New- Jr. Swine Production Class at Farm Show

The Pennsylvania Farm Show Commission has approved an additional class to the 2012 Farm Show Junior Market Swine Show. Pigs entered in the new Jr. Swine Production Class will be delivered to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Evaluation Center (near Pine Grove Mills, PA) as feeder pigs in between September 25 and October 2, 2011. The class will allow junior exhibitors to deliver 1 to 4 hogs to the competition where standard feeding in the same barn will allow comparisons of growth and meat production between the hogs. At the end of the test one hog per exhibitor is eligible for showing in a new production class at the 2012 PA Farm Show. Participants in this class may show a second non-test hog in another class. At the conclusion of the testing period, exhibitors must arrange to have pigs picked up from the Livestock Evaluation Center between January 4 and January 7, 2012.

Exhibitors may exhibit a single Production Class pig at the Farm Show in addition to their traditional Jr. Market Swine Entry. Production Class pigs will be automatically entered in the on-foot competition in the Jr. Market Swine Show and the winner of the Production Class will be eligible to compete for Grand Champion. In addition, pigs in the Production Class will be eligible for Lean Gain Per Day premiums calculated from a combination of growth rate and carcass composition as determined by ultrasonography.

Entry fee is $25 per pig. Exhibitors will be responsible for actual feed costs, as well as testing costs accrued by the Livestock Evaluation Center. The total estimated cost per pig is approximately $150. This new class will place a renewed emphasis on production characteristics. Entry is first come, first serve and space is limited to 24 participants. Entry forms for the Jr. Swine Production Class are available from the Pennsylvania Farm Show (717) 787-2905.

Penn State Dairy Days Cow Camp

This year's Penn State Dairy Days Cow Camp is scheduled for May 20-22 at University Park. This year's sessions will include fun activities and educational opportunities. There will be a focus on animal health. Workshops will include sessions on mammary anatomy and mastitis, vaccination programs, and animal diseases. We will also be featuring sessions on animal genomics and evaluation. Social events include an "Ag Olympics" and picnic. Youth under age 12 must have a designated chaperone to attend. The camp is open to all youth (aged 8-18) with an interest in the dairy industry. For more information and a complete schedule, please visit www.das.psu.edu. Registration fee this year is $55 per person; this includes lodging in the Penn State dormitories and meals. Registrations will be due by May 13.

Tack Auction and Health Clinic

The P.M. Saddle Club is holding a Tack Auction on Friday night, April 15th starting at 6:00 p.m. at the McKean County Fairgrounds, Route 46S, Smethport, PA. Fisher Horse & Tack Sales of Lewistown, PA will be the vendor/auctioneer.

Also, a Horse & Livestock Health Clinic will be held on Saturday, April 16th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the McKean County Fairgrounds. Dr. Amanda Tanner D.V.M., and Jeff Kutzer, Equine Dentist, will be available to give equine/livestock shots and do equine dentistry at reduced prices.

For more information, call (814) 887-4121 or (814) 887-5613 or email Ginny Eppley at gbe3@psu.edu.