WHO WE ARE
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Texas 4-H is open to all youth between the ages of 9 (or 8 and in the 3rd grade) to 18. If you would like to know more about 4-H and how get involved click the information button. 
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Celebrate the centennial
From September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008 the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program will celebrate 100 years of youth development in Texas. We encourage you to visit the 4-H Centennial site and learn how you can "Make it Yours" after 100 years of Texas 4-H.
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SWINE PROJECT
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Project Information Sheet |
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| Printed Resources: |
National 4-H Curriculum:
Swine - Group Activity Helper’s Guide
Swine 1 - The Incredible Pig
Swine 2 - Putting the Oink in Pig
Swine 3 - Going Whole Hog
Texas A&M Publications
Baby Pig Basics
Carcass Quality - Why Is It Important
Diarrheal Disease in Show Swine
Elimination of the Porcine Stress Gene: What the Show Pig
Industry Needs to Know
From the Ground Up: Importance of Structural Soundness
From Pen to Place: Carcass Composition of Market Hogs
Keeping Show Gilts As Replacements
Keeping Show Pig Healthy (E-418)
Paylean Use in Show Pigs
Preventing Drug Residues in Livestock
Preventing Lameness in Show Pigs
Providing a Safe, Wholesome Product: Administration of
Medications to Ensure Safety and Quality
Starting Them Off Right! Getting Your New Show Pigs on the
Right Track
The Facts About Paylean - Ratopamine for Swine
The Frequency of the Porcine Stress Gene in Texas Show Pigs
Texas 4-H Swine Guide (AS 16-1)
Breeding Swine Selection
Evaluating Market Swine
Livestock Judging Contest Scoring Procedures
Presentation of Oral Reasons
Sample Sets of Livestock Judging Oral Reasons by Former
Members of the TAMU Livestock Judging Teams |
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| Project Experiences: |
Texas Pork Producers Association Pork Leadership Camp
Contact:
Dr. Jodi Sterle, Extension Swine Specialist
j-sterle@tamu.edu 979-845-2714
The Pork Leadership Camp is a week-long intensive training tour of the pork industry across Texas. Participants learn about the production, marketing, processing and merchandising of pork, and critical issues facing the pork industry.
Texas A&M Pig Camp
Contact:
Dr. Jodi Sterle, Extension Swine Specialist
j-sterle@tamu.edu 979-845-2714
This program is for beginning and intermediate youth involved in swine projects. It includes sessions on ethics, showmanship, feeding, nutrition, housing, and clipping and fitting. The camp is held in late June and sponsored by the Texas Pig Club Association.
Texas Pork Quality Assurance Program
Contact:
Dr. Jodi Sterle, Extension Swine Specialist
j-sterle@tamu.edu 979-845-2714
The Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) program was first introduced by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in 1989. It emphasizes good management practices in the handling and use of animal health products and encourages producers and youth exhibitors to review their approach to their herds’ health programs. Materials became available in the Fall of 2000.
Swine Skill-A-Thon
Contact:
Dr. Jodi Sterle, Extension Swine Specialist
j-sterle@tamu.edu 979-845-2714
Academic competition that includes a written test, demonstration of knowledge through demonstrating skills, individual quiz bowl
competition, and a public speech. Scores from each portion of contest will be added together to determine high point individuals. |
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| Recordbook Category: |
Swine |
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| Career Exploration Opportunities: |
Breeding supply consulting service
Artificial insemination service
Supply dealer
Processing plant owner
Branding service
Fertilizer dealer
Auctioneer
USDA grader
Show manager
Livestock barn operator/order buyer
Feed lot owner/manager
Breed association representative
Equipment manufacturing and sales
Feed sales/nutritionist. |
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| Community Service Ideas: |
1. Conduct or help conduct safety programs for community or county swine producers.
2. Perform safety inspection of swine operation to assist owner to identify hazards.
3. Develop exhibit at county or regional fair with animal representative of each breed.
4. Develop exhibit at county or regional fair emphasizing baby pig care, the swine production marketing process or other similar topic.
5. Conduct telephone survey of community to determine educational program needed by swine producers.
6. Provide programs for civic groups on the swine enterprise in the county.
7. Conduct survey to determine swine population in county or community.
8. Visit local supermarket and count number of different pork products in meat counter and on shelf (pickled pigs feet, fried pork rinds, etc.). Display result on poster in store lobby.
9. Plan a taste display for some specialty cut or cuts of pork at a local supermarket.
10. Develop a list of recipes featuring pork or pork products. Pass these out at a display in a supermarket or a county or community.
11. Plan, prepare, and organize a workshop to train youth and/or adults for employment in a swine operation.
12. Develop a method demonstration in some area of swine production and marketing.
13. Organize tour to swine operation for urban youth.
14. Prepare a list of interested pork producers whom elementary school teachers could contact for a farrowing house and/or group of urban young people.
15. Serve as a guide for a swine operation tour by elementary school children and/or group of urban young people.
16. Place animals in petting exhibit or children’s barnyard at local fair or show.
17. Provide refreshment and concession stand services at show pig sales or local breeding sales.
18. Enter swine educational float in local parade.
19. Prepare newspaper articles and radio spots for swine sales, exhibitions, etc.
20. Assist with the recognition of buyers of swine at the county or community livestock show auction.
21. Assist local producers with swine exhibits at local, county, or area shows.
22. Help register buyers at local pig sale.
23. Help register entries at local, county, or areal swine shows.
24. Help set up swine pens for county or community livestock show.
25. Help clean up the swine barn following a county or community show.
26. Prepare a list of swine producers who have breeding swine and show barrows for 4-H projects. |
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| Volunteer Opportunities |
 
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Master Volunteer Program
Swine Project Leader Position Description |
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Texas A&M System -