Swine
Swine, also known as pigs, are superstar contributors at both the dinner table and the fairgrounds. Not only are they fantastic at turning feed into delicious, protein-rich pork, but they're also a staple project animal at youth fairs. Raising swine teaches responsibility, animal care, and presentation skills to young exhibitors. Beyond food, swine provide us with valuable byproducts like leather for clothing and bristles for brushes. Their importance extends to the agricultural economy, with pig farming supporting livelihoods and contributing to rural communities worldwide.
Do to state swine health and safety rules, swine can only be shown in the youth show division, there is no open show available to swine. All swine shown at the fair must be sold for slaughter.
YOUTH SWINE
Swine Superintendent:
Alicia Kantola (231) 670-9156
Email: akantola@aol.com
All exhibitors must show their project animal without help from any leader or adult. Exhibitors must show and sell their own animal. Any exceptions must be made prior to fair and ruled on by the Livestock Committee. Any emergencies during the week of fair are at the discretion of the Livestock Committee.
2. Only one animal may be shown per exhibitor and MUST BE A BARROW.
3. Ownership of feeder pigs must be registered by May 1. Registration forms are available on the fairground’s web site at www.muskegonfairgrounds.com. The registration form must be filled out completely and three pictures, front, side & back, must be attached. Registrations not clearly showing the USDA Assigned tag in the pig’s ear will not be accepted. Name, address and phone number of the person/party where the pig originally came from must be on the registration form and the Name, address of where the animal is being housed must be included as well.
4. Eligible weights for market hogs are at least 220 lbs. minimum. They may not weigh more than 320 lbs. maximum. Weights will be to the pound. Any animal that does not make weight will not be eligible to compete in the Market Class. They will stay and may compete in Showmanship Class only. At the conclusion of fair, these animals will be transported to the Ravenna Livestock Sale and sold with the check being sent to the exhibitor. If the pig is deemed unfit to stay by the superintendent, it will be sent home. All other rules in the swine division will be in place for these “showmanship only” exhibitors. Only haulers approved by the Livestock Committee will be allowed to transport livestock. Owners may make slaughter arrangements for pigs that stay but did not make weight. These arrangements must be coordinated with the superintendent.
5. Only one trip across the scale is allowed. Swine weigh-in times are 6:30 am to 10:00 am.
6. Recommended weight for feeder pigs is to be given by the Swine Superintendent. Upon registration the feeder pigs must have the USDA premise ID Tag assigned in the right ear.
7. In case of accident, disease, or injury (as determined by the Swine Superintendent and one member of the Livestock Committee) hogs of equal quality may be exchanged upon request of the club leader and approval of the rules committee. Two representatives of the rules committee must see both animals before committee approval will be given. A written report, including pictures, must be submitted to the Swine Superintendent upon request. Substitutions must be recorded with the Superintendent by July 1st .
8. Hog weight and rate of gain shall be made available to the judge at the time of showing.
9. Swine showman must have completed record books to be eligible to show. Record books may be completed after weigh-in with final weights to calculate rate of gain. www.muskegonfairgrounds.com
10. Stall/Pen Reservation Fee form completed and turned in by March 1st to be eligible to register a market hog.
11. Failure to comply with posted barn rules may result in a $10 fine subject to Swine Superintendents discretion.
12. Mandatory pictures for the buyers will be taken following the swine show.
13. Club herd class will consist of three animals owned and shown by three different members of the same club.
14. No pigs are allowed on the fairgrounds, including the camp ground, outside of the Swine Division. This includes “Pot Belly” or pet pigs. 15. Due to Influenza A concerns, the fair will be conducting a 72 hour swine exhibit. Please see postings for entry requirements and activities for entire week of fair.
EXPLORER/MENTOR SWINE PROJECT- The swine Explorer class is open to 5-6 year old youth as an educational experience. They will participate in a non-competitive showmanship event. Participation ribbons will be awarded, but no premiums will be paid. Explorers may exhibit only one swine project animal under the guidance of a parent/adult or teen mentor age 13-19. The Explorer may only borrow a swine project by a teen mentor. Due to disease issues, no housing is available during the week AND no trailering your animal in for the swine show.
SECTION 1: SWINE SHOWMANSHIP
1-5 Place Ribbons; TROPHY, ROSETTE, & RESERVE ROSETTE
4001 EXPLORER 5-6 4002 SR. TEEN 15 & Older
4003 JR. TEEN 13-14 4004 PRE-TEEN 11-12
4005 NOVICE 7-10
GRAND CHAMPION SHOWMANSHIP RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SHOWMANSHIP
SECTION 2: BREEDING STOCK
CLASSES NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO BIOSECURITY ISSUES
SECTION 3: MARKET SWINE
1-5 Place Ribbons, TROPHY, ROSETTE, RESERVE ROSETTE
4006 MARKET SWINE – ALL WEIGHT CLASSES GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SWINE RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SWINE
4007 CLUB HERD
SECTION 4: MARKET PROJECT RECORD BOOK
4008 MARKET SWINE PROJECT BOOK