The Carroll County 4-H Program has a large interest in their animal science programs. Each species offer a variety of opportunities to participate in activities throughout the year.
Market Swine and Commercial Swine Weigh-In and Tagging – This occurs the first Friday in May (always check the Tribune in case of date change). Weigh-In and Tagging is held at the Carroll County Agriculture Center in the TRP Barn. Weigh-in is typically held from 5pm-9pm (check dates and time in the Tribune as they may vary year to year).
- Livestock Registration Form – You must complete a Livestock Registration Form, which can be found at the Carroll County Extension Office. This is a 2-part form that must be turned into the Carroll County Extension Office (date will be published in the Tribune). All 4-H members and their parents must sign the front of the livestock form, along with signing the Animal Science Code of Ethics on the reserve side (please note you must sign the back of the yellow and white pages of the Animal Science Code of Ethics).
- Tag Cost – There is a $2 fee (price may vary year to year, check the Tribune) per Maryland 4-H Ear Tag you will need for your animals.
- Ownership – Once an animal is tagged to the individual 4-H member, the animal cannot change owners.
Swine Workshop – The Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair Swine Committee host a Swine Workshop at the Carroll County Extension Office. This event is normally held in March or April and ALL 4-H Swine Exhibitors are encouraged to attend this event. This 2-hour workshop provides information of rules/regulations of the Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair Swine Department, along with showmanship, diseases, feed, etc.
2021 Swine Workshop Handouts - Adult Swine Information Swine Workshop Swine Orientation Hog Breeds Ear Notches/Pedigrees
Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair – For more information on the rules and regulations of the Carroll County 4-H Swine, please go to www.carrollcountyfair.com. Each livestock department will have their set of rules/regulations for this year’s fair posted.
- Livestock Sale Guidelines – Go to www.carrollcountyfair.com for more information on the requirements to be eligible to sale a market animal at the Carroll County 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale.
Additional Opportunities for 4-H Members:
- Livestock Skillathon – To learn more about livestock projects participate in the Maryland 4-H Livestock Skillathon contest. Working with a UME Volunteer practices will begin in late fall/January of each year. The focus of the Livestock Skillathon is to increase knowledge in livestock breeds, equipment, feeds, hay, wool, quality assurance and more! Weekly practices are held starting in January with a state contest held the first Saturday in March.
- Livestock Judging – Starting in May the Livestock Judging program normally starts with some office practices. 4-H members have the opportunity to learn more about beef, sheep, swine and goats. Throughout the summer you will spend time learning how to evaluate livestock and learn how to defend your reasoning’s on your placings. This is an opportunity to learn how to evaluate livestock, which in return will help you in selecting your market and breeding animals.