Swine

Livestock Project Updates

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All livestock members should be aware of some changes being made this year.

Weigh-in Dates

Beef: February 22, 2022

Sheep/Goats: April 25, 2022

Hogs: Nominations open April 1, 2022 and are due May 2, 2022.

Beef Program Weights

Market Heifers: 1,075–1450 lb (Minimum weight increased)

Market Steers: 1,100–1,550 lb (No change)

Sheep/Goats Weights

The past rule states: Goats are to be born after December 1, 2021. Lambs are to be born after January 1, 2022.

To have a valid, enforceable rule for youthful animals, there will be a maximum weight allowed for animals that tag in on April 25, 2022.

  • Goats cannot weigh over 85 lb on April 25, 2022. If they do they will not be a valid entry.
  • Lambs cannot weigh over 125 lb on April 25, 2022. If they do they will not be a valid entry.

As a guideline to stay within the weight limits, birthdates are recommended as in previous years.

County Fair Weights for Sheep/Goats

Market Goats: 60–120 lb (maximum weight put in place)

Market Lambs: 105–170 lb (maximum weight put in place)

Extension Agent is allowed to “mouth” market wethers/does/ewes if there is reason.

Market Hog Program

Photo IDs will be required with hog nominations like 2021.

6 photos will be required: front view, rear view, both sides, and close up of each ear showing all of the notches.

State Fair Nominations

Animals being nominated for the state fair will need to work with Robyn Toft at the Colorado State Fair for DNA packets. We will not be forwarding retinal images for the state fair.

Please reach out to Bailey Schilling with any questions you may have.

Swine IDs Due by May 5

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Please read the following information carefully for adjustments to the Swine ID protocol for 2020:

  • We plan to hand out county fair tags to members via a check-out system at a later date.
    • This is barring additional cancellations. At this time, we don’t know when due to the rapidly changing measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
    • Cost of tags will be $5 per tag.
  • All members will be required to upload the following images of their project animals to 4HOnline.com by May 5, 2020.
    • Left Side Body Image—this will be uploaded under “Swine Market – Left Side Image” on 4HOnline.com.
    • Right Side Body Image—this will be uploaded under “Swine Market – Right Side Image” on 4HOnline.com.
    • Front Side Image—this will be uploaded under “Swine Market – Tag Image” on 4HOnline.com.
      • Please try to have a clear picture of any existing notching or tags.
    • Rear Side Image—this will be uploaded under “Swine Market – Registration Papers” on 4HOnline.com.
    • Back Image—this will be uploaded under “Swine Market – Image w/Animal” on 4HOnline.com.

Animals for the 2020 State Fair will still need to have a retinal scan. If you want to show market swine at the State Fair, email bkirkland@larimer.org by May 8 with the name of the exhibitor and the number of goats that exhibitor plans to show. At that time, the county agent will be in communication with you to sign-up for a time to have your animal tagged, notched (if needed) and for your nomination card to be filled out.

Click here for details about the Market Swine project for 2020.

Livestock Weigh Days, Field Day, and MQA

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Livestock members, please take note of the dates for upcoming weigh days and Field Day/MQA.

4-H members enrolling in any market and/or breeding livestock projects for the first time must attend a Colorado 4-H Meat Quality Assurance (MQA) program, regardless of age. For Larimer County, this will be offered at our Field Day on February 29 and May 15. 4-H members must attend a Colorado 4-H MQA program a minimum of twice during the course of their 4-H career, once as a junior and once again within one year after becoming a senior 4-H member. Members are encouraged to review the information and best practices found in the Colorado 4-H Meat Quality Assurance program annually.

Here is the schedule for Livestock Field Day’s workshops

2020 Livestock Field Day

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Mark your calendar for the annual Livestock Field Day on February 29 from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the McKee Building.
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Learn about topics ranging from livestock selection, nutrition, health, record books, livestock ethics, animal stress, and anatomy, taught by Colorado State University Livestock Specialists, industry professionals, and Extension Agents. There will be 9 different 45-minute sessions to choose from this year.

MQA certification will also be offered from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

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