Extension Corner: Registration underway for 4-H Pig Squeal project
It is that time of year — we are signing up 4-H'ers from across Etowah County to get involved with our Northeast Alabama 4-H Pig Squeal project. We’re encouraging students to sign up for this multifaceted project that will start early next year.
Participants need to register by Nov. 18; the cost is $150. The program fee covers two feeder pigs from a reputable swine nursery, that will already have needed vaccinations.
Participants will then join us for classes where they and their parents will receive training on what it takes to raise these animals efficiently and humanely. They will also go through the accredited Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program, where they will learn how to raise the safest food possible.
Jennifer Strawn, Etowah County’s 4-H Foundation regional Extension agent, cited the cross curricular learning opportunities provided by the project.
“Pig Squeal is a great example of the 4-H slogan ‘Learn by doing,’” she said. “Through record keeping, youth improve writing and math skills. They learn to budget as they buy feed and equipment for their hogs. Throughout the project, they use the engineering design process to repair and improve their hog pens. The thought they put into the project is impressive.”
Showing the hogs for a judge in the show ring is an important part of the project. Our students will learn the ins and outs of the showmanship project closer to the show and auction, which takes place in the late spring and is the pinnacle of the project.
Participants will bring at least one of their animals to auction. At the auction, they’ll show their hog, and community members will bid on it and can then send it straight to a processor to be butchered into humanely, locally raised pork products. The participants share the proceeds from the auction with 4-H, and get to process the other hog for their families.
This is one of our most exciting projects through the year as students learn so much responsibility and real-world skills. For more information, you can reach out to Strawn at 256-438-3506 or jas0319@auburn.edu.
If you have questions about Extension programs in our community, please reach out or stop by our office on the fourth floor of the Etowah County Courthouse at 800 Forrest Ave., call us at 256-547-7936 or visit us on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3otwUdl or online at https://bit.ly/3yniPCx.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal-opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have accessibility needs.
Eric Wright is extension coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: 4-H Pig Squeal registration underway
