My name is Abby, I’m from the birthplace of 4h, and I am an expert on showing pigs. I am in my seventh year of 4h, I’m seventeen and I joined when I was eleven. I first showed a pig in my third year of 4h, when I was fourteen. The next year I showed my dog, but every year after that I’ve shown pigs. When showing pigs for 4h, you will buy one from a breeder at an auction or from their barn. You should be purchasing your pig around the beginning of April and pigs should be off fairgrounds by late July. If you’re sending your pigs to the butcher, the fair workers will take the pigs. If you’re keeping your pig, to breed or keep as a pet, then you take your pig home yourself.
Being a 4h Member and Judging
4h member must join a club, some clubs are for specific projects, others are for a variety of projects. At club meetings, you can ask questions and discuss what you need to do for your project and how to do it. My club helps me prepare to show my pigs, if I had any questions I could ask my club. You must complete a project book to show your pig, this book shows judges your knowledge of pigs. Once you’ve been judged you get a ribbon, I have several Grade A ribbons for my project books. While showing your pig in the ring, the judge may ask you questions. These questions may be about showing or about your pig specifically, so it’s best to have an answer ready.
Pork Producer Certification
Before you show certain animals you have to get certifications. I had to be certified for the title of pork producer in order to show pigs. Getting the title of pork producer is something you must do every two years. It isn’t hard to get certified, you just show up to a pork producer clinic, provided by 4h, and participate. At the clinic, a certified pork producer will go through a presentation about properly taking care of pigs. They will ask questions throughout the presentation and might give you a short test at the end. If you participate, by answering questions, and pass the test, if given one, you get your certification.
I keep my pigs at a pig farm, the owner of the farm, Mark, has raised, shown, and bred many state champion pigs. Mark, my club, and many members of the 4h pig community have helped me become the expert I am today.
4H website (Clark County specific)- https://clark.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development