A Screamin' Good Time at Market Hog Tagging

 One of 196 Market Hogs getting ready to receive a fancy new ear tag and stylish identification tattoo.

Market Hog tagging for the 2015 Western Montana Fair was held April 16th, at the Fairgrounds in Missoula (for 4-H members) and at the MCPS Ag Education Center (for FFA members).  Because of the current risk of spreading the PED virus, we aren't weighing market hogs, and we take extra precautions when handling them at tagging - including holding the event at separate locations instead of bringing everyone to the Ag Education Center, which has an active hog breeding program.

Raising market hogs is sometimes a team effort - carrying them definitely is!

In order to be eligible to show market hogs at the 2015 Western Montana Fair, 4-H and FFA exhibitors need to have their hogs ear tagged and tattooed at the annual hog tagging event, 3rd Thursday in April.  This year, we tagged 196 hogs.  Exhibitors can tag up to two market hogs in April, but can only bring one market hog to the Fair in August.  The number of 4-H members enrolled in the Market Hog Project was up this year by 14, so we are expecting around 140 hogs to be shown at the Fair on August 13th (market/conformation classes) and August 14th (showmanship).  All market hogs that weigh at least 220 lbs. by the Fair weigh-in on August 11th, and receive at least a Red ribbon from the judge, are eligible to sell at the 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale on Saturday, August 15th, at the Fairgrounds.

There are more market hogs than any other species of animal sold at the Fair, so be sure to start promoting the Livestock Sale to past and potential buyers.  Anyone with disposable income and an interest in supporting 4-H and FFA youth is a potential buyer.  Relatives, friends and business owners your family spends money with are all great people to invite to the sale.  If you speak to someone who is interested but unsure, invite them to come to the sale and just watch, so they can see how it all works, and even get a free breakfast - sponsored by Mountain West Coop.  The more potential buyers we can get around the sale ring, the better your prices will be!

More photos are online at our 4-H Facebook page.