Buying day to fair week: New educational 4-H swine videos from MSU Extension
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EmailDiscover the latest educational videos from MSU Extension designed to support 4-H families involved in swine projects for fairs.
Raising a show pig can present many questions, particularly for new 4‑H families or those looking to enhance their skills. To support and empower you, Michigan State University Extension has created a short video series focused on the basics of raising exhibition swine.
These videos provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance on key decisions, helping youth and families improve their pig-raising practices. The videos are housed on the MSU Extension 4-H Animal Science webpage.
The series includes videos on:
- Biosecurity and Health
Keeping your pig healthy starts with simple habits you can build into your daily routine. In this video, you’ll learn how diseases spread and what you can do to prevent them, like keeping boots and equipment clean, limiting outside contact and paying attention to where your pig has been. We also cover what a healthy pig looks like, signs that something might be wrong and when to ask a trusted adult or veterinarian for help. - Feeding and Nutrition
What you feed your pig each day has a big impact on how it grows and performs. This video explains the basics of pig nutrition in a way that’s easy to understand, including what’s in feed and why it matters. You’ll also learn how to build a consistent feeding routine, how to adjust feed as your pig grows, and how good nutrition helps your pig stay healthy and reach its goals. - Pig Identification and Regulation of Movement (Michigan)
Before heading to a fair or show, it’s important to make sure your pig is properly identified. In this video, you’ll learn what kind of ID your pig needs, why it matters, and what the rules are for moving pigs in Michigan. We’ll walk through it step by step so you can feel confident you’re doing things the right way. - Before and After Taking Your Pig to the Fair
Taking your pig to the fair is a big part of the 4-H experience, but it also comes with responsibility. This video covers how to get ready before fair week, what to keep in mind while you’re there, and what to do when you bring your pig back home. You’ll learn simple steps that help protect your pig and others from getting sick. - Selection and Judging
Choosing the right pig is an important first step in your project. In this video, we help you understand what to look for, including structure, muscle and overall balance. We also explain how judges evaluate pigs in the show ring so you can better understand what they’re looking for and how to prepare. - When to Get Your Pig
Getting your pig at the right time can make a big difference in your project. This video will help you figure out when to purchase your pig based on your fair date and target weight. You’ll also learn how growth rate, feeding and daily care all work together to help your pig stay on track.
These videos are meant for 4-H members, exhibitors, parents and leaders. They can be watched on your own, during a club meeting or workshop. Specifically designed for those new to the swine project, this series can help clarify the ins and outs of managing your project.
The Protecting Animal Health through Biosecurity website offers practical tools that promote good management practices for both fair and market livestock year-round. With quick-reference resources, signs and fact sheets focused on disease prevention and everyday biosecurity, this site helps exhibitors and producers apply healthy herd management practices and take simple steps to keep their animals and others healthy.
All videos within the series, along with additional 4-H animal science resources, are available through Michigan State University Extension.