Preparing your Pig for Showing and the Equipment Required
Anne Petch
Uploaded September 2004

Initial considerations:

1. Choose your show,

2. Ask for prize schedule

3. Consider the various classes and suitability of your pig. As a beginner you may decide that a "January" boar or gilt is the best option ie, a pig born on or after the 1st January in the year of the show. By the time of the show these should be well grown with excellent quality coat (hair) and skin. They are expected to be less manageable in the ring but you still have to get them to and from the ring. If you intend to show an in-pig gilt or sow make sure you know when she is due to farrow and I would suggest not taking her if less than 3 weeks before the show

4. Read the rules carefully.

5. Return your entry form on time making sure you order enough Stockpersons passes.

6. Book your holiday or time off.

7. Arrange for someone else to look after your other livestock while you are away.

8. Consider your means of transport (do you need any repairs to the trailer lights?)

9. Book an extra pen as a "kit" pen so that you can set up your temporary home next to your pigs.

Feeding:
You will need to keep a close eye on the growing January as the idea is to produce a well covered pig which keeps its shape, is firm and is not fat and therefore slightly more food is required per day than normal (approx ½ lb.)

Training:
About four weeks before the show try and do some light training, walk the pig with a board in left hand and stick in right gently keeping the pig moving with light taps keeping near to the front of the pig. Older pigs may not need such close attention but do not let your concentration wander. Set up a mock ring and get used to walking round the enclosed area. I am assuming that as beginners we are not contemplating a boar older than a January at this stage.