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.
Project Leader
Gary Gideon(620) 719-0612
ggideon73@gmail.com
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
- Kansas 4-H Swine Project Promotional Brochure
- 4-H Market Livestock Record
- Kansas 4-H Generic Record Form
- Starter Pig Recommendations
- Growing-Finishing Pig Recommendations
- Livestock Judging Guide
- Pig Pattern
- Kansas Livestock Nomination DNA Hair Sample
- Youth Livestock Safety
- Animal Science Youth Livestock
Project Leaders Resources
Additional 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
Donor: Kansas Livestock Association
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
Donor: Kansas Farm Bureau
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO
Donor: Joe Lewis Endowment
Meats Judging Contest
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO/KSU
State Swine Show, Kansas State Fair
Where: Hutchinson, KS
Award: Cash Premium and Trophy Buckle to Grand Champion
Donor: Grand Drive Committee, Kansas State Fair
Awards and Recognition
County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Kansas Pork Association
State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Kansas Pork Association
National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Kansas Pork Association
