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Info
SWINE
PROJECT
ORANGE ACRES BACKBREAKERS
YEAR: 2005-2006
Leader: Laura Barnes Contact
Info
Scheduled Meetings: First Monday of each month, 7:00PM at the Calderwood's,
plus occasional field trips and week-end meetings. Bring your swine
folders to each meeting.
| Goals: | To learn as much as you can about your pig. This includes the parts of the pig, how to care and feed, and how to show. And, of course, to have fun! |
| What to expect: | You should have a pig for this project, although it is not a requirement. Piglets are usually purchased in March directly from a breeder. Meetings before you purchase the animal cover conformation, different breeds, parts of the animal, and general information - you will learn how to select your animal. The emphasis is on creating a quality and healthy meat product for the consumer. After members purchase their pigs you will learn how to work with them and how to show them. There will be some one-on-one time scheduled with Teen and Junior leaders for assistance in getting your pig trained and for general guidance. You will also learn creative marketing ideas if you should choose to find a private buyer rather than sell your animal through the auction at the fair. The pigs are too young for Youth Expo so they will not need to go to the fairgrounds during Youth Expo. |
| Time Required: | Meetings are one day each month, daily care of your pig, cleaning the stall, weighing, plus Youth Expo and the Orange County Fair |
| Effort Required: | During the year there will be regular
weigh-ins to track the progress of your animal. The scale is
transportable and will be moved to the animal's location if
possible. Members are required to be present during weigh-ins and
other field visits to assist, observe, and record their animal's
progress. In addition to caring for your animal, you will be
expected to participate in Youth Expo and the Orange County Fair: YOUTH EXPO (a "learning fair" of 2-3 days) You are required to make a poster or display ORANGE COUNTY FAIR (1 week of the 3 week fair) You may make a new poster or display, or use the one from Youth Expo Show your animal Showmanship (you and your pig are judged) Conformation (just your pig is judged) Your pig will then go to auction (mandatory for Grand champion) or a private buyer |
| Estimated Costs: | Most members will buy their pig directly from the breeder. The pig will cost a little over $100 (as always, you can spend more). Feed will cost another $200 from the time you purchase your animal in March until the Fair in July. You will need a show stick (about $10). And you will need a place to keep your animal. |