The California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) is excited to share several important updates to the Certified California Bred Program (CCBP) for 2026. These enhancements strengthen program integrity, expand recognition for exhibitors across the state, and better support breeders of all sizes. As always, our goal is to maintain, secure, and promote youth swine exhibition in California while increasing demand for California-bred market hogs and elevating the breeders who make that possible.

Below is a complete overview of what is changing for the upcoming program year, as well as our official announcement that we will be incorporating county fairs and festivals into the program:

Updated Breeder Categories

To better reflect the scale of participating breeders, the CCBP is moving from tracking “litters registered” to using sow inventory as the basis for program classification:

• Junior Breeder — 1–5 sows: $25
• (Juniors with more than 5 sows pay standard breeder rate)
• Small Breeder — 1–5 head: $250
• Medium Breeder — 6–20 head: $500
• Large Breeder — 21+ head: $750

New Registration Requirements

For 2026, breeders must complete the official CCBP litter sheet template before their registration is considered final. This ensures a consistent and verifiable record of eligible animals.

Registration Period: January 1 – March 31

Late Registration Option: Additional $100 fee, accepted only through April 30

As a reminder, all CCBP breeders must complete their CPPA Membership by April 30 to remain eligible.

These steps strengthen program consistency, traceability, and fairness across the entire exhibitor pipeline.

Certified California Bred Program at County Fair & Festivals

To expand opportunities for both exhibitors and breeders across the state, CCBP will now include California county fairs and festivals. This addition allows CPPA to recognize more youth exhibitors and also supports smaller breeders whose pigs may not travel to the our state’s major shows.

How to Qualify

Pig must be listed on the breeder’s registered litter sheet

• Exhibitor or breeder must submit results using the CCBP County Fair Winner Form (available on the CPPA website)
• A backdrop photo must be provided
• Qualifying exhibitor winners must be a paid youth member of CPPA by July 1

County Fair Awards

• Supreme & Reserve Supreme: Awarded banner
• 4-H/FFA Champions & Breed Champions: Recognized on CPPA social media and website
• Exhibitor and breeder highlighted across CPPA’s communication platforms

This expansion increases program visibility, while strengthening CPPA’s commitment to youth livestock education statewide and recognizing our breeders as well as youth members.

Major Show & Awards Structure

With the launch of the new CCBP County Fair Winner Program, the CPPA Board reviewed how state-level awards are administered. Because county fairs will now be recognized and awarded through CCBP, the Board determined that consolidating major state-level judging to one primary show would provide clarity, consistency, and a manageable structure for exhibitors, breeders, and the association.

After evaluating participation levels, exhibitor turnout, and program alignment, the CPPA Board selected the California Youth Ag Expo (CYAE) as the official major show for CCBP. CYAE continues to see strong growth, competitive depth, and robust support statewide—making it the most representative venue for state-level CCBP awards. Beginning in 2026, all official CCBP major show awards will be tied exclusively to CYAE.

CYAE Award Criteria

Class Winners

• Highest-placing CCBP barrow recognized in each class
• Ringside announcement + social media + blog/newsletter features

Breed Champions & Reserve

• Determined by the highest-placing CCBP pigs in the breed drive
• If no CCBP barrows place in the top 5, class winners may be brought back for selection

Overall CYAE CCBP Champion

• Awarded only if a CCBP barrow places in the Grand Drive Top 5
• If no CCBP barrow makes the Top 5, no overall champion is awarded

These updates collectively enhance program integrity, expand recognition, and ensure the Certified California Bred Program remains a trusted and impactful resource for breeders, exhibitors, and the broader California pork community. We look forward to supporting you through these updates and celebrating the success of California-bred market hogs in 2026.