The Purdue Animal Sciences Department hosted its annual Junior Pork Day on Feb. 22, integrating swine industry knowledge with hands-on learning for 4-H members and their parents.
Associate Professor Brian Richert has been leading Junior Pork Day for 29 years. Since 1996, Richert has emphasized co-educating 4-H’ers and their parents on the swine industry through this event.
“Junior Pork Day is a great event for kids to really explore what it's like to work with pigs,” said Paul Ebner, Purdue Animal Sciences Department Head. “It's a very hands-on program and participants learn everything from animal handling to meat processing to careers in pork production.”
The event began with a welcome from Richert before attendees split into rotating sessions covering live animal and carcass evaluation, handling techniques and reproductive knowledge.
Participants learned to assess prospective pigs, market hogs and breeding gilts during the live animal evaluation station.
In the morning session, participants assessed prospective pigs, examining their structural qualities. The carcass evaluation segment focused on identifying quality pork cuts and understanding the meat grading process.
The carcass evaluation station included a session on assessing the quality and grading of various bacon cuts. The morning’s hands-on activities station featured Alex Pasternak, Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences, teaching participants about swine reproduction, while Darryl Ragland, DVM, emphasized the importance of animal health.
During the afternoon session, Pork Jeopardy tested participants’ knowledge of swine facts, while “Everything is Better with Bacon!” explored bacon production. Participants also had the opportunity to taste multiple bacon products. 4-H members also prepared for upcoming shows with the swine showmanship and show day preparation session, which covered ring etiquette and handling skills.
While the event primarily educates 4-H members and parents about the swine industry, it also highlights the Purdue Animal Sciences Department as a potential pathway for students interested in careers in pork production.
“It's also important for us to show young people that Purdue is the place to go if you're interested in a career in pork production," said Ebner.
This event was supported by the Crossbred Classic, Indiana Swine Breed Associations, Indiana Pork Producers Association and Purdue Extension.
