About this event
Junior Swine Showmanship (listed in the 2026 competition guide as Youth Swine Showmanship) is run by Exposition for the Youth of Oklahoma (EYO) during the Oklahoma State Fair at OKC Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd, Oklahoma City. The superintendent is Bray Haven and the EYO hog showmanship judge was Kori Jenkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Dates, deadlines and schedule
The 2026 contest was Friday, September 18, at 4 p.m. in the Barn 8 Arena (Ring 1). The fair ran September 17 to 27. The guide says no pre-entry is required for showmanship: exhibitors report by grade at show time, though every animal and exhibitor must be entered in a class in the swine shows. Showmanship itself carries no entry fee. The Junior Purebred Hampshire and Yorkshire barrow shows were also listed at 4 p.m. that day.
Every date on this page is from the 2026 edition, which has now been held. The 2027 dates were not yet published in the sources checked, so treat the pattern below as a guide and confirm the new schedule before you plan a trip.
Divisions
- Senior: 12th grade and post high school, 11th grade, 10th grade
- Intermediate: 9th, 8th and 7th grade
- Junior: 6th grade, 5th grade, and 3rd and 4th grade
- Pee Wee: kindergarten to 2nd grade, ages 4 to 7, with written parent permission and no entry fee (the family still needs a fair ticket); Pee Wee exhibitors cannot win overall champion
Grade is counted as of show day. Each division picks a champion and reserve (rosettes), and the overall champion and reserve showman receive a banner, medallion and award.
Getting there
Livestock enters through Gate 7 at OKC Fair Park. For 2026, animal arrival began Wednesday, September 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., and the show office sits on the south side of Barn 1 (Superbarn), open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tips for exhibitors and families
- Market barrows were due in place by 1 p.m. Friday with cards due by 2 p.m. at self check-in, so plan to be settled in Barn 8 well before the 4 p.m. call.
- Swine need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days, an 840 electronic tag and a premises ID; in-state hogs also need negative brucellosis and pseudorabies tests after May 15, 2026.
- The overall swine showmanship champion is eligible for the Round Robin Showmanship on Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Performance Arena.
Official links
- Oklahoma State Fair 2026 competition guide (schedule)
- Oklahoma State Fair 2026 swine competition guide
- Oklahoma State Fair
Oklahoma County and State Fairs: The Essentials
Most Oklahoma counties hold a county or free fair, usually run by the local OSU Extension office and a fair board. A fair book (premium list) sets the divisions, entry dates and rules, and many fairs combine open class, 4-H and FFA entries.
Examples
The 2026 Oklahoma County Free Fair book says admission is free and no entry fee is charged. Junior livestock exhibitors must be 8 by July 1 and be 4-H or FFA members, and junior livestock class premiums run from $40 to $15, with $200 for grand champion. Wagoner County requires original health documents current within 30 days, and a written protest needs a $100 deposit. Tulsa County's fair started in 1903 and offers ribbons for first through fifth place.
State fair
The 2026 Oklahoma State Fair runs September 17-27. Livestock entries have separate deadlines, such as August 21 for 2026 junior steers, so read the guide for your species. Check your county's fair book for current dates.
Read the full guide: Oklahoma County and State Fairs: What to Expect
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Oklahoma Youth Expo
Premier statewide junior livestock show for 4-H and FFA exhibitors at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds; the next edition is listed for March 10-19, 2027.
- Farm City Festival
Farm City Festival in Oklahoma City on February 12 during Farm Bureau Week, connecting urban visitors with agriculture.
Oklahoma City, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Official event details - Oklahoma City Farm Show
Farm show with more than 250 exhibitors held at the OKC Fairgrounds after moving to earlier March dates.
- Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival
Local food and farm festival in Oklahoma City listed for March 20. Dates come from a festival guide listing and are not yet confirmed by organizers.
Oklahoma City, OK Official event details - Ag Day at the Capitol
Agriculture advocacy and promotion day at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, listed for April 29, 2026.
Oklahoma City, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.