Washington Co. 4-H “Know Your Swine” Workshop & Swine Exhibitor meeting Feb. 21

Washington County Extension Office will hold the annual “Know Your Swine” Workshop and Exhibitor Meeting for new and beginning swine showman on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. 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, biosecurity issues, showmanship tips, African Swine Fever and ractopamine-free projects. This meeting is required if you plan to show swine at the 2023 Washington 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.