The 2026 Indiana State Fair came to a close Sunday night, wrapping up another 17 days of food, fun and competition…but the spotlight also shined on some of Indiana’s best young livestock exhibitors.
The annual 4-H Supreme Showmanship competition is considered one of the premier showmanship events of the State Fair. Top exhibitors representing the cattle, sheep, goat and swine barns put their skills to the test, showing multiple species and demonstrating their knowledge, preparation and ability to handle animals they may not regularly work with.
“I’d say the swine was probably the hardest to show. I’ve shown pigs before, but it’s been a while for me.” Said the Supreme Showmanship Champion came out of Tipton County…Quentin Derrer.
He continued, “I was kind of at a loss for words. I’ve been working for this moment for the longest time ever, and when we had such a great weekend these past two weeks…This was just kind of a moment to wrap up my 4-H career.”
The event brings together some of the most accomplished 4-H showmen from across Indiana, with competitors advancing through several rounds before a Supreme Champion is selected.
Derrer, a 10 year 4-H member, left advice for the younger generation, “Just keep working. Take every opportunity that you’re given, no matter what.”
And as the final banners were handed out, Supreme Showmanship provided a fitting finale to the 2026 Indiana State Fair…celebrating the next generation of Indiana agriculture and the young people who will help carry it forward.
