Swine

In the Swine project, students learn about selection, evaluation, nutrition, healthcare, reproduction, marketing and more while developing important life skills like responsibility, hard work, decision making, communication, and critical thinking. 4-H animal projects are a unique way to teach vital life skills through the use of a project animal. All eligibility requirements are made by the grade the student was on January 1, 2024.

This project is open to students from 3rd – 12th grade. 3rd grade students are only eligible to compete in the County show. 4th – 12th grade students are eligible to compete in the County, Region, and State shows. Please see below if interested in showing animals.

Students can find their own animal to show or can participate in the 4-H Pig Pool. Participants are responsible for selling their own pigs after the showing season, though the 4-H office can provide assistance.

There are no capacity limits for this free-to-join project!

Each animal costs $20 to enter in the County, Region, and State shows.

The Swine project meets during the Animal Science program meetings. See meeting times here.

Washing Your Pig
Showmanship Keys
Training to Walk
Clipping Pig

County Swine Show

The Williamson County Swine Show is open to all exhibitors registered with Williamson County 4-H and is a great way to gain experience in showmanship and Market Hod/Commercial Gilt showing.

  • The Swine show will take place on December 7, 2024 a the Ag Expo Center, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064.

Show Schedule:

  • Check-in will begin at 1:00PM
  • Showmanship begins at 2:15PM
  • Commercial Gilt/Market Hog begins after Showmanship

Region Swine Show

The Central Region Swine Show is open to all 4th – 12th grade exhibitors registered with Williamson County 4-H by the entry deadlines listed.

All hogs must be owned, tagged, and entered by the Williamson County deadline of October 11, 2024.

The show will take place on January 7 – 8, 2025 at Tennessee Tech (Hyder-Burks Pavilion) – 2390 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Each animal costs $20 for entry.

Show Schedule (TBD)

  • Purebred Gilts
  • Purebred Market Hogs (230-305)
  • Prospect Pigs (195-229)
  • Crossbred Gilts (230-335)
  • Crossbred Market Hogs (230-305)

State Swine Show

The State Swine Show is open to all 4th – 12th grade exhibitors registered with Williamson County 4-H by the entry deadlines listed.

The show will take place on January 08 – 11, 2025 at Tennessee Tech (Hyder-Burks Pavilion) – 2390 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Each animal costs $20 for entry.

Show Schedule: 2024 State Show Schedule

Show Handbook: 2024 Swine Show Handbook

We highly encourage exhibitors to also compete in the following educational contests that take place at the same time. Links will be updated as they become available.

Carcass Class â€“ Each exhibitor may participate in the Carcass class by having one of their pigs evaluated via ultrasound to determine carcass quality (muscle and leanness). To learn more about the Ultrasound Carcass Class, click on the Overview below. There will be a specific designated time for exhibitors to have their animals go through the ultrasound process.

What is 4-H?

4-H is a youth development organization dedicated to hands-on educational programming and offers a unique blend of learning and fun! 4-H instills essential life skills like recordkeeping and responsibility, setting your student up for success in academics and beyond. With access to college scholarships and leadership roles, 4-H empowers youth to thrive as future leaders. 4-H’ers get many opportunities to exercise citizenship, which fosters a sense of community and global awareness and nurtures well-rounded individuals.

Through fun, educational experiences and the lifelong friendships forged within the 4-H community, your child will grow both academically and personally, laying a strong foundation for a bright and promising future!

Interested in more classes with Extension?

Doug Berny

Doug Berny

A native of South Texas, Doug grew up on a family owned and operated Dairy Farm and is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Animal Science. Doug has extensive experience in poultry, beef cattle management, communications, and coordinates the Livestock project groups and associated judging teams.


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