Swine
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. Learn about an important industry in Kansas and the mid-west.
Explore your Spark!
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Things to Learn/Do in the Project
Age 7-9
- Identify parts of a hog
- Name different swine breeds
- Learn types of feeds
Age 10-13
- Purchase, feed and care for a market hog
- Identify symptoms, causes and treatments of swine diseases
- Study pork production from farrow to finish
Age 14 and Older
- 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
- Kansas Livestock Nomination DNA Hair Sample
- Animal Science Youth Livestock
- KSU Youth Livestock Educational Resources
Project Leaders Resources
Related Resources - Veterinary Science
- From Airdales to Zebras (ages 7-10)
- All Systems Go (ages 11-13)
- On the Cutting Edge (ages 14+)
- Veterinary Science Helper's Guide
- Nebraska 4-H Veterinary Science
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.
Awards and Recognition
County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
State Level
Award: Medallion
National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
