Animal Science
4-H Swine Project
The Colorado 4-H Swine Project teaches youth how to care for, feed, and manage pigs while developing responsibility, goal setting, and record-keeping skills.
Beginners learn about pig anatomy, nutrition, diseases, evaluating animals, and producing safe, wholesome products. Intermediate members focus on management practices, exhibiting swine, technology in production, goal setting, and developing sportsmanship and public speaking skills. Advanced participants address current industry issues, gain leadership experience, explore swine-related careers, and build lasting friendships.
Livestock contests 4-H youth may participate in are Livestock Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Skill-a-Thon.
Project Overview
Project Options:
- Market Swine
- Breeding Swine
Starting Out – Beginner
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about swine
- Learn how to produce a safe, wholesome product
- Identify the parts of a pig
- Learn about nutritional requirements and different types of feed
- Practice evaluating swine
- Learn about a pig’s digestive system
- Identify common swine diseases
- Learn how to keep records
- Learn how to assume responsibility
Learning More – Intermediate
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Investigate technology’s impact on swine production
- Learn how to exhibit your animal
- Purchase, feed, and care for pigs
- Learn about goal setting
- Gain knowledge of sound management practices
- Develop sportsmanship and public speaking skills
Exploring Depth – Advanced
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn how to deal with current issues related to raising swine
- Gain leadership skills by helping others learn about swine
- Explore career opportunities in the swine industry
- Build lifelong friendships
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Swine require 8-12 feet per animal.
- They need a pen or a shelter from the weather.
- Swine for fairs are usually born between January 1st and March 1st.
- Good nutrition is critical for the success of the project. Visit with your Extension 4-H Specialist and your local feed store for feeding help.
- Clean water daily is essential for market swine.
- Swine need a way to cool off on hot days.
- Deworming is necessary to promote swine growth and health. Visit with your veterinarian for a deworming plan.
Careers
Pork Production Technician
Specialist who oversees the quality and processing of pigs
Feed Mill Manager
Responsible for overseeing the production, quality, costs and safety of the mill that produces feed for animals
Pork Checkoff Representative
A member of the National Pork Board who is responsible for the collection, distribution and program accountability of the Pork Checkoff
Boar Stud Manager
Directly responsible for carrying out the daily responsibilities of caring for the welfare of animals, including feed, water and management
Geneticist
A person who studies heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics
Feed Sales
A person who is responsible for the sale of livestock feed to livestock production facilities and dealers
A.I. Technician
Assist with impregnation in the breeding of livestock species
Veterinarian
Provide care for hogs to ensure they are healthy