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:

• Swine Manual
• NYS 4-H PORK PRODUCTION, Mimeo Series #97
• NY SWINE PRODUCTION GUIDE, 1983, Mimeo Series #68
• RAISING SWINE ON SMALL FARMS IN NEW YORK, Mimeo #61
• FEEDS AND FEEDING FOR 4-H FINISHING HOGS - Mimeo #62
• SWINE FEEDING RECORD, R-4-6c
• SWINE HANDBOOK (WMPS-8)
• PORK INDUSTRY HANDBOOK ($30)
• JUDGING HOGS
• A GOOD SWINE SHOWMAN
• THE STARTING OF FEEDER PIGS
• HOG IS MAN'S BEST FRIEND
• PORK -- SLAUGHTERING, CUTTING , PRESERVING AND COOKING
• ON THE FARM, USDA Bull. #2265
• SWINE BREEDING HERD RECORDS
• 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.

• 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

• National Pork Board: www.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.

Available: 250 Morrison Hall, CU, Ithaca, NY 14853-4801

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES:

Slide Sets:

• MEAT JUDGING CLASSES
• INTRODUCTION TO SWINE MANAGEMENT
• BROOD SOW AND LITTER
• SWINE HEALTH CARE
• SWINE NUTRITION
• FEEDER PIG SELECTION
• FITTING AND SHOWING SWINE
• SWINE BREED IDENTIFICATION

Videotapes:

• FITTING AND SHOWING 4-H MARKET SWINE
• 4-H SWINE JUDGING
• SWINE PRODUCTION
• Pork - Live hog and carcass evaluation
• 4-H Swine projects
• Baby pigs management

Here is a system of Web pages created by California 4-Her's with plenty of porcine fun and information:

A swine page by Orange County (California) 4-H kids