FFA Show Hog Project
Raising hogs is a very successful program for Elsberry FFA members. In late February or early March, the Advisors scour the state of Missouri and beyond to provide members with high quality show hogs. Members usually select two hogs for their project. One hog will be raised to reach market weight at the time of the Lincoln County Fair, and the other a month later for the Missouri State Fair. From mid-March to show day, students will monitor weight and feed and make the appropriate adjustments. They will also work with their hogs by bathing them, clipping them, and teaching them to walk in a controlled manner in the show ring. On show day, members will get to show off all of their hard work with well managed hogs. But that's not all their is to showing hogs. FFA members will also learn how to show their hog so that they present their best features and minimize their worst. They learn about how to place themselves and their hogs in the ring to get the attention of the judge. This is called Showmanship and Elsberry FFA has won this title for three years at the Lincoln County Fair. The hogs raised by the Elsberry FFA members are routinely in the top of their class - a testament to their hard work.