How Iowa County Fairs and the State Fair Work for Youth Exhibitors
Iowa's youth livestock season runs through county fairs in July and early August and ends at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Each county fair writes its own rule book, so the premium book for your fair always wins over a general guide. The examples below come from published fair pages and rule sheets. Dates and deadlines can change, so confirm with the fair office before you act.
2026 Fair Dates
These 2026 dates were listed on fair pages:
- Linn County, Central City: June 24 to 28 (listing)
- Carroll County, Coon Rapids: July 6 to 13 (listing)
- Cedar County, Tipton: July 8 to 12 (listing)
- Fayette County, West Union: July 21 to 25 (listing)
- Great Jones County Fair, Monticello: July 22 to 26 (KHAK)
- Union County, Afton: July 23 to 29 (listing)
- Bremer County, Waverly: July 26 to August 1 (listing)
- Wayne County, Corydon: July 27 to August 3 (listing)
- Clayton County, Garnavillo: August 5 to 9 (listing)
- Iowa State Fair, Des Moines: August 13 to 23 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Avenue (listing)
Most Iowa counties hold a fair, and this list is only a sample. Ask your county Extension office or 4-H leader for yours.
Who Can Show
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publishes the statewide 4-H rules for animal identification, weighing and exhibiting. Under that publication, 4-H members are eligible through 12th grade. After the calendar year of high school graduation, a member can no longer exhibit beyond the county level, per the Iowa 4-H requirements. A more restrictive show can set its own grade rules.
County fairs usually tie entry to local membership. Franklin County's 2025 rules, for example, required exhibitors to belong to an organized Franklin County 4-H club or to an FFA chapter from one of four listed school districts. An animal may be entered as 4-H or FFA, but not both. Parents or supervisors may not show animals for junior exhibitors, and substitute showmen need superintendent approval before the show, per the Franklin County rules.
Ownership, Tagging and Identification
- County example (Franklin County 2025): livestock had to be owned by May 15, with ID forms registered that day in 4-H Online for 4-H or Fair Entry for FFA. YQCA certification was also due May 15. Rabbits and 4-H bucket calves had a later date of June 20.
- Market beef: needs an official ear tag, reported on the entry form. Breeding animals 6 months and older need tattoos plus a second ID.
- Meat goats and swine: official 4-H or FFA USDA ear tags. Swine also need healed ear notches.
- Sheep: all sexually intact sheep need scrapie tags. Dairy goats need legible tattoos by May 15, with no fresh tattoos.
- Iowa State Fair beef: market beef must be identified in 4-H Online by February 1. Breeding heifers need an official tattoo plus a secondary ID recorded by May 15, per the 2026 4-H beef book.
Entry Deadlines and Fees
For the 2026 Iowa State Fair, the entry deadlines page lists:
- July 1 (late entries accepted through July 8 with a late fee): beef cattle, Boer goat, dairy cattle, dairy goat, horse, llama, sheep and swine. 4-H entries go through FairEntry, and FFA entries go through an FFA ag instructor.
- July 15: prospect calf beef, poultry, rabbit, stock dog trials, wool show and apiary.
- Beef cattle require Iowa residency.
The beef book lists an entry fee of $35 per head, paid at entry and non-refundable. County fees are much smaller: Franklin County charged $5 for most departments in 2025, with a final entry date of June 27 and late fees of $100 for livestock exhibitors. Questions about State Fair competition can go to 515-262-3111 (ext. 207 for competitive events, ext. 246 for FFA).
Weights and Weigh-In
- State Fair market beef: steers must weigh at least 900 lb and heifers at least 850 lb, or they show as feeders with ribbons but no premiums.
- State Fair declared weights: exhibitors test weights on pavilion scales and submit a weight card at check-in. That weight becomes official, and animals more than 5 percent off their declared weight are disqualified.
- Franklin County 2025: market lambs under 90 lb moved to the feeder class, swine needed at least 180 lb, and meat goats under 50 lb showed as feeders.
State Fair beef could arrive from 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, with check-in on Monday, August 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Livestock Pavilion. Animals must be in by 11 a.m.
Health, Drugs and Show Rules
Franklin County did not require health papers for 4-H and FFA animals, but barred animals from quarantined herds and animals with contagious conditions such as ringworm, pink eye or foot rot. No drugs may be given except on the order of the fair veterinarian, and entering an animal grants consent to drug testing. Coloring agents and paint are prohibited on beef, sheep, goats and swine. Swine needed a signed affidavit of no swine dysentery for 12 months. The State Fair adds an Animal Care Statement for market goat, sheep and swine exhibitors and bans artificial tails, icing in the staging area and aerosol cans in the pavilion. Every fair has different health rules, so read yours.
Show Day and the Sale
The State Fair's Sale of Champions for beef is Saturday, August 22 at 2 p.m. in the Penningroth Sale Ring. Premiums for the top three in each beef class are $40, $25 and $15. County sales differ. Franklin County's swine show was non-terminal, with no selling swine on the grounds, and animals could leave only after the closing time on the last day, or the exhibitor forfeited premiums.
Practical Tips
- Enroll in 4-H or FFA first, then ask for the ownership and tagging dates before buying an animal. Many are in winter or spring.
- Put the State Fair July 1 and July 15 deadlines on the calendar in spring.
- Keep ownership papers, forms and ID records where you can find them.
- Read your fair's rule book, especially for weights, sale rules and early removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Iowa State Fair?
August 13 to 23 in Des Moines.
How long can a 4-H member show?
Through 12th grade, and beyond the county level only until the end of the calendar year of high school graduation.
Can an animal be shown in both 4-H and FFA?
Not at Franklin County. An animal there may be entered as 4-H or FFA, but not both.
Where do I find my county fair book?
Ask your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or your fair board.
Iowa Listings Covered by This Guide
- Ringgold County Fair
Mount Ayr fair on the north edge of town, with a full week of 4-H and FFA shows for swine, sheep, goats, beef, horses, poultry and rabbits. Scheduled for July 6-11, 2027.
Mount Ayr, IA Official event details - Sioux County Youth Fair
Youth-focused Sioux County fair on the east side of Sioux Center, with 4-H events, a pork feed and a fair board breakfast. Scheduled for July 9-16, 2027.
Sioux Center, IA Official event details - Tama County Fair
Gladbrook hosts the Tama County Fair, with 4-H and FFA sheep, swine and dog shows plus fair queen crowning. Scheduled for July 12-18, 2027.
Gladbrook, IA Official event details - Taylor County Fair
Bedford fair dating to 1857, held at the Taylor County Fairgrounds on Linwood Avenue and aimed at local families and 4-H exhibitors. Scheduled for July 14-18, 2027.
2715 Linwood Ave, Bedford, IA 50833 | 712-523-2326 Official event details - Union County Fair
Afton fair first held in 1954, run at the Union County Fairgrounds with free gate admission and parking. Scheduled for July 15-21, 2027.
301 S Grace St, Afton, IA 50830 Official event details - 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 - Story County Youth Fair
Nevada fair at the Story County Fairgrounds; the 2025 edition drew 642 exhibitors and 2,923 entries from 4-H and FFA youth. Scheduled for July 21-25, 2027.
90 I Ave, Nevada, IA 50201 Official event details - Woodbury County Fair
Moville fair held since 1928 at the Woodbury County Fairgrounds, reporting about 70,000 visitors and paid gate admission. Scheduled for August 4-8, 2027.
206 Fair Street, Moville, IA 51039 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 State Fair 4-H and FFA Competitions
FFA members enter livestock and static classes including beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats, horse, poultry and rabbit at the Iowa State Fair, with online entries. Held each year during fair week; the 2027 fair is August 12-22.
- Wapello County Regional Fair
Early-summer regional fair held in Eldon for Wapello County, one of the first county fairs on the Iowa calendar. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 16-20, 2026.
Eldon, IA Official event details - Worth County Fair
Northwood hosts the Worth County Fair in mid-June, among the earliest fairs of the Iowa season. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 16-20, 2026.
Northwood, IA Official event details - Big Four Fair Postville
Postville hosts the Big Four Fair Postville every year for Allamakee County, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 18-20, 2026.
Postville, IA Official event details - Benton County Fair
Benton County Fair in Vinton, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 23-27, 2026. Vinton hosts one of the earliest Iowa county fairs of the summer, in late June.
- Butler County Fair
Butler County Fair in Allison, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 23-27, 2026. Allison, the Butler County seat, holds the fair in late June with Benton County the same week.
Allison, IA Official event details - Mighty Howard County Fair
Late-June Cresco fair with junior livestock shows at the Reicks View Ag Education Center. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 23-27, 2026.
Cresco, IA | 563-547-3400 Official event details - Greater Jefferson County Fair
Fairfield fairgrounds host the 4-H and FFA livestock shows, horse show and exhibits; held each year, with the most recent dates June 22-29, 2026.
- Linn County Fair
Central City hosts the Linn County Fair every June with 4-H livestock and open-class exhibits; the most recent dates were June 24-28, 2026.
201 Central City Rd, Central City, IA 52214 | 319-929-3247 Official event details - Buchanan County Fair
Buchanan County Fair in Independence, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 6-11, 2026. Independence stages the Buchanan County fair in the first half of July.
Independence, IA Official event details - Dallas County 4-H Fair
Dallas County 4-H Fair in Adel, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 6-10, 2026. Adel hosts the Dallas County 4-H Fair, organized with ISU Extension and Outreach.
Adel, IA Official event details - Calhoun County Expo
Calhoun County Expo in Rockwell City is the county's fair, with 4-H and FFA exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 6-11, 2026.
Rockwell City, IA Official event details - Wright County Fair
Eagle Grove fair for Wright County with 4-H and FFA exhibits in north central Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 6-11, 2026.
Eagle Grove, IA Official event details - Buena Vista County Fair
Buena Vista County Fair in Alta, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7-11, 2026. Alta, in northwest Iowa, is the site of the Buena Vista County fair.
Alta, IA Official event details - Hardin County Fair
Eldora fair held in early July with 4-H and open class exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7-11, 2026.
Eldora, IA Official event details - Iowa County Fair
Marengo fair with 4-H and FFA shows and a livestock sale. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7-11, 2026.
Marengo, IA Official event details - Monona County Fair
Onawa hosts the western Iowa Monona County Fair with 4-H and FFA exhibits; held each year, most recent dates July 7-12, 2026.
1201-1323 Gaukel Dr, Onawa, IA 51040 | 712-423-2214 Official event details - Shelby County Fair
Harlan fair at the Shelby County Fairgrounds with a Floral Hall exhibit area and a closing livestock auction in past years. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7-11, 2026.
Harlan, IA Official event details - Mills County Fair
Malvern fairgrounds in southwest Iowa host the county fair, including 4-H exhibits; held each year with the most recent dates July 9-14, 2026.
61317 315th St, Malvern, IA 51551 | 712-624-8616 Official event details - Wyoming Fair
Wyoming hosts the Wyoming Fair every year for Jones County, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 9-11, 2026.
Wyoming, IA Official event details - Marion County Fair
Knoxville fairgrounds host the Marion County Fair, a week of 4-H, FFA and open-class competition each July; most recent dates were July 10-16, 2026.
1000 N Lincoln St, Knoxville, IA 50138 | 641-842-5431 Official event details - Carroll County Fair
Carroll County Fair in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-18, 2026. The Carroll County fair is held at Coon Rapids, with a week-long July schedule.
Coon Rapids, IA Official event details - Clarke County 4-H Fair
Clarke County 4-H Fair in Osceola, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-18, 2026. Osceola hosts the Clarke County 4-H Fair, run through ISU Extension and Outreach.
Osceola, IA Official event details - Decatur County 4-H & FFA Fair
Leon county fair built around Decatur County 4-H and FFA exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-19, 2026; check the county extension fair page for the show schedule.
Leon, IA Official event details - Delaware County Fair
Manchester county fair run by the Delaware County Fair Society, with a swine weigh-in earlier in the year and 4-H livestock shows. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-18, 2026.
Manchester, IA Official event details - Franklin County Fair
Free-gate Hampton fair with horse, sheep, rabbit, swine, dairy, beef and poultry shows. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-19, 2026.
1008 Central Ave W, Hampton, IA, Hampton, IA 50441 Official event details - Greene County Fair
Jefferson fair with 4-H exhibits and livestock shows. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-19, 2026.
Jefferson, IA Official event details - Winneshiek County Fair
Decorah's Winneshiek County Fair brings 4-H and FFA youth together in northeast Iowa's Driftless region. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-17, 2026.
Decorah, IA Official event details - Decatur County 4-H and FFA Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-19, 2026. Decatur County 4-H and FFA Fair is hosted in Leon in Decatur County, Iowa.
Leon, IA Official event details - Keokuk County Expo
The Keokuk County Expo in Sigourney, Keokuk County, is a yearly Iowa community event. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-17, 2026.
Sigourney, IA Official event details - Audubon County Fair
Audubon County Fair in Audubon, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 13-18, 2026. Audubon County exhibitors show projects at the county fair in mid-July.
Audubon, IA Official event details
Plus 78 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Iowa directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.