Barrow Project 2018 Handbook South Carolina Youth Livestock Programs
Advisory Committee Dr. Tom Dobbins Allie Winter Katie Shaw Lindsey Craig Lee Van Vlake Director, Clemson Cooperative Extension 4-H Agent, Barrow Project Liason State 4-H Office Area Livestock and Forages Agent Area Livestock and Forages Agent The 2018 Barrow Project point of contact is Allie Winter: aewinte@clemson.edu, 803-359-8515. For immediate questions or concerns regarding your project animal or the project in general, please contact Allie. This will help save you time in getting the help you need. Registration deadline: Kick- Off, State Fair Grounds: State Fair Barrow Show: Important Dates June 8th, 2018 June 29th, 2018 October 16th, 2018
Project Overview The South Carolina 4-H Barrow Project is for youth who want to learn how to raise a barrow (castrated male pig) to market weight and produce a quality pork product. The end goal of this project is to have raised a wholesome, quality food product to sell or consume. This is a 4-5 month project where youth purchase a market pig that is expected to weigh around 70 pounds during at the project kick-off (June 29th, 2018). Pigs should be about 5-7 weeks old during this period. After kick-off, youth are expected to provide proper care and training for their pig for 4-5 months until they reach appropriate market weight of an absolute minimum of 220 pounds. The conclusion of the project is at the South Carolina State Fair (October 16th, 2018) where youth will either sell their pig to the project buyer or take home to have processed for personal consumption. The objectives of the 4-H Barrow Project are for youth: Ø To gain an understanding and knowledge of market hog production by preparing for, purchasing, caring for and keeping records on one or more market hogs. Ø To be able to identify the breeds and breed qualities of hogs and employ efficient methods for marketing them. Ø To identify the degree of quality, the wholesale and retail cuts of pork products and understand their importance in the human diet. Ø To understand the business aspects and economics of purchasing animals, feeds, facilities and equipment for a swine operation. Ø To develop integrity, sportsmanship, cooperation and the ability to speak in public through participation in related activities, such as demonstrations, talks, judging events, tours and exhibits. Ø To develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. During the project, youth should learn about the industry, nutritional needs, housing facilities, supplements, minerals, diseases, and general health practices that are important to the swine industry. There are several activities youth can participate in to learn about the care and handling of s wine animals and the swine industry. Some swine breed associations have junior memberships and activities. A few examples of swine related associations are breed specific associations such as, the National Junior Swine Association, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, or the Junior Purebred Swine Association. It is always a good idea to regularly check with local feed stores, newspapers, 4-H Extension Agents or FFA Advisors who may hear about or post swine related workshops or events. Another learning opportunity is the South Carolina Livestock Judging Contest. This contest challenges youth to develop a special vocabulary and knowledge of livestock anatomy and function, to correctly place animals, and verbally support their placing decisions. This event teaches youth observation, organization, and verbal skills which are critical to their development.
Participant Eligibility Each youth participant can weigh and tag up to four pigs per class (class 3 and 4) at the project kickoff, but may only select two, per class (a lightweight and heavyweight), to bring to the State Fair Barrow Show. Participants must: Ø be at least 5 years of age but not over 19 years of age on January 1 of the project year. o Youth between the ages of 5 and 8 require special consideration when working with livestock. It is expected that these youth will be under adult supervision at all times when around livestock. Ø be a current, member in active status of either 4- H or FFA. Ø have access to adequate shelter and space to house project barrow(s) for 4-5 months. Ø be responsible for all costs incurred during the duration of the project (feed, housing, veterinarian expenses, etc.). Ø be aware that often members only break even and some even lose money. It is a time consuming and sometimes costly project. The goal of a youth livestock project is learning and experiencing animal agriculture while developing life skills! Participant Responsibilities Participants are expected to treat all animals with respect and proper handling and care. No abuse of animals will be allowed. Any participant that is suspected of or determined to be abusing animals or acting in an unsportsmanlike manner can be dismissed from a show, removed from the project, or banned from future animal projects as deemed necessary by their respective 4-H or Livestock Agent and project committee. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own pigs, unless they select to participate in the Project Lottery Option. If a youth needs assistance finding a source to purchase a hog from, contact project liason. Pigs will be expected to reach at least 220 lbs by the State Fair Barrow Show. Do not cut corners on feeding and do not plan on only feeding table scraps! Youth are expected to ensure that their pig receives proper care by meeting health and nutrition needs, training is done in a safe and acceptable manner, and housing facilities are adequate. Youth are responsible for ensuring they are registered to show at the SC State Fair. Please confirm with the project liason that all your paperwork is submitted AND COMPLETE!!! Youth must submit the Barrow Show Record Book the morning of the State Fair Barrow Show in order to compete for the Overall Champion award.
Project Dates June 8th, 2018 June 29th, 2018 July 1 to September 1 September 2 to September 22 October 16th, 2018 Project application deadline Kick-Off Weigh in and tagging State Fair regular registration State Fair late registration (late fee applies) State Fair Barrow Show Initial Weigh-In The 2018 Barrow project will offer 2 options for this year's project. You may choose to provide your own barrow(s) or you may choose to draw from our lottery the day of Kick- Off on June 29th. You may choose to draw for up to 2 pigs (a light weight and a heavy weight pig). All barrows will be weighed and ear tagged at the kick off June 29th. To be eligible for the Barrow Project each animal (even those supplied privately) must be weighed and tagged during this time frame! Barrows should weigh around 70 pounds during this weigh-in period. Contact your County Extension Agent, FFA Teacher, or the SC Youth Livestock Program Coordinator for further information and assistance in registering for the project or finding pigs. Pigs must be castrated and completely healed before the Kick-Off day. The hog should be on feed by the beginning of June to reach 220 310 pounds by project completion. Recommended starting weights should be 45-55 pounds when started on feed. If ear tags are lost or fall out, the Project Coordinator must be notified immediately. Any project animal coming to the fair without a 4-H ear tag will not be allowed to enter the barn, unless notification to the Project Coordinator has been made prior to Entry Day.
State Fair Swine Scholarship Applications MUST be submitted to the Swine Superintendent by State Fair Due Date! The SC Farm Bureau, SC Pork Board, and SC Pork Producers Association sponsor two scholarships (1 st is $1,500 and 2 nd is $1,000) for youth showing swine at the State Fair. The competition is held the morning of the Barrow Show on October 16th, 2018. High School students in 10, 11, or 12 grade or currently enrolled in college are eligible. Applicants must be an exhibitor in the Junior Swine Purebred or Junior Barrow Show. Additional information on the scholarship competition may be obtained from the SC State Fair website. *Please confirm that your application was received prior to the deadline!* Sale of Barrows In past years the committee has arranged for a buyer for those who wanted to sell their market pigs at the conclusion of the Barrow Show. More recently, however, many project participants are required to participate in either County or Regional barrow shows after the SC State Fair, or in county or regional sales, or electing to have their animals processed for their own families to consume. If you are interested in having your barrow picked up by a project buyer at the conclusion of the show on October 16th 2018, for the market price only of your animal, please contact the project liason no later than September 1,2018. Keep in mind that the greatest gain in weight is often not the best meat animal and that barrows greater than 300 pounds may have a deduction per pound or may not taste the best. So once he reaches that ideal weight and age, don t wait too long to do something with him. Questions or Concerns Ø In questioning project rules or issues with your project you should contact the following people/groups in this order 1) Your leader, agriculture teacher, project helper or advisor 2) County Extension 4-H or Livestock Agent 3) Barrow Project Liason Ø When you may have an issue related to your project during the fair, please contact the following people/groups in this order 1) Your leader, agriculture teacher, project helper or advisor 2) Barrow Project Liason 3) State Fair Swine Barn Superintendent
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