4-H ‘Know Your Swine’ workshop and swine exhibitor meeting Feb. 21

4-H’ers involved in the swine project area have several important events coming.

Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Extension Office will be the annual “Know Your Swine” Workshop and Exhibitor Meeting for new and beginning swine showman. This is an introductory meeting to the Swine Project and current swine industry topics.

ISU Swine Specialist Matt Romoser, 4-H swine superintendents and mentor families, and 4-H staff will discuss early care management, facilities and equipment, feeding, bio-security issues, showmanship tips, African Swine Fever and ractopamine-free projects. This meeting is required if you plan to show swine at the 2023 county fair and did not attend a Ractopamine Free Meeting in February ’20, ’21, or ’22. The same information will be covered. All swine exhibitors must attend one of these ractopamine-free project meetings with a parent/guardian to exhibit at the Washington County Fair.

April 1 is the deadline to register for the unique Washington County Single Source Commercial Swine Class. Interested exhibitors should contact the Extension Office to learn more about this class where all pigs come from the same commercial swine building. The project begins on April 15 when all participants get their 3-4 pigs and production swine weigh-in at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Questions regarding how to get involved with the swine project area as an exhibitor or community partner may be directed to the Washington County Extension Office, 319/653-4811.