SHOWPIG 101 Presented by Kelly Morgan, Manager of OH-PIGS Circuit Junior Ohio Pork Ambassadors Katie Seigel and Gus Mitchem
Preparation for the Upcoming Season It all starts at home When you get your pig home make sure they have a warm, dry and draft free area to live in. Keep your pig in a clean pen with bedding (shavings). Get to know your pigs, get in the pen with them daily so they will get to know you and trust you. You and your pig are partners in this adventure.
IDEAL PEN SET UP This is a suggestion but you can improvise/manage with what you have available to you. Summer Water Source FAN Dry and Draft Free Heat lamp for Spring Fan for Summer Elevated Feeder Fly Control fly strips Shavings/Bedding Easy access gate Clean pen daily Feeder X Marks Manure Area KEEP CLEAN Water X
Care of Your Project The most important nutrient you can give your pig is fresh clean water. Feed your chosen feed daily. Follow a vaccination and deworming schedule. Avoid external parasites. Use the advice of your mentors, breeders, extension agent, 4-H advisor, and Ag advisor.
Start Working with Your Project 45 days before show weigh pigs and start getting pigs out together. Gradually walk pigs longer and longer (start with 15 min). 21 days before show Start to walk individually (break the bond) weigh and make feeding adjustments. You should have started washing your pig so they get use to the washing routine.
Walk Daily Get your pigs out to walk. Walk in your yard, laneway etc. Let them get familiar with walking. Most of all have patience. This is a new task for them. Train your pig to be a showpig, When you practice, practice like you show. Practice showing using your parent as a judge. Train your pig to walk with head up but not extreme.
Care Avoid sunburn, make sure shade is provided if pen is outside. Wash your pig at home using a mild soap and rinse soap completely off so there is no any residue. Wash pigs weekly or more the last 30-45 days This helps to make skin and hair look healthier. Use stain fighting shampoo on white parts of pig if you have stubborn stains.
PIG MANAGEMENT Manage Skin & Hair Daily brushing Wash Weekly or more 30-45 days before show Eliminate Pen wet spots Fly & Mosquito control measures
Packing ShowBox Shampoo Brush/scrubber to wash with Hose Brushes Pocket Brush Whips Sprays for show appeal (optional) Spray Water Bottle Gatorade Mix (in case your pig does not like water) Towels paper and cloth
Other supplies Feed Feeders/Pans Bucket Shavings Hand Board Fan if allowed at your facility Pick to pick and clean pens Pen divider if needed
Showmanship
Show Time If your pig likes to run a lot take him for a few laps around the barn before showmanship to calm him down. Make sure that you feed and water your pig. A FULL PIG IS A HAPPY PIG! Use a non-oil product, so pig will not be hot. Have a spray bottle to mist your pig on the way to the ring. DON T BE LATE TO THE RING! Judges do pay attention when you are late to the ring. Make sure that you have a brush with you that fits easily in one of your pocket. Make your project a Priority!
Entering The Ring Have a plan slow easy pace. Pigs are social and like to visit. Avoid letting them socialize. Pay attention in the holding pen before entering the ring locate the judge. Stay Calm! -Your pig senses when you are calm.
Basics in the Ring Keep the pig moving 10-15 FT away from Judge. Only use hands when need around point of shoulder and head. Keep your eye on Judge (one eye on pig, one eye on Judge). Stay on the hip of pig, limit the time by its head. Do not walk behind the pig and look like you are following. Try to find the judges window of view anticipate judge s moves. Showmanship starts in pig placing classes. Judge will watch the make up pen to see who is ready.
Basics in the Ring Slow pace Give judge different views Don t over use showing utensil (whip).
Showmanship Basics Have brush in pocket and show instrument the correct length. Always shut gate when leaving penning pens. When pigs goes to bathroom take opportunity to check and see if it is clean. If not clean use your brush to clean. Brush when judge handles or touches your pig. Brush pig in holding pen. Keep your brush in your pocket when not using.
Intermediate & Senior Showman Head pig off before they get to a corner. Take pig to penning pen then open gate/pen. Spend time in the Judge s window of view and Don t turn the pig until your are out of it. DO NOT pass between Judge and pig. Switch whip hands to have stick in lead by hand. Stay out of groups. Show intensity by being focused and hardly need to look down. When asked to pen your pigs take it straight to a pen. Don t open the pen until you have the pig right there and ready to put it in. In penning pens show animals at side view and crouch behind the pig.
SWITCHING PIGS The reason a Judge will do this is to see how well you can show someone else's pig that doesn t act like yours. Be prepared to switch to an unruly pig and try to make to it work. First drive at each other. Switch show instruments, including brushes Check other animal for dirt. Brush animal off. When asked to switch back go through the same steps as above. Always brush your animal. Eyes on the judge.
Showman s DO NOTs hit pig on ham, loin, or hock use your knees in corners cut off another participant in the ring give up even though your pig is fighting to get out have a brush that doesn t fit your pocket hit another participant s pig run after your pig if it takes off carry your show instrument so it is between the Judge and your pig answer question with just one word look into the crowd to find parents
TIPS A look of seriousness and drive help sort out many youth. Tennis shoes and ear rings, T-shirts, baggy pants, are to be worn on the midway not showring. Utilize a show instrument that is the right length and naturally positions yourself right off the hip of the pigs.
TIPS Questions are asked to be fun and interactive. Answer with confidence or just simply say I don t know Animals that have ample water and a few pounds of feed show better If the Judge stands in place, keep pig in front of him Remember have FUN!!!