What the Round Robin and Awards Program Is
The closing morning of the North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA livestock show is built around two events in the All Seasons Arena in Minot: the Round Robin showmanship contest and the 4-H/FFA awards program. The most recent edition was Saturday, July 25, 2026, with the Round Robin at 8 a.m. and the awards at 9:30 a.m. Round Robin is the capstone showmanship event, where the top showmen from each species compete across more than one kind of animal.
Who Competes
Showmanship is held at the start of each species show, and any exhibitor may enter. You must show your own animal, and it must also be entered in another 4-H/FFA class. The same animal used in your first showmanship heat must be used for the rest of the competition, unless superintendents approve a substitution for safety, such as extreme heat.
| Division | Age (as of September 1, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Junior | 8-10 |
| Intermediate | 11-13 |
| Senior | 14-16 |
| Advanced | 17-19 |
| Legacy | 20-21 |
Two participants from each age division are selected from beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep and swine. The top two dairy goat and top two meat goat showmen advance. Exhibitors who qualify in more than one species must declare one. The Round Robin animal must be the same animal that won the exhibitor's division. Substitute showers must be 4-H or FFA members showing livestock at the fair and follow the dress code.
Awards Program
- Round Robin awards: the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association sponsors champion and reserve for junior and intermediate, and the ND FFA Foundation sponsors champion and reserve for senior and advanced.
- The North Dakota Stockmen's Association gives the champion 4-H/FFA beef showmanship award.
- IBAND belt buckles go to champion market, breeding and cow/calf beef.
- The National Swine Registry offers $100 for the champion overall barrow of a registered Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace or Yorkshire from a recorded litter (proof of registry and a picture within 60 days), and the Poland China Record Association offers $50 for the champion Poland China barrow with a picture.
- The Herdsman Award recognizes ambassador qualities, responsible behavior, mentorship, sportsmanship and quality animal care.
- Premiums are paid on points for blue, red and white ribbons and mailed in September. Exhibitors who skip the dress code get reduced premiums equal to one ribbon placing.
How the Week Leads Up to It
- Tuesday, July 21Entry and penning, 8-11 a.m.; exhibitor meeting at noon; sheep and beef weigh-in at 12:30 p.m.; goats at 4 p.m.; Youth Exhibitor Picnic 5-7 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, July 22-24Species shows: dairy goat and sheep Wednesday, beef, swine and rabbits Thursday, dairy and meat goat Friday.
- Saturday, July 25, 8 a.m.Round Robin, All Seasons Arena.
- 9:30 a.m.4-H/FFA awards, All Seasons Arena.
- 3-6 p.m.Staggered livestock release.
Where and What to Bring
All Seasons Arena, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot. Exhibitors wear the show shirt issued to them at every 4-H/FFA show. Livestock trailers and vehicles must park off grounds, and passes are requested in advance at ndstatefair.com. Members must be accompanied by an advisor, agent, parent or guardian.
Questions
Can I show a different animal in the Round Robin?
No, it must be the animal that won your division, except for a safety substitution approved by superintendents.
Do exhibitors have to stay until the awards?
Exhibitors must remain through the scheduled release time; early release needs approval from the veterinarian and state staff.
Who do I call?
The fair office: (701) 857-7620.
Official Links
North Dakota County Fairs: The Essentials
North Dakota county fairs run from June into the fall and combine an open class, a 4-H division run by NDSU Extension, and often FFA exhibits. Each county sets its own fair book, dates and deadlines, so get yours from the Extension office early. History: laws from 1897 and 1905 let county commissioners levy taxes to support county fairs.
Examples
Grant County's 2025 fair (August 14-17, Carson) required six club meetings, set market beef ownership at March 1 and other species at May 1, and used interview judging for static projects. Cass County's 2021 Red River Valley Fair opened registration June 1 and paid static blue $3.50, red $2.50 and white $1.50.
State fair
The 2026 North Dakota State Fair ran July 17-25 in Minot. Static exhibits needed a blue ribbon or higher at a county event supervised by Extension, and exhibitors needed to be enrolled in 4-HOnline. Livestock entries were due May 1, with YQCA or equivalent quality assurance training required, and premiums were mailed in September. Read your county book for the dates that apply locally and for any residency rules before you enter.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- North Dakota Farm Bureau Living Ag in the Classroom Minot
A Living Ag in the Classroom session in Minot for teachers. Next session posted for January 27, 2027; the city comes from the event title.
Minot, ND | Organizer: North Dakota Farm Bureau Official event details - Ward County 4-H Air Rifle and Pistol Match
County 4-H shooting sports match held February 21, 2026, at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, with a Fun Match for all ages at 1 p.m.
2005 E Burdick Expy, Minot, ND 58701 | Organizer: Ward County 4-H Official event details - Rodeo Minot
Friday brings an NDRA rodeo and Saturday a PRCA rodeo at the State Fair Center, with adult tickets at $15 and $20. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 10-11, 2026.
2005 Burdick Expressway East, Minot, ND 58701 | 701-857-8206 Official event details - Ward County 4-H Achievement Days
The 94th annual Ward County 4-H Achievement Days ran June 12-18, 2026, at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds with 264 members showing projects, horses and livestock; free to attend.
Minot, ND | Organizer: Ward County 4-H Official event details - NDSA Spring Roundup Berthold
NDSA District 6 spring roundup in Berthold, a free cattlemen's meeting that starts with a 5 p.m. social. Held each year; the most recent roundup was 2026-06-08.
210 Main Street, Berthold, ND | Organizer: North Dakota Stockmen's Association Official event details
All North Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.