Project Options
Two basic kinds of 4-H swine projects are:
1) Market Swine—selection and feeding of one or more feeder pigs to market weight.
2) Breeding Swine—care and management of swine raised for breeding purposes. This
includes selection and management of one or more gilts from breeding to farrowing,
and management of sows and their litters (not recommended for beginning 4-H
members).
You will be responsible for caring for your swine. You may choose to take market swine,
breeding swine, or both kinds of projects each year. Some things for you to think about
when choosing market or breeding projects are:
• do you want a short-term or long-term project?
• how much money can you afford to spend?
• what kinds of buildings, equipment, and feeds do you need?
• how much help can your parents give?
Breeding swine projects are usually continued for more than one year. Market hog
projects can be completed in a few months and require fewer facilities and management
skills than breeding swine projects.
This book contains information on breeding swine projects only. You will need to get a
4-H Market Swine Project Reference Guide if you elect to take a market swine project.