Enjoy learning the different breeds, swine body parts, selection, exploring the digestive system, exploring swine diseases, identification of the different meat products and many more exciting things in the swine industry. Hands on activities including practicing fitting and showing swine, managing baby pigs, balancing a ration, and designing a swine operation are just a few of the many opportunities that are ahead in this project.
Curriculum
Curriculum
Curriculum
Make sure you own and are managing your swine animals by the following dates to be eligible fot he Missouri State Fair: Breeding gilts 90 days prior to show; breeding boars since farrowing; market hogs 90 days prior to show. Check with your local University of Missouri Extension center for local requirements, dates, etc. To exhibit your livestock project at the Missouri State Fair, you must be a member in good standing in 4-H. To maintain your good standing, you must comply with the 4-H Food Quality Assurance Policy.
4-H Food Quality Assurance Policy
Objective: To increase the knowledge and awareness of Missouri youth about food quality issues related to animal production.
Who should take SMQA: All 4-H members enrolled in food animal projects (including beef, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, meats, meat and dairy goats, rabbits, and poultry) must complete the appropriate level of Missouri Show Me Quality Assurance (MSMQA) certification to be considered 4-H member in good standing in that project. Additionally, members must complete their MSMQA program by June 1 to participate in the Missouri State Fair. Other county good standing guidelines may also apply. Check with your local 4-H youth specialist for current local guidelines.
The Program: The Show Me Quality Assurance Program consists of two parts. The information presented is different in each part. Most counties alternate which part is presented each year; this is why it is required to take it two consecutive years in a row.
One part covers information on daily care and management; animal handling; farm/animal identification (Premise ID); reading feed labels; withdrawal times; and biosecurity (disease prevention).
The other part provides information on HACCP; animal health products; proper injection locations; carcass quality; and carcass value.
A refresher course is required when the 4-H member turns 14. After that is completed, the 4-H is certified through age 18.
Definitions of terms:
For more information contact your local county Extension office or Dr. Marcia Shannon.
4-H exhibits and competitions are part of the fun of the Missouri State Fair. You won't want to miss this special event; visit the 4-H building to see the projects of our 4-H youth or catch the judging competitions. Whatever your niche, there is something for everyone. Bring the family! The Missouri State Fair is located at the intersection of Highways 50 and 65, and less than 20 miles south of I-70, Sedalia is roughly an hour from Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City.
The Meat Identification and Judging Contest has been developed to encourage 4-H members to develop skills and abilities needed to enter and advance in careers in the meat industry.