The brightest stars of Indiana agriculture took center stage Sunday evening as the Indiana State Fair hosted the 2026 4-H Grand Drive Presented by Farm Credit Mid-America inside the historic Corteva Coliseum.
Often considered the championship event of the Indiana State Fair livestock competitions, the Grand Drive brings together the state’s top 4-H exhibitors to compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion. Months of hard work, dedication, and countless hours caring for their animals culminate under the lights as judges select Indiana’s very best.
“This is one of the most inspiring traditions at the Indiana State Fair,” said LeRoy Lewis III, Director of Community and Media Engagement for the Indiana State Fair. “The Grand Drive showcases the dedication, responsibility, and leadership of Indiana’s young people. These exhibitors represent the future of agriculture, and tonight’s champions have earned an incredible accomplishment through their commitment and hard work.”
During the evening, exhibitors competed across several livestock species, each vying for Grand Champion honors on the iconic dirt floor of Corteva Coliseum.
The 2026 Grand Champions are:
- Grand Champion Beef Steer: Hadley Hendrickson – Randolph County
- Grand Champion Meat Goat Wether: Colton Kephart – Johnson County
- Grand Champion Meat Goat Wether Dam: Brantley Wampler – Wayne County
- Grand Champion Market Lamb: Caroline Sullivan – Hancock
- Grand Champion Sheep Wether Dam: Dylan Achenbach – Tipton County
- Grand Champion Market Barrow: Ryder Lambright – LaGrange County
- Grand Champion Beef Heifer: Cohen Kober – Wells County
Reserve Champion honors were awarded to:
- Reserve Champion Beef Steer: Dylan Miller – Cass County
- Reserve Champion Meat Goat Wether: Caroline Sullivan – Hancock County
- Reserve Champion Meat Goat Wether Dam: Piper Unger – Sullivan County
- Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Sophie Tressler – Rush County
- Reserve Champion Sheep Wether Dam: Hadley Parker – Noble County
- Reserve Champion Market Barrow: Kinley Merrick – Elkhart County
- Reserve Champion Beef Heifer: Collin Deatsman – Kosciusko County
The Indiana State Fair congratulates all of this year’s Grand Drive participants and thanks the families, volunteers, judges, and agricultural leaders who continue to support Indiana’s strong 4-H tradition. Their commitment helps prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders while showcasing the excellence of Indiana youth.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair continues through August 23, closed Mondays. Fairgoers can experience award-winning entertainment, agriculture, 4-H competitions, family attractions, and new experiences celebrating this year’s theme, “Always a Hit”.