Released: January 15, 2003

Kansas Junior Swine Producer Day Slated March 22

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Joel DeRouchey thinks some things are worth repeating.

A year ago, he helped organize the first-ever Kansas Junior Swine Producer Day at Kansas State University, which drew more than 150 youth from Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

"The response last year was so good that we decided to continue it this year," said DeRouchey, the northwest area livestock specialist for K-State Research and Extension.

The event is open to youth age 18 and under, as well as parents, swine project leaders and "anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of swine," DeRouchey said. It will be held Saturday, March 22 on the K-State campus in Manhattan. The cost is $10 before March 14, or $15 after that date. Participating youth will receive a free t-shirt and lunch.

According to DeRouchey, the program includes tips on nutrition; selecting and caring for swine; preparing animals for show; a showmanship demonstration; and a Skill-a-Thon to test participants’ knowledge. Several workshops include hands-on activities.

In addition to DeRouchey, the event will be led by Gary Kubicek, a Schuyler, Neb. producer whose family has won junior showmanship awards at the state and national levels.

Even though the program will benefit 4-H and FFA youth in their club projects, participants do not have to be affiliated with either of those youth groups to attend.

"It’s just a fun-filled day of activities to increase [participants’] swine knowledge and abilities," DeRouchey said.

He added that a new session this year to discuss careers in swine production is geared toward older youth.

"Currently, there’s a lack of people coming out of high school and college and into swine industry jobs," DeRouchey said. "We hope to open their eyes to the opportunities available in the industry."

The Kansas Junior Swine Producer Day is co-sponsored by the Kansas Pork Association, Suther Feeds, Inc. and K-State Research and Extension.

For more information, or to obtain an application form, interested persons may contact their local Extension office, or call DeRouchey at 785-532-2280.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Pat Melgares, News Coordinator
pmelgare@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News