Youth Swine Judging Contest 

FULL EVENT DETAILS

When:
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

Where:
Iowa State Fairgrounds, Pioneer Livestock Pavilion

Details:
This contest is meant to be a team event, and students are encouraged to be on teams. A team will consist of 4 students, with 3 of the scores counting toward the team total. Teams of 3 will be allowed if a team of 4 cannot be formed. If a team of 3 cannot be formed, individuals will be accepted.

Parking:
Buses, vans, and cars will be able to park on the west side of Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on Rock Island Avenue on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Classes:

1. Keep/Cull Gilt Class: The keep/cull class will challenge the students to evaluate 8 pigs based on breeding characteristics of a good female. They will be asked to select 4 gilts they would like to keep and put back into the breeding herd.
2. Live Carcass Evaluation: The carcass evaluation class asks students to examine each pig separately and determine its weight, loin eye size, back fat and compare and rank the 10 pigs on carcass value. The class is designed to simulate selling pigs on a grid.
3. Market Hog Class and Commercial Gilt Class: The last two hog evaluation classes will fit more of what the students are accustomed to when it comes to livestock judging contest. Each will have a total of four live animals, and students will be asked to rank them from best to worst.
4. Commercial Pork Production and Meat Quality Exams: Students are going to be asked to take part in two small assessments both containing approximately 12 questions. The first will focus mostly on general farm practices when it comes to pork production. The second will focus on meat quality and characteristics as they relate to pork production.

For more information, contact Brielle Smeby at (800) 372-7675 or bsmeby@iowapork.org.