 4-H Online by February 1, and steers must weigh at least 900 lb, per the 4-H beef book. 4-H members can show through 12th grade, per the Iowa 4-H requirements.
Rules to check
Franklin County's 2025 rules show how county rules read: livestock owned by May 15, ID forms and YQCA certification due that day, official tags, and consent to drug testing on entry, per its rule sheet.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and tagging dates.
Rules and dates differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Iowa County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference
Iowa Farm Bureau members meet for the annual meeting and county leadership conference at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines, December 8-9, 2026.
Des Moines, IA Official event details - Iowa Pork Congress
Iowa Pork Producers Association winter pork industry show and trade fair in downtown Des Moines. Listed for January 20-21, 2027.
- Polk County 4-H & FFA Fair
Seven-day Polk County fair held on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, with free gate admission and parking and 4-H and FFA exhibits. Scheduled for July 17-23, 2027.
3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317 Official event details - Iowa State Fair
Eleven-day state fair with 4-H livestock shows for beef, dairy, goats, horses, poultry, rabbits, sheep, swine and dogs. Scheduled for August 12-22, 2027.
3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317 | 515-262-3111 Official event details - Iowa Cattle Industry Convention
Iowa Cattlemen and beef industry members meet at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona for the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention. Held each year; the most recent date was December 16, 2025.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.