How to Spot a Champion Pig at the State Fair

Think with your stomach when choosing the champion market pig at the state fair. Choose the best swine, or barrow, of the bunch by looking for the pig that will produce the largest amount of high-quality meat. Look for ham, loins and shoulders when judging the swine at a market pig contest.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look for a heavily-muscled, lean pig to pick as a state fair champion. The barrow must meet meat-type hog certification in order to compete. He should weigh between 260 and 270 lbs. and be at least 29.75-inches long.
2. Watch the pig walk to determine if he is of championship quality. He must have strong, flexible legs that are structurally correct and must easily hold his massive body. He needs to stand squarely on all four feet while his toes point in the same direction.
3. Make sure your pig has a square, wide rump, thus producing the best ham. His body must be long, thick and well-muscled with a prominent shoulder blade. Look for a high, curling tail and a dimple on the pigs behind.
4. Find the pig that looks like he will produce the most pounds of quality ham and loin and you have spotted a state fair champion. Choose quality over the illusion of quantity since lean, high-quality cuts are the goal of the meat industry.
5. Spot a state fair champion by looking for a substantial, well-built pig that is not fat through his center but well-muscled and flexible. Picture the champion at your next pig roast, not at a local petting zoo.

Tips & Warnings

• A barrow is a neutered male pig.
• Champion barrows are sold for $20,000 to $25,000 dollars at state fairs.