Swine
The 4-H swine program is part of the animal science project. The program will help you learn about the selection, production, breeding and management of swine. If you have already signed up for this 4-H project, come on in and get started. If you haven't signed up yet, contact your county 4-H office and become a member today.
- Learn the basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more head of livestock.
- Gain knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management practices.
- Learn nutritive value of swine products and promote their use.
Ideas for Project Area Learning!
- Prepare to show your swine at the fair.
- Outline a pig health care plan.
- Plan swine breeding.
- Learn about swine genetics.
- Understand swine management practices.
- Learn how to judge.
- Formulate a swine ration.
- Plan and conduct a pork promotional activity.
- "Adopt" a younger person and help him or her explore the swine project.
Project Area Events
Iowa 4-H Contact
Celine Beggs
Share What You Learn With Others!
Communication
- Give a tail docking demonstration.
- Design a poster on parts of the animal.
- Participate in a judging contest giving oral reasons.
Citizenship
- Volunteer your baby pig for Ag. in the Classroom at school.
- Participate in a 'food-for-life' project donating to food pantries.
- Volunteer to help at the county livestock judging event at the swine station.
Leadership
- Lead a swine showmanship session prior to your county fair.
- Lead other 4-H members in participating in local pork producer events.
- Teach others how to safely handle swine at a FSQA session.
Exhibit Ideas
Participate in the 4-H swine show.
- Market
- Breeding
- Showmanship
Exhibit, notebook or display showing what you've learned in a swine-related topic.
- Nutritive value of pork
- Hog by-products
- Daily routine in caring for animals
- Section and how to judge a market or breeding hog
- Explaining how to read pig ear notches