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:

Sow Record:

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"