Grand Drive champions announced at State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 4-H Grand Drive, presented by Farm Credit Mid-America, shined the spotlight on the top 4-H exhibitors in Indiana.

The 2026 grand champions are:

• Beef Steer — Hadley Hendrickson, Randolph County.

• Meat Goat Wether — Colton Kephart, Johnson County.

• Meat Goat Wether Dam — Brantley Wampler, Wayne County.

• Market Lamb — Caroline Sullivan, Hancock County.

• Sheep Wether Dam — Dylan Achenbach, Tipton County.

• Market Barrow — Ryder Lambright, LaGrange County.

• Beef Heifer — Cohen Kober, Wells County.

Reserve champion honors were awarded to:

• Beef Steer — Dylan Miller, Cass County.

• Meat Goat Wether — Caroline Sullivan, Hancock County.

• Meat Goat Wether Dam — Piper Unger, Sullivan County.

• Market Lamb — Sophie Tressler, Rush County.

• Sheep Wether Dam — Hadley Parker, Noble County.

• Market Barrow — Kinley Merrick, Elkhart County.

• Beef Heifer — Collin Deatsman, Kosciusko County.

“This is one of the most inspiring traditions at the Indiana State Fair,” said LeRoy Lewis III, Indiana State Fair spokesperson.

“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.”

A new initiative, the Indiana Beef Youth Spotlight Foundation, raised $150,000 in awards for Indiana State Fair youth beef exhibitors this year. Learn more at indianabeefspotlight.com.