Virginia State Fair Market Swine Shows, 1997

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Virginia State Fair Market Swine Shows

Livestock Update, June 1997

Allen F. Harper, Extension Animal Scientist, Swine
Tidewater AREC, Suffolk, Virginia

There are several very successful youth swine events and shows conducted annually throughout Virginia. The success of these show is attributed to the excellent work of local Extension faculty and local volunteers and parents. Surely there are youngsters that would be interested in conducting a market hog project for both the local area show and The State Fair. Other family members too old or too young to participate in the Junior Show may opt for participation in the State Fair Open Market Hog Show which is held in conjunction with the Junior Show. Additionally, 4-H and FFA exhibitors are eligible to participate in both the Youth and Open Market Hog Shows at the Fair.

Frankly, live hog shows have only minimal impact on breeding and genetics decisions in the industry. But hog projects that culminate with a show are excellent youth education and development tools. And, they serve as industry promotion among the general public. Some specific advantages associated with participation in the State Fair Youth Market Hog Show include:

$500 additional "Virginia Futurity" prize monies for pigs bred and born in Virginia.

A youth scholarship program that awarded approximately $4,300 in scholarship deposits and participation awards last year.

An excellent opportunity to visit with other youth and families involved in swine projects and an opportunity to see all that is going on at the State Fair.

The following are some general rules and deadlines for the State Fair Open and Youth Market hog shows. Entry blanks are available on an as needed basis. Contact Allen Harper, Tidewater AREC,, 6321 Holland Rd., Suffolk, VA 23437 (Ph. 757-657-6450, ext 106).

State Fair of Virginia Open Market Hog Show
October 4, 1997 - 5:00 p.m.

Pig arrival is October 3, Noon - 4:00 p.m.; weigh in is October 3, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Hogs must be farrowed after April 15, 1997.
Entries close August 15, 1997.
Entry fee is $2.00 per head.
Entries limited to 7 head (i.e. 3 singles and 2 pairs).
Barrows and gilts only, show weight range is 215 to 265 lbs.

More detailed rules and entry forms appear in the State Fair catalog. Entry forms can be obtained by contacting Allen Harper, Tidewater AREC, 6321 Holland Rd., Suffolk, VA 23437 (Ph. 757-657-6450, ext 106).

State Fair of Virginia Youth Market Hog Show
October 5, 2:00 p.m.

Pig arrival is 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., October 4 (Pigs may also arrive with open class hogs, October 3)
Hogs must be farrowed after April 15, 1997.
Hogs must be separated and under the care of the exhibitor by July 22, 1997.
Entries close August 15, 1997.
There is no entry fee.
Record books are due October 5, 1997, by 8:00 a.m. Record books will be required for show participants.
Entries limited to 7 head (i.e. 3 single and 2 pair).
Barrows and gilts only, show weight range if 215 to 265 lbs.
4-H and FFA members currently enrolled in Virginia are eligible.

More detailed rules and entry forms appear in the State Fair catalog. Entry forms can be obtained by contacting Allen Harper, Tidewater AREC,, 6321 Holland Rd., Suffolk, VA 23437 (Ph. 757-657-6450, ext 106).

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