Raising a Hog for FFA - High School project

[Tx-Burt]

My son is a Sr this year in High School. He is wanting to raise a Pig/Hog this year. We're looking at the information now, estimating 350.00 in costs

I want to know who all has raised animals, specifically Swine, and how much you estimated the total costs were ?

Any information is appreciated...

[TheHammer]

Mine for the 4 year average was
Pig-$350
Feed-$150-$200
Medicines and other stuff $40-$70

[Gunner87]

I showed pigs all through highschool. depending on what feed you buy it can be anywhere from $3,000-$4,000. Also show a cross or Hampshire breed. If you can buy your own get one with an Alley-cat blood line. They are a show stopper every time!!

[Buck assasin]

Hogs are simple i used to show them, durocs to me were the simpiler breed to handel... Just pour the feed to them and interact and keep them exercised... Spotted hogs do good as well.. Get with the ag extension agent or the ag teacher you should be able to find a hog sale around your area....

[Gunner87]

Hogs are simple i used to show them, durocs to me were the simpiler breed to handel... Just pour the feed to them and interact and keep them exercised... Spotted hogs do good as well.. Get with the ag extension agent or the ag teacher you should be able to find a hog sale around your area....

There use to be a decent duroc breeder on 1314 in Porter. Not sure if the old man died or not. I showed cross' and Hamps only because in east county they were the only ones that won shows. I kept my duroc that didnt make sale for awhile.

[Tx-Burt]

Not sure what Breeder they use up here in Round Rock/Austin or if he can pick any Breeder. My son is leaning towards a Veterinarian career. This will help him decide I beleive. He knows how to clean dove, turkey, pigs and deer, so the castration and any medical care will do him good. I know my older son lost interest when he worked with my BIL one weekend and they were cutting the horns off of cattle and carterizing the artereis. He said he never wanted to do that again.

[duckhead]

Dehorning is bloody

[bklem]

Pm sent

[Aggie PhD]

So I am assuming that your son is planning to show at the Travis County show? Or is he going to try to show at San Antonio or Houston?

What high school is he going to currently?

It depends upon the show as to what you want to bring (i.e. pure or cross).

For the price of the hog one can spend a $300 or $3,000.

There are quite a few people that breed show pigs in the central Texas area.
Some are stand-up people who are there to help the kids, and some just want to know how much money you have to spend........

As far as feed costs it has been too long since I showed, so I don't have a handle on that.

I assume that he is in FFA and not 4-H.

[adam_p]

$350 would be the low end imo. I showed hogs from 9 years old up until I graduated. I've showed hogs everywhere from Pampa to Houston. I've had pigs from all over the state, some home bred hogs and even a few from the midwest. My dad and 2 uncles made a yearly trip to Iowa shopping for hogs back when gas was less than $1 a gallon.

If you are new to the game just listen to the ag teacher. They will generally steer you right. I've seen a lot of people who thought they knew what they were doing end up with pigs that don't do well.

Walk the pig a lot. Don't beat the pig. Some pigs that have been worked with a lot can be steered just by putting the stick in their face. Others need a little tap. They shouldn't ever need a beating. You will see what I'm talking about when you go to a show.

It is a lot of work but teaches good responsibility. I know a lot of people who put themselves deep in debt so their kids could do well. Don't do that. Winning isn't that important.

[bklem]

Aggiedoc is correct. If showing in just the county show you need to know if you have to place high to make sale or is everyone guaranteed a sale slot. This is critical when you decide how much you want to spend on the animal. As I mentioned in my pm, the feed costs associated with a show pig now run us about $350-$450.00 per hog depending on bedding, supplements, vet bills, etc.

Adam is also correct, most Ag teachers have some connections to breeders and will lead your son in the right direction. Listen to what they say before anything you hear on here!

[Aggie PhD]

It is a lot of work but teaches good responsibility. I know a lot of people who put themselves deep in debt so their kids could do well. Don't do that. Winning isn't that important.

spot on.

[Randy]

IMO don't get a real popular breed like a hamp, duroc or even a cross. Everyone shows those. Get a more rare breed like a berkshire (even though they are crazy) or a landrace, chester white or just some other rare purebreed.

Being a first time showman your son will have a much more enjoyable experience and be able to take his rarer hog farther in the show ring rather than compete with the masses.

Grew up in the ring my whole life.

[Buckwheat]

Mine for the 4 year average was
Pig-$350
Feed-$150-$200
Medicines and other stuff $40-$70

This is about right. +\- I showed one yr and bought a cheap pig. 250$. Spent alot of time ALOT of time raisin him. Didn't win nothin but sure learned alot and had a blast. Ate good too. I learned it is possible to get a hog to gain 15# in 3 hrs. Lol don't ask.

I also showed a heifer and really enjoyed that. I think anything he does will be fun and a great Experience

[Palmetto]

LOL......This just reminded me of something I had long forgotten. One year my brother showed a black sow, and her name was Precious.

Showing was fun, but I could have done without 4-H. To me that was a drag.