Want to learn about raising, caring and managing a market or breeding hog? Enroll in the swine project where members learn to select, manage and show animals for meat production. This exciting and unique project helps participants learn about an important industry in Kansas and the mid-west.
Explore your Spark! |
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Things to Learn and Do
Every 4-H project offers a variety of activities and learning opportunities to suit your interests and strengths. Whether you're just getting started or taking your knowledge to the next level, there are several activities to learn and do throughout your project experience! |
Beginner
- Identify parts of a hog
- Name different swine breeds
- Learn types of feeds
Intermediate
- Purchase, feed and care for a market hog
- Identify symptoms, causes and treatments of swine diseases
- Study pork production from farrow to finish
Advanced
- Learn effect of genetics on reproduction
- Study breeding systems and performance data
- Explore career opportunities in the swine industry
Project Materials
Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.
Market Swine (SW100)
- Select, raise and show a market hog
- Members must own all animals
- Market gilts should not be returned to the breeding herd
- Market pigs are purchased at 2-4 months of age and sold at 265-290 pounds
- The Incredible Pig (ages 7-10)
Breeding Swine (SW200)
- Select, raise and show a breeding gilt
- Manage own breeding herd and raise and market hogs
- Putting the Oink in Pig (ages 11-13)
- Going Whole Hog (ages 14+)
General Swine Resources
- Starter Pig Recommendations
- Growing-Finishing Pig Recommendations
- Livestock Judging Guide
- Animal Science Youth Livestock
- KSU Youth Livestock Educational Resources
- A Champion's Guide to Youth Swine Exhibition
- Influenza Transmission Prevention at Swine Exhibitions
Project Leaders Resources
Related Resources - Veterinary Science
Awards and Recognition
County Level
Medal presented at your 4-H award recognition event
State Level
Medallion and Scholarship to attend National 4-H Congress
- Participants may attend National 4-H Congress once as an active 4-H member
National Level
Represent Kansas at National 4-H Congress
Events and Activities
State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
(Includes Livestock Judging Contest, Quiz Bowl, Skillathon and Meats Judging Contest)
When: August
Where: Manhattan, KS
Livestock Judging Contest
- Award: Trip to Louisville, KY All-Star Judging Team
- Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
- Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO
Meats Judging Contest
- Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
- Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO/K-State University
State Swine Show (Grand Drive), Kansas State Fair
Where: Hutchinson, KS
- Award: Cash Premium and Trophy Buckle to Grand Champion
Junior Swine Producer Day
Where: Manhattan, KS
When: March, odd numbered years
- Junior producer days are held to provide educational material and hands-on experiences for youth, parents, leaders, and extension agents. Various speakers share information on topics such as selection, nutrition, showmanship, fitting, reproduction, feeding, and disease control. Talks, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and door prizes are present at all events. Beef and Sheep days are held in the even years and Swine and Meat Goat days are held in the odd years.
Next Steps - Career Exploration
Completing a successful 4-H project is just the beginning of finding your spark. Members can take several meaningful steps to further develop skills and interests. Learn more about these exciting opportunities in career exploration: