{"id":862,"date":"2026-03-06T19:36:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T19:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/jefferson\/?post_type=4h-project-cpt&p=862"},"modified":"2026-03-11T21:40:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:40:34","slug":"market-swine-project","status":"publish","type":"4h-project-cpt","link":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/jefferson\/4h-project\/market-swine-project\/","title":{"rendered":"4-H Market Swine Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Animal Science<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jefferson County 4-H Market Swine Project<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Raising and showing market swine gives youth a hands\u2011on chance to learn responsibility and essential animal\u2011care skills. While starting out can feel overwhelming, the Market Swine Project introduces members to the basics of selecting, feeding, managing, and showing pigs. Exhibitors are encouraged to ask questions and seek support as they gain confidence throughout the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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vIEW sTATE 4-H pROJECT iNFO<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
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How to prepare for purchasing your animal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before purchasing an animal and bringing it home, it is important to consider the needs of that animal. First, you need to decide if your pigs will be kept indoors or outdoors. You can change existing facilities or build a new one. A well-drained pasture or lot enclosed with net wire fencing and containing a shed for protection from inclement weather works well as housing for show pigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pigs grow better if there is another pig in the pen or at least if they have fence line contact (fence or divider built so pigs can see each other). Regardless of the facility you use to house the show pig, it is handy to have a fenced area available to exercise the pig and practice showmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pigs kept in a pen inside a building should have at least 8 square feet of pen space per pig when several pigs are housed together. But for only one or two pigs, it is recommended at least a 5-foot \u00d7 10-foot or similar size pen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For pigs housed outside with a shed for shelter, provide at least:<\/p>\n\n\n\n