Tom Guthrie Michigan State University

Publish Date: July 16, 2014

Plan of Action Before purchasing your project pig, it is wise to have a plan of action to help you achieve the goals you have set for your project. Your goals may include finishing your market pig to the correct weight for its frame size, being in a competitive weight class and/or getting the best market price. To complete this plan and help attain the desired outcome, you will need the following information to develop your plan of action: 1. Number of days from date of purchase to date of show weigh-in 2. Expected Average Daily Gain of the pig you plan to purchase 3. Minimum and maximum weight ranges allowed at the show where you plan to exhibit.

Publish Date: August 7, 2017

According to federal law, as mandated by the U.S. Congress, all producers (adult or youth) selling pigs for any reason, regardless of purpose, age, or sex of the animal, must pay Checkoff dues assessments unless an exemption has been granted by the National Pork Board based on the requirements of the Organic Exemption Request Form. The goals of the Pork Checkoff program are to strengthen the position of and expand the markets for pork and pork products through research, promotion, and education. This fact sheet has been developed to help county fair boards and youth livestock sale committee personnel ensure compliance with the mandated federal Pork Checkoff. Most Pork Checkoff funds are collected and used for promotion, research, and education at the national level. However, funds from the Pork Checkoff are also remitted back to respective states where the animals are raised for promotion, research, and education at the state level.

Publish Date: July 16, 2014

No “one size fits all” recommendations can be made regarding parasite management of youth market hog project animals. Variables such as deworming treatments and other care given before purchase of the project animal, quality of the animal’s feeding program, sanitation, length of the project, environment, health status, and genetic factors may also influence performance.