Swine Project Members Invited to “In the Show Ring” Program
The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) will be offering a program for youth involved in a 4-H or FFA swine projects on January 29 at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells. Parents, project leaders, and others involved in educating youth on swine projects are also invited. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m.
The program will highlight common topics that youth should consider during and after they purchase project animals in the spring. Selection, weights, feeding, and health topics will all be covered. Registration for this program is required, and is free for youth. Cost for adults is $10. To register, contact Wisconsin Pork Association at 1-800-822-7675, or download the registration form below.
9:00 Registration
9:30 Show pig health and vaccination schedule – Dr. Peter Bahnson, UW School of Veterinary Medicine
10:00 Selecting the right barrow for your fair – Brandon Gill, Pork Chop Ridge
10:30 Feeding for success in the show ring – Jarred Searls, Vita Plus
11:00 One on One with the Judge – Dave Graff
11:30 Career Opportunities in the Pork Industry – From Gate to Plate – Jim Magolski
12:00 Speaker questions, wrap-up.
12:30 Adjourn. Box lunches available.
Water park passes for the Kalahari are available for $27 per person. Interested individuals must notify WPA in advance if you plan to purchase, as we will be receiving a group discount. Chaperones are required – this activity will not be supervised by WPA. In addition, discounted room rates available at the Kalahari are available. Guests can stay Jan. 27, 28, or 29 for $104 per night. Call 1-877-253-5466 to make a reservation soon, as the rooms will book fast.
The “In the Show Ring” program is being held in conjunction with the Pork/Corn Soy Expo on January 28-29, which features a vast trade show, industry seminars, and organization annual meetings. For more details on the Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, contact WPA at the number above.
WPA to Host Forum for County Fair Swine Superintendents, Meat Animal Sale Committee Members
The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) would like to invite county fair swine superintendents, meat animal sale committee members, parents whose children are enrolled in the swine project and anyone else with a general interest in youth swine projects to attend an update session on January 29 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells. The program will begin at 1 p.m.
This program will provide an opportunity to discuss common issues faced by counties when establishing rules and criteria for pig shows and meat animal sales at local and county fairs. Pre-registration is required, as a minimum of 20 participants will be necessary to hold the program. To register, contact the Wisconsin Pork Association office at 1-800-822-7675 by January 20th, or download the registration form below. There is a $10 registration fee.
12:30 Registration
1:00 Welcome and Introductions
1:15 Ways to improve meat quality to ensure buyer satisfaction – Ron Russell, UW-Extension
1:45 Biosecurity considerations – what practices should you consider for weigh-ins? What about terminal shows? Bernie O’Rourke, UW-Extension
2:15 Animal handling – considerations for bringing animals to the fair, load-out, and running across the scale. Gary Onan, UW-River Falls
2:45 Guidelines for establishing show and sale rules – panel discussion. This is your chance to ask the questions that come from participants at the county level. Panel members will include – Gary Skalitzky, Jefferson County swine superintendent; Randy Thompson, UW-Extension Swine Team Member; and Mike Salter, Outagamie County swine superintendent. In addition, all of the previous speakers will be on hand to answer any remaining questions you might have.
3:15 Adjourn
This program is being held in conjunction with the 2010 Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, which features a vast trade show, industry seminars, and organization annual meetings. For more details on the Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, contact WPA at the number above.
County Fair Pig Show and Sale Forum Registration Form
In the Show Ring Registration Form