Swine Project

    'Super Swine'

Pigs are purchased in early December in order to be at the correct weight by Maricopa Fair time in April.  The pigs weigh between 40-60 lbs when purchased and have an average weight gain of 1.5 pounds per day in order to be between 215 and 280 pounds by fair time.  Members purchase their pigs from an auction or direct from breeders both in-state and out-of-state.  The pigs purchased are show pigs, bred for quality and include Hampshire, Chester White, Durocs, Yorkshire and Cross breeds. Critical characteristics in a quality pig include the muscle pattern, leanness and soundness. 

We ask that members purchase Swine Resource Handbook for Market and Breeding Projects -  http://pubs1.cals.arizona.edu/4hsales/order.cfm. Information on how to purchase the handbook will also be available at Super Swine meetings.

Project members are required to keep records, track their pigs’ weight and growth, expenditures, and community activities.  They exercise their pigs several times a week to increase muscle development as well as working on showmanship skills.

Topics covered during the year are presented by the members:

• Characteristics to Look for in Selecting a Pig
• Review of Swine Breeds
• Ear Notching
• Building a Pig Pen
• Parts of  a Pig
• Proper Feeding of the Pig
• Quality Assurance - to ensure that livestock are properly fed and handled so that the end product is safe for human consumption.
• How to Read a Feed tag
• Tools for Showmanship
• Cuts of pork
• Grooming your pig for the show
• List of items needed for the fair

During the year, there are several opportunities to show pigs including, Arizona Classic (Pinal County), Belt Buckle Bonanza (Buckeye) and the Maricopa County Fair (Phoenix), http://www.maricopacountyfair.org/.   Local practice sessions will also be organized by the project leaders. Entry forms and further information is provided to members at the club meetings.

The Swine Project is involved in community service activities/volunteer opportunities.  The members elect club officers at the beginning of the year.

For further questions, you may contact the Swine Leaders listed above.

More Projects: [ QC4H Arts & Crafts Project ] [ QC4H Beef Project ] [ QC4H Clover Kids Project ] [ QC4H Computer Project ] [ QC4H Dog Project ] [ QC4H Food & Nutrition Project ] [ QC4H Goat Project ] [ QC4H Horse Project ] [ QC4H Knitting Project ] [ QC4H Lamb Project ] [ QC4H Market Goat Project ] [ QC4H Photography Project ] [ QC4H Sewing Project ] [ QC4H Shooting Sports & Outdoor Discovery Project ] [ QC4H Small Stock Project ] [ QC4H Swine Project ] [ QC4H Teen & Leadership Project ]

Updated 11/03/2009 by webmaster