SAE:

 Raise a market hog for show

Description:

-Raising a market hog for showing is one of the easiest animal projects. It requires very little space. Usually a 32 X 48 feet pen, built with 10 hog panels, is ample size and provides plenty of exercise and training room. Two pieces of plywood or sheet metal are needed for shade and shelter. A small, two-hole feeder that can be built in the Ag shop is also required. Also needed are a water nipple and a barrel for feed storage. The Ag department usually furnishes clippers. A whip and brush are necessary for showing.

-Pigs may be purchased for various prices, starting as low as 50 dollars and going higher.

-Feed will be the greatest of all of the variable costs. Feed can be purchased by the bag or in bulk. However bagged feed can be bought as needed in small quantities and should remain fresher. Balanced nutrition should not be sacrificed for low cost.

-This project builds a basic foundation for skills in bookkeeping, swine nutrition, animal health, and management. It also provides an opportunity to meet other FFA members from across the state.

-Hog Shows offer a chance to recover some or all of the costs, through prize money for showmanship and class placing.

-Finished hogs may be sold to meat packers or friends and relatives for the home freezer.

Factors To Consider

Ranking:
1 = lowest
10 = highest

Time required

3 

Investment

 2

Equipment needed

 1

Skills required

 3

Facilities required

 1

Land required

 2

Labor Intensity

 2

Potential for income

 1

Transportation required

 1

Expansion possibilities

 6

Expertise needed

 3

Advertising needed

 1

Susceptible to disease

 4

Susceptible to insects

 1

Suitable for residential areas

 1

Other (specify)

Length of production cycle

 4 Months

Regional

 Statewide

When to start project

 Summer & Fall

Notes:

  Avoid sickness and diseases through proper bio-security.

Sources of Additional Information:

  Area Livestock Teachers

  Extension Publications