4-H Animal Science swine trip to ISU

Washington County 4-H was excited to offer an extended learning experience this year with a visit to ISU campus focusing on the swine animal project. March 28 Washington County 4-H?ers including Jameson Bell, Demeri Bell, Jack Carter, Ellie Todd, Madison Fishback, Brody Miller and Hailey Shultz spent the day learning about carcass evaluation, pork quality, and proper swine handling.

4-H?ers experienced a variety of hands-on learning throughout the day in Kildee Hall and Hanson Learning Center. One of the most popular lessons came from an actual carcass cut into a puzzle that taught where each cut of pork came from. Groups were challenged to put it back together. Demeri Bell, Prairie Pride 4-H member, said this was her favorite station because she could see where the meat was located on the pig?s body, so she could do a better job of keeping that meat protected when walking and handling her own animal projects.

Students spent time in the meat lab where they were able to measure back fat and loin eye on both lamb and pork carcasses. Washington County 4-H alum Laura Yoder helped teach this session as a current ISU Meats Judging team member. 4-H?ers learned about muscle color and marbling and how long-term care affects both. ?Seeing the carcasses and how much fat they have and where will most help me with my swine projects,? said Madison Fishback, Go Getter 4-H Club member.

They toured the extensive facility in Kildee Hall that allows students to learn from harvesting floor to the freezer for evaluation to the processing kitchens and to the meat counter. Current grad students explained special courses in the Animal Science department that would get them doing some great hands-on learning labs and projects.

4-H?ers learned how the pork industry has worked to appeal to the American consumer and what to look for when purchasing pork at the meat counters. They experienced a pork taste test with loin prepared in a variety of ways and completed their own dry rub samples as well. The day ended with tips for handling pigs and they were challenged to move a group of pigs through a maze making sure their techniques would keep the pigs and their meat safe.

?This was my first experience taking 4-H?ers on a trip to ISU during the school year for programming and it couldn?t have gone better,? said Amy Green, Washington County 4-H/Youth Coordinator. ?The facilities, the schedule, the lessons were awesome. The day made their swine projects come to life to see how they are truly affecting and impacting the food industry through their 4-H projects too.?

For more information on the 4-H swine project area or how to get involved with Washington County 4-H as a member, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Amy Green at 319-653-4811.