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Swine Project

The Larimer County Swine Project is a great way to learn about animal husbandry and overall care. Youth in the Swine project interact with research-based information that encourages confidence, character-building, industry knowledge, and sportsmanship. Youth will can learn how to properly care for an animal and how to keep accurate records.

Why Participate in a Swine Project:

  • Opportunity to learn about raising a market animal
  • Build budgeting skills
  • Learn about accurate record-keeping
A teenager guides a pig/hog
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Please note:

On occasion, workshop dates may need to change. Please check the Clover Connection and/or Livestock Calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Swine Project Workshops

  • May 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Benefits of Working with Your Veterinarian/Animal Health
    • 4-H, Youth, and Community Arena
  • June 7 - 8
    • Swine Camp
    • 4-H, Youth, and Community Arena
  • June 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    • Record Keeping
    • 4-H, Youth, and Community Arena

Round Robin Workshop

The Extension office will be hosting a Round Robin Clinic that will have all 7 species. Extension office will use experienced showman to help demonstrate how to show each of the respected animals. 

  • July 10, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • 4-H, Youth, and Community Arena

MQA Training

  • Friday, May 17, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall, McKee 4-H Building, The Ranch.
  • The training will take between an hour to one and half hours to complete. You do not have to be there the entire time. Please arrive by 6:30 p.m. in order to complete the training in a timely manner.
  • If this is your first year in 4-H or your first year in a livestock project you must attend. You must  attend once as a Junior member, ages 8 to 13 and once as a Senior member, ages 14 - 18 as of December 31, 2023. All eight year olds and all 14 year olds must attend this year. 

Youth enrolled in the swine project should:

  • Establish your project goals.
    • These goals can involve internal growth as a 4-H member, community connections, or even competition goals. 
    • We suggest setting goals before purchasing an animal because it will allow you to focus on animals that will allow you to achieve your goals. 
  • Determine what you have for a budget for the upcoming year.
    • Things to consider when setting a budget:
      • Facility/ housing
      • Purchasing an animal
      • Vet expenses
      • Feed cost
      • Travel
      • Equipment Expenses
  • Complete their e-Record/ Record Book

Requirements to Participate in the County Fair:

  • Your animal must have a Premise ID
  • You must attend MQA (meat quality assurance) training at minimum:
    • Your first year as a junior
    • Your first year as a senior
  • Submit your animal ID/photos
    • Swine projects are required to submit their animal ID in 4-H online and submit a paper copy as well.
  • Weight requirements: 225 lbs. to 285 lbs.
  • Attend any mandatory sale meetings

Starting Out - Beginner

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn about swine
  • Learn how to produce a safe, wholesome product
  • Identify the parts of a pig
  • Learn about nutritional requirements and different types of feed
  • Practice evaluating swine
  • Learn about a pig's digestive system
  • Identify common swine diseases
  • Learn how to keep records
  • Learn how to assume responsibility

Learning More - Intermediate

Inspiring youth to:

  • Investigate technology's impact on swine production
  • Learn how to exhibit your animal 
  • Purchase, feed, and care for pigs
  • Learn about goal setting
  • Gain knowledge of sound management practices
  • Develop sportsmanship and public speaking skills

Exploring Depth - Advanced

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn how to deal with current issues related to raising swine
  • Gain leadership skills by helping others learn about swine
  • Explore career opportunities in the swine industry
  • Build lifelong friendships

All project manuals are received through the Larimer County 4-H Extension office. These will be distributed to 4-H members through their organizational leaders (club leaders) after enrollment is complete. For more information on enrollment visit Join 4-H.

4-H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year.

Record Book Check-In Sheet

Junior:

Intermediate:

Senior:

Project Letter

Thinking about signing up for the Swine Project? Already enrolled but have questions? Contact:

 

Bailey Schilling
4-H Livestock Agent
970-498-6022
schillbw@co.larimer.co.us

To print all upcoming events, select "Agenda" and then "Print"

Non-Discrimination Statement

Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English. Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.

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