What is the Swine Project?

The swine project teaches fundamental production methods of the swine industry. The swine project allows youth to explore the areas of animal husbandry, livestock selection and evaluation, health management and meat science. Swine projects include market hogs (terminal meat production), registered breeding swine (purebred breeding production) and commercial gilts (crossbred breeding production).

Objectives

• Develop life skills essential for becoming a skilled, productive and responsible citizen.
• Cultivate skills and interests that can assist in future career preparation.
• Develop quality leadership skills that promote positive youth development.
• Learn to value and apply ethical, industry-accepted practices and research findings in specific project areas.

Volunteer Opportunities

• 4-H livestock club leader
• Hosting and assisting with clinics
• Hosting and assisting with shows
• Pork quality assurance training

Resources

• National 4-H Curricula:
• Swine – Helper’s Guide
• Swine 1 – The Incredible Pig
• Swine 2 – Putting the Oink in Pig
• Swine 3 – Going Whole Hog

www.n4hccs.org; National Pork Board: www.pork.org

Project Opportunities

• Swine exhibition
• Swine premier exhibitor
• Agricultural demonstration speeches
• State Fair Livestock Quiz Bowl
• Livestock judging
• Meat ID & evaluation

Career Opportunities

• Swine breeder
• Veterinarian
• Feed sales/ nutritionist
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Equipment manufacturing & sales
• Research scientist
• Reproductive consultant & technician
• USDA grader/inspector
• Animal welfare specialist

Life Skills Developed through 4-H Swine Project

Head

Managing

• Goal setting
• Keeping records
• Wise use of resources

Head

Thinking

• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Learning to learn
• Service learning

Heart

Caring

• Empathy
• Nurturing
• Relationship building

Heart

Relating

• Communication
• Cooperation
• Social skills

Hands

Giving

• Community service
• Volunteering
• Leadership
• Responsibility

Hands

Working

• Marketable skills
• Self-motivation

Health

Living

• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Stress management
• Disease prevention
• Personal safety

Health

Being

• Self esteem
• Self-responsibility
• Character
• Managing feelings
• Self-discipline