NYS 4-H Youth Development
Empire Swine Youth Scholarship Project Record
Empire Swine Youth Scholarship Contest Description
A swine project teaches youth the biology of monogastric animals (which are, in many ways, much like humans) through learning by doing.
The new York State 4-H Swine programs consist of the Empire Market Hog program, the swine breeding program and a variety of educational and competitive activities. All 4-H Swine projects can be completed at county level and at the New York State Fair.
A market hog program may be started with feeder pig(s) weighing about 40-50 pounds. The pigs are then fed for an additional 3 to 3 1/2 months until they weigh about 220-250 pounds, and are ready for market or showing at the fair. Carcass information can be obtained for evaluation and education.
In a breeding program, start with either purebred or crossbred gilt or sow. A gilt may be selected and reared from a feeder pig and later mated and cared for through gestation and farrowing for the next year's programs.
Keep complete records of all pigs for program evaluation and personal information.
Participants will learn practical aspects of animal nutrition, care and management, physiology, reproduction, marketing and bookeeping.
AUDIENCE: Youth 5 to 19 years of age.
PRIMARY RESOURCES:
- Information Resources on Swine Housing, Care and Welfare
- Ohio Kits are now available from here: Ohio 4H Learning Kits
- The 4-H Market Hog Project Reference Guide can be purchased from the Publications Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 112 Agricultural Administration Bldg., University Park, PA 16802. For information, phone 814-865-6713.
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Pork Quality Assurance booklets can be obtained from the National Pork Board, P. O. Box 9114, Des Moines, Iowa 50306,phone #515-223-2600, FAX 515-223-2646, e-mail: porkboard@porkboard.org
- Ohio State University Learning Lab Kits are available at the Ohio State website (linked above) or by contacting Communications and Technology Media Distribution (614) 292-1607 or E-mail pubs@ag.osu.edu to order.
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Swine Laws and Regulations
- Cornell Small Farms Program
- Annual NYS 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest
