Quick tip when buying your show pigs

Here's a quick tip of what to get when you purchase your show pigs:

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO RECEIVE FROM YOUR BREEDER:

Each show pig should be identified using the universal notching system. The breeder should also provide you with a copy of each show pig’s birth date, their sire and dam’s breeding, along with the stress status of each purchased show pig.

A complete sheet of vaccinations should accompany each show pig. I would strongly encourage the following vaccinations, hopefully your show pig breeder is following a vaccination schedule similar to this:
Each show pig receives an IPD (Iron, Penicillin, Draxin) shot at newborn & 7 days of age. 1 ½ cc per injection.

Each show pig should have been vaccinated for mycoplasmic pneumonia, circovirus, erysipelas, bordetella, rhinitis, and also a shot for flusure/respisure is recommended.
Each show pig should have also been wormed at least once before purchase. It is strongly suggested to reworm your show pig once again at 150 lbs. Please follow appropriate withdrawal times.

It is recommended that the breeder provide you with the feed that the show pigs are currently on. Continuing this feed after purchase for a few days, while blending in the feed that you anticipate on feeding will minimize stress and allow for a smooth transition to the show pig’s new home.

Suggested Medication in feed (will vary per feed/breeder’s discretion: Medi-Flex C, Tylosin, Lincomyocin, etc.

Be sure to get the breeder’s contact information and contact them when you have questions, after all, they should know their show pigs the best! Good luck with your show pig project this year!

Wisconsin Show Pig Association 2009 Sanctioned Shows

Here is a list of the 2009 shows that are being sponsored by the Wisconsin Showpig Association.

May 9 - Dodge-Point Lamb & Pig Extravaganza – Doubleheader
Iowa County Fairgrounds, Mineral Point
Contact: Denny McGraw (608) 935-3307 ext. 4053
Mike Robinson (608) 987-2321
Website: http://showpage.com/dodge_point/index.html

May 16 - Pioneer Showdown Lamb and Hog Double Jackpot
Grant County Fairgrounds, Lancaster
Website: www.pioneershowdown.com

May 24 – The Badger 500
Rock County Fairgrounds, Janesville
Contact:
Jeff Morris, (815)262-8018, jmorr@t6b.com

May 30 - Grand Slam Hog and Lamb Jackpot Show - Doubleheader
Lafayette Co. Fairgrounds, Darlington
Contact: Steva Robinson, 608-732-3929, steva@thenoveldesigns.com
Website: http://www.robinsonclublambs.com/grandslam.html

June 7 - WLBA Spring Preview Show
Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Jefferson
Contact: Jill Alf, 608-868-2505 or wlba@centurytel.net
Website: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/animalscience/youthlivestock/wlba.cfm

Illinois Club Pig Association Show Schedule

For Those of you that are planning on showing pigs in Illinois--here is the ICPA show schedule for 2009:

	May 9 - Winners Advantage - 1 Show - Joliet, IL - View Flyer May 9 - JJC Purple Pride Show - 1 Show - Joliet, IL (Shows are same day, back to back) May 23 - Pontiac Pig Rally - 1 Show - Pontiac, IL May 30- Western Illinois Jackpot - 1 Show - Illinois State Fairgrounds May 31 - IPSC Show - 1 Show - Illinois State Fairgrounds June 13 - Southern Illinois Classic - 1 Show - Highland, IL June 14 - Southern Illinois Classic - 1 Show - Highland, IL June 20 - Mid-Illini Classic - 2 Shows - Lincoln, IL June 21 - Dale Miller Memorial - 2 Shows - Lincoln, IL - 4 Show Weekend! Make Sure You're There! July 11 - Still Open July 18 - West Central Showdown - 1 Show - Augusta, IL July 19 - Jacksonville Jackpot - 1 Show - Jacksonville, IL

14 Shows...Your 8 Best Finishes Count Towards Point Total!

Walworth, Racine County Fair Swine Weigh-ins for exhibitors wishing to show pigs

I've had some questions from exhibitors on when their weigh-in was, so I will try and post most of the weigh-ins for Wisconsin as I find them, here are a few:

Walworth County--May 9th, 8-1:00 pm. Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds?

Racine County

April 18th-Swine Carcass Weigh-In 10-12 at Racine County Fairgrounds.

May 4th-Swine Ear-Notch Forms Due

Show Pigs Still available for all Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan County and State Fairs!

Thanks to all who have purchased show pigs in the last few weeks!

We still have a tremendous set of January-April born show pigs that will be ready for all county and state fairs throughout the midwest!

Summer Show Pig Clinics

I have been asked if we are having a summer show pig clinic. At this time, we are not planning one--however if there is enough interest, we will be more than happy to accomodate. Let us know if you have an interest!

Also, keep in mind to attend your meeting requirements this spring and summer. Many counties have these requirements and if you don't attend the minimum, you likely will not be able to sell your show animal(s).

New Scholarship added for Wisconsin 1st and 2nd year show pig exhibitors

**New Scholarship for 1st and 2nd year exhibitors--check our scholarships page for the application" Saddle & Sirloin Club Offers Funds for Beginning Project Members Wisconsin Ag Connection - 03/16/2009 The University of Wisconsin-Madison Saddle and Sirloin Club is once again offering up to five awards of $100 each to first or second year swine project members. The Swine Project Awards were introduced to help beginning 4-H or FFA members get started in the swine industry. To be eligible, an applicant must be a first or second year swine project member, be between 9-18 years old and a Wisconsin resident. The completed application is due postmarked on or before April 24. The awards may be used for any expenses related to the recipient's swine project including the cost of pigs, feed, supplies, equipment, and facility maintenance. A member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club may contact the winners to monitor the progress of their swine projects. Winners may also be asked to supply a photo of themselves and their pigs for the Saddle & Sirloin Club's Annual Scrapbook. The Saddle and Sirloin Club is comprised of University of Wisconsin-Madison students interested in the livestock industry. The primary activities of the Saddle and Sirloin Club are the Badger Kick-off Classic Steer and Heifer Show, the Badger Bonanza Lamb Show, and the Little International Horse Show.

2009 Wisconsin State Fair Market Swine Identification Sites Announced

Wisconsin State Fair officials have announced the locations and dates for the 2009 swine identification sites. All junior and open show market hog exhibitors wishing to exhibit barrows during the 2009 Wisconsin State Fair, August 6th – August 16th are required to attend one of the regionally located identification sites. DNA identification will be conducted at these
sites and will cost $10.00 per animal. The current identification system allows officials
to maintain consistent procedures thereby strengthening the integrity of the show, the
animals that go to market, and the champions that sell in the Governor’s Blue Ribbon
Livestock Auction.

Swine identification Guidelines:
o All junior and open Exhibitors interested in exhibiting market swine
during the Wisconsin State Fair MUST identify their barrows at one of the
identification sites listed below. Exhibitors may identify as many barrows
as they chose.
o There are no minimum or maximum weight requirements for
identification.
o Exhibitors entering in the performance barrow class must weigh their
barrows at one of these sites. Barrows must weigh 60 pounds or less. The
performance barrow class will be evaluated on a combination of lean gain
and live placing.
o All swine must be castrated. No boars will be identified.
o All swine identified will receive an official WSF ear tag, must have
readable ear notches, provide a DNA hair sample and complete a preregistration
form at one of the locations.
o Barrows need to be identified in the exhibitor’s name or immediate family
member’s name only.
o Each exhibitor showing in the junior show will only be allowed to bring
two of the identified market barrows to the junior Market Barrow Show at
the Wisconsin State Fair.
o The exhibitor and or their parent/legal guardian must be in attendance to
sign and verify the DNA sample.

2009 Swine identification Sites:
Saturday, April 18th 9:00 am until 12:00 pm

Stoughton Fairgrounds - Stoughton, WI
Contact person: Richard Bussian – 920.623.2348

Grant County Fairgrounds - Lancaster, WI
Contact person: Alicia Prill-Adams – 608.348.6982

Sheboygan County Fairgrounds - Plymouth, WI
Contact person: Don Mier – 920.893.6911 Ext. 1552

Rock County Fairgrounds - Janesville, WI
Contact person: Tom Knauer – 608.883.2838

Dodge County Fairgrounds - Beaver Dam, WI
Contact person: Dave Graff – 920.696.3851

Racine County Fairgrounds - Union Grove, WI
Contact person: Eric Benhart – 262.903.6202

Kuehne Livestock Sales Barn - Seymour, WI
Contact person: Tom Henn – 715.758.8372

LaCrosse County Fairgrounds - West Salem, WI
Contact person: Steve Nuttleman – 608.386.8803

Polk County Fairgrounds – St. Croix Falls, WI
Contact person: Ryan Sterry – 715.485.8600
10:00 am until 12:00 pm

Saturday, April 25th 9:00 am until 12:00 pm
Arlington Agriculture Research Station – Arlington, WI
Contact person: Dan Goehring – 920.927.3432

Junior exhibitors interested in participating in the Wisconsin State Fair must
contact their local UW Extension office for entry deadlines and information. Rules,
regulations and entry information will be available online in March at
www.wistatefair.com. For further information contact Wisconsin State Fair Park at
414.266.7050.
The Wisconsin State Fair, August 6th – August 16th, celebrating more than 150
years of Wisconsin tradition, continues its’ strong commitment to promoting the many
accomplishments of youth exhibitors, as well as showcasing the State’s rich agricultural
heritage.

2009 Wisconsin Pork Assocation Scholarship

If you haven't done so already, please check out the annual Wisconsin Pork Association Youth Pig Project Application Form. Each year, the association awards (5) $50 scholarships for assisting youth in developing pork production projects for 4H and FFA members.

You can find the form right on our website at the following link: http://riemershowpigs.com/scholarships.htm

2009 Show Pig Clinics in Wisconsin

Be sure to visit our showpig clinic page in the coming days to find out which clinics Adam will be speaking at this year.

If you are interested in having a clinic and need help, please contact Adam directly at riemershowpigs@hotmail.com or 920-418-3820.

2009 Litters Update

Our litters are looking excellent and each pig on the farm has a lot of promise and potential to be a future champion this summer!

Ear Notching Article

For those of you that may want to know a little more about ear-notching or need a little practice, please visit this link below:

http://www.thejudgingconnection.com/pdfs/Reading_Ear_Notches.pdf

And as always, if you have any questions about ear-notching or something else, please feel free to contact me.

Another great educational page--check it out!

Be sure to check out this site, as it includes interactive games to test users ability to identify swine breeds, cuts of meats, and parts of the pig.

Link to the site is: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/AGMANIA/Interactive/

Swine Breeds Page

Here is an interesting webpage dedicated to the various swine breeds. Check it out at the link below:

http://www.wiu.edu/users/mfjpc/hogs.htm

Vaccinations---What your pig should have

From time to time, we have people who ask what shots the breeders should have given the pigs before they are sold. This should also be a reference point for those of you that buy your pigs. This is what we vaccinate our little pigs for:

IPD for newborn pigs and revaccinate again at 7 days. (IPD stands for Iron, Penicillin, & Draxin)

Circovirus vaccine-a must have! I would strongly suggest avoiding buying pigs that were not vaccinated for this.

DectomaxWormer-to be given at least once by the breeder and revaccinate again at 150 lbs.
(please remember 1 cc per 75 lbs and withdrawal times of 18-25 days).

Mycoplasma Pneumonia shot

Rhinitis/Eryispelas/Flusure/Bordetella protection

If you have any questions on any of these vaccinations, please let me know.

Thanks,
Adam

WLBA SPRING PREVIEW SHOW INFORMATION-JEFFERSON, WI

Attached please find the link for the WLBA Spring Preview Show in Jefferson, WI.

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/animalscience/youthlivestock/documents/2008SPRINGPREVIEWSHOW.pdf

New Scholarship Posted for 1st and 2nd year exhibtors

We've added a new scholarship, which is being sponsored by the UW-Madision Saddle and Sirloin Club. More details are below:

2008 Swine Project Award UW-Madison Saddle and Sirlion Club
This award is offered to 4-H and FFA members in their 1st or 2nd year of showing swine. The scholarship awards are to be used for expenses related to the recipient’s swine project. To be eligible, the applicant must be 9-18 years old and a Wisconsin resident. A committee of Saddle & Sirloin members and advisors will select five recipients based on their applications. Entry forms are available each spring. Deadline is April 25th.

Website to be down a few hours this weekend

FYI..Our website will be down for a few hours this weekend, as we are switching over to a new server. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

2008 Showpig Clinics-Schedule and Information

Some of you have asked what will be some good show pig clinics to attend this year. I will be presenting at the following clinics this year:

3/1/08 Brown County Extension Office-Green Bay, Wisconsin (9-11 am)..if you missed this clinic, please let me know and I'll provide you with information that was presented.

4/26/2008 Central Wisconsin Co-op Show pig Clinic-Stratford, Wisconsin. This clinic will be for the following counties: Wood, Marathon, Clark, Lincoln, Taylor, and surronding counties. If intersted in this clinic, please contact me and I'll refer you to the event organizer.

7/10/2008 Brown County Swine Workshop-Green Bay, Wisconsin. Location and Time to be announced. Purpose of this clinic is to present information on getting your pigs ready for the show, making sure they are at the proper weight, how to show your pigs, showmanship practice, showmanship questions, dicussion on a few scenarios that may occur at the fair, question and answer session, and more!

If you are interested in a clinic for your county or 4H club this year, please contact me for and we'll work to get a clinic in your county.

Coming Soon: More Educational Articles to be added!

Be sure to watch the website in the coming days for additional educational articles under the show pig guide page. Ryan Harrell, who owns www.thejudgingconnection.com, has done a tremendous job of capturing the best livestock educational articles all under his site. We'll be posting a few of Ryan's show pig related articles on our site as well (under the show pig guide page). For those of you that show steers and lambs, be sure to check out The Judging Connection for articles as well for some very informative articles.

Special thanks to Ryan for allowing us to post his articles on his website. Be watching for the articles in the coming days on this website!