What the Trigg County 4-H Ag Fair Is
The Trigg County 4-H Ag Fair is a two-day youth show in Cadiz, Kentucky, built around 4-H and FFA livestock, poultry, rabbit and horse projects. It began about three years ago when a group of 4-H parents, with help from the Trigg County 4-H Council, set up a show of their own; the 2026 edition on July 10 and 11 was the third annual. The shows are open to all exhibitors, not only 4-H members, and sponsor money goes toward ribbons, trophies and prize money for exhibitors. Admission and parking are free, and the local FFA runs concessions.
Ways to Show
| Show | When | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Horse show | Friday evening, July 10, starting at 5:00 p.m. | Held at the Trigg County Recreation Complex |
| Swine and sheep | Saturday, July 11, show starts 8:00 a.m. | Registration 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.; these classes go first |
| Goats and beef | Saturday, July 11, around 9:30 a.m. | Follow swine and sheep |
| Poultry and rabbits | Saturday, July 11, show starts 9:30 a.m. | Registration 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. |
The event wraps up by 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Youth showmen ages 5 to 19 as of January 1, 2026 may enter. Adults are also welcome. 4-H and FFA members are encouraged to show.
- Livestock must be the showman's property as of June 11. Poultry and rabbits must belong to the showman as of July 11, and birds must be at least 6 months old.
- Each exhibitor submits one entry form and must show his or her own animals. If an exhibitor has two animals in the same weight or breed class, another exhibitor may show the second, but the show committee must be told before the animals enter the ring.
- Showmanship is required for 4-H exhibitors. Market and breed classes depend on how many entries come in, and some may be combined. Market classes are based on declared weights, and the final class list is set on show day.
- Animals must meet Kentucky livestock health rules (KRS Chapter 257, 302 KAR 20:040 and 302 KAR 20:065). A veterinarian inspects animals and checks health papers and tags, and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required for livestock. The committee can send home any animal not in show condition.
- Animals that cannot be handled safely may be dismissed from the class along with the exhibitor.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- June 30: Pre-registration for poultry and rabbits is encouraged by this date.
- July 10: Pre-registration for livestock is encouraged by this date. The horse show starts at 5:00 p.m.
- July 11, 7:45 a.m.: Livestock must be on the grounds and registered.
- July 11, 10:00 a.m.: Poultry and rabbits must be on the grounds and registered.
Day-of registration is allowed within those cutoffs.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Showing is free for 4-H and FFA members in good standing. Open exhibitors pay $10 per class in livestock and $5 per class in poultry and rabbits. Sponsor contributions pay for ribbons, trophies and premiums. Sponsors give at levels from under $150 up to a $500 Platinum level tied to a major award or class, so a named award may be part of the prize table.
Show Day Setup
No pens or wash racks are provided for livestock. Fitting is allowed only at your trailer, and exhibitors show out of their trailers or trucks and walk animals to the ring and back. You may set up a small pen or pop-up tent beside your trailer. Poultry and rabbit pens are limited and assigned first come, first served, and you may bring your own small pen setup. It is a carry-in, carry-out show, so everything you bring must be cleaned up before you leave. Poultry and rabbit exhibitors may leave once they finish showing. Bring chairs and sunscreen.
Where
Trigg County Recreation Complex, Cadiz, Kentucky.
Questions
Do I need to be in 4-H?
No. The shows are open to all exhibitors, though 4-H and FFA members show free and are encouraged to enter.
Can I register on show day?
Yes, but livestock must be registered by 7:45 a.m. and poultry and rabbits by 10:00 a.m.
Is there an admission charge?
No. Admission and parking are free.
Who do I call about health requirements?
A local veterinarian or the Kentucky State Veterinarian's office at 502-564-3956.
Who do I call about the event?
The Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist and Convention Commission lists 270-522-3892. Sponsors can mail checks to the Trigg County 4-H Ag Club, P.O. Box 271, Cadiz, KY 42211.
Official Links
- 3rd Annual Trigg County 4-H Ag Fair: dates, times and venue
- Livestock rules: eligibility, fees, schedule and health requirements
- Poultry and rabbit rules: eligibility, fees and schedule
- Sponsors page: history and sponsor levels
Kentucky County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Kentucky county fairs run from late May into August, with open beef shows listed by the state agriculture department from Taylor County on May 23 to Carter County on August 10 in 2026, per its show list. Dates may change.
State fair
The 2026 Kentucky State Fair ran August 20 to 30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, per the fair listing. 4-H exhibitors must be 9 to 18 as of January 1, per the 4-H state fair rules.
Ownership and tags
Market goats, lambs and hogs have a May 20 ownership deadline and market steers and heifers March 18, per the UK ownership rules. Market entries need KUIP tags and a current-year health certificate.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office or FFA advisor for your fair book, tagging dates and sale rules.
Weights and entry rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Kentucky County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Trigg County Fair Open Beef Show
Open beef show at the Trigg County Fair in Cadiz, Kentucky. Held each year; the most recent date was June 11, 2026. Cattle on the grounds by 8 am for the 10 am show.
Cadiz, KY | Organizer: Trigg County Fair Official event details - Trigg County Fair Open Swine Show
Open swine show at the Trigg County Fair in Cadiz, Kentucky. Held each year; the most recent date was June 11, 2026. Check-in 7 am, show 8 am.
Cadiz, KY | Organizer: Trigg County Fair Official event details - Trigg County Fair Open Poultry Show
Open poultry show at the Trigg County Fair in Cadiz, Kentucky. Held each year; the most recent date was June 11, 2026. Check-in 8 am, show 9 am Central.
Cadiz, KY | Organizer: Trigg County Fair Official event details - Trigg County Fair
Open livestock shows at the Trigg County Fair include a beef show on June 11, a swine show on June 11 at 8 am, and a sheep show on July 11. Held each year; the most recent dates were these 2026 show dates.
- Trigg County Fair Open Sheep Show
Open sheep show at the Trigg County Fair in Cadiz, Kentucky. Held each year; the most recent date was July 11, 2026. Arrive by 8 am for the 11 am show.
Cadiz, KY | Organizer: Trigg County Fair Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.