4-H/FFA Swine Rules & Classes

Departments 19 & 29: 4-H and FFA

Jump to a Section:

4-H and FFA Swine Regulations

  1. Each animal must be registered in the name of the exhibitor and registration certificates must be filed with the superintendent of the department as soon as possible after arrival. Animals not meeting breed association standards will be subject to disqualification. Exhibitors whose registration papers do not show the date of animal ownership transfer must have a letter from the breed association verifying the date of ownership transfer.
  2. Boars must have farrowed on the home farm of the exhibitor from sows owned by the exhibitor at the time of farrowing and earmarked at farrowing time. Registration papers will be checked. Gilts must have been owned at least 90 days before the Fair. Date of purchase must be indicated on the registration certificate or exhibitor should have a letter from the breed association verifying the date of owner-ship.
  3. Swine must be pre-entered in the show by July 13 on forms provided at the University Extension centers or from vocational agriculture instructors. All barrows must have been owned for at least 90 days and may be purebred or crossbred. Barrows must have been farrowed on or after December 1, 2025. No minimum or maximum weight is required for 4-H or FFA barrow shows. With 15 pound weigh back allowance. Purebred barrows must have registration papers.
  4. All barrows, including crossbred, will be required to have recognizable ear notches and farrowing dates. Fresh ear notches will not be accepted.
  5. Exhibitors will be limited to ten (10) boars, ten (10) gilts per breed and a total of ten (10) barrows. Each individual may exhibit a maximum of ten (10) crossbred gilts and ten (10) crossbred boars. Gilts must be from a breed currently showing in either the first or second half of the swine shows.
  6. After the two barrows are selected for the Sale of Champions, the judge will select a champion of each breed and a crossbred to represent the Junior Barrow Show Best of Breeds Champions. These barrows are not eligible for the Open Barrow Show (excluding the (4) overall champion and reserve champion 4-H and FFA barrows, all other Junior Barrow Show Best of Breed Champions may be released following the conclusion of the open barrow show).
  7. See general regulations in the front of the premium book and general regulations for this department in regard to feed, bedding, and health standards.
  8. Pellet bedding and sawdust is prohibited in the pens. No bedding materials are allowed in alleyways.
  9. 2 animals will assigned to pens in the east barn, bring dividers if needed. Exception is for Boars.
  10. Commercial gilt class will be shown by weight rather than by age.
  11. To facilitate the FFA and 4-H crossbred show, two rings will be utilized. FFA will show in one ring and 4-H will show in the other; the show will be concurrent.

DNA Validation – Ownership of Animals

All individual market barrows entered for competition must have been owned solely by the exhibitor by May 1, 2026.A DNA hair sample must have been mailed to the Missouri State Fair, postmarked by May 15, 2026. for each market barrow entered. Animal identification (registration ear notch/NUES tag) must be included on the DNA sample envelope. DNA samples submitted to the Missouri State Fair on all junior market barrows become the property of the Missouri State Fair. Exhibitors relinquish any claim to said samples when submitted as proof of ownership. DNA hair samples are stored in a secure environment at the Missouri State Fair and are destroyed in due time following the show. These samples will never be made available for cloning or any like procedure. In all market barrows at the Missouri State Fair, any DNA samples that have been harvested (collected) prior to the Sale of Champions Auction (with the exception of the DNA samples submitted to the Missouri State Fair as proof of ownership as stated above) will be considered to be the property of the exhibitor to use at their discretion. Exhibitors will not be allowed to harvest any samples after the transfer of ownership via the “fall of the hammer” at the Sale of Champions Auction unless agreed upon in writing between the buyer and the seller.

4-H & FFA Swine Judging Contest

Thursday, August 20 at 12:00 in the North Ring of the Swine Pavilion

The 4-H and FFA Swing Judging Contest is sponsored by the Missouri State Fair in cooperation with the Missouri Pork Association.

The competition is open to all Missouri youth ages 5-21. There will be four divisions: Novice (ages 5-8), Junior (ages 9-13), Senior (ages 14-18), and Pro (ages 19-21). Registration for the contest will be from 10:00 -11:00 a.m., in the Swine Pavilion with the contest begins at 12:00 p.m. Entry fees are $5.00 per person. Each team must be entered by a sponsor (Agricultural Education instructor or University of Missouri Extension Specialist). A team may have three (3) or four (4) members; only the top three (3) individual scores will determine the team total. Individuals are also able to enter as a single contestant.

The contest will consist of four (4) swine judging classes and two (2) sets of questions. No oral reasons will be taken. Note: The amount of classes is subject to change.

The first-place individual and the first-place team in each division will be awarded.

The results of the contest will be announced and posted in the Swine Pavilion as soon as they are available. These will be displayed no later than the following day. A copy of the results will also be mailed to each coach at the conclusion of the Missouri State Fair.

Swine Skillathon

August 13, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, North Arena Swine Barn

  1. All swine exhibitors (4-H and FFA) may compete in the Swine Skillathon.
  2. Youth will compete in three age divisions: 12 and under; 13-15; and 16 and over.
  3. Once a participant has won a respective age division, they are ineligible to compete again in that age group, but may move up to the next age division.
  4. The Skillathon consists of three different areas:
    • A hands-on, swine management test, including identification of feed ingredients, equipment, and cuts of meat; ear-notches and medication protocols; calculating growth performance; and other technical skills.
    • A computerized quiz covering current events and production issues in the swine industry.
    • A personal interview – Five to ten minute interview with MU Extension staff or industry representatives. Scores will be based on understanding of the importance of the industry, ability to communicate ideas, and the ability to take a proactive stance on issues related to pork production.
  5. Prize money and plaques will be awarded after the competition at 1:00 p.m. in the North Swine Arena of the Swine Barn.

Showmanship Rules and Regulations

There will be three showmanship sessions, one for each session of the Fair. During the first session, all barrow exhibitors will compete together. During the second session, the Berkshire, Chester White, Poland, Spots and Other Purebred exhibitors will compete together. During the third session, Duroc, Hampshire, Yorkshire, and crossbred gilt exhibitors will compete together. Showmanship will be conducted as a combined Junior competition. Showmanship classes will be divided into the following age divisions: 8-9; 10-11; 12-14; 15-16; 17 and up. For 4-H, exhibitor’s age is determined before January 1, and for FFA, exhibitor’s age is the age of the individual on the day of showing. A plaque will be awarded for each age group for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion. There will be a sign-up sheet that junior exhibitors must sign at check-in to be in the showmanship classes.

No Limits P.I.G. Show

Thursday, August 20 – 2:00 p.m., Swine Pavilion

Special Olympics logo
No L.I.M.I.T.S Pig Show logo

The Missouri State Fair and The Missouri State Fair Foundation, in partnership with Special Olympics of Missouri, will host a Special Olympics Swine Showmanship class. Each athlete will be paired with an experienced 4-H and FFA Swine Exhibitor to learn the basics of exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair and enjoy the same GREATNESS(independence, confidence, respect, and fun) 4-H and FFA youth livestock exhibitors experience when they enter the show ring. For more information contact: Missouri State Fair Foundation 660-951-4053.

Swine Herdsmanship

  1. An award for herdsmanship is being offered to give recognition to swine exhibitor groups who have outstanding exhibits.
  2. FFA chapters and 4-H counties will award a plaque to the top-ranking chapter and county.
  3. Exhibitors in the swine division are requested to maintain their pen area(s) as orderly as possible. Exhibitors must keep their part of the building neat and attractive in appearance.
  4. Exhibits may be judged several times daily. Awards will be made Sunday at the youth appreciation barbecue.
  5. Exhibitors desiring to be penned together must specify on their entry form when they pre-enter their swine.

Basis for Rating Swine Exhibits

  1. Cleanliness of Alleys and Pens: Bedding must be adequate, dry, clean and in place. Manure removed and deposited in proper place. Alleys swept clean, free of dust and straw. (50 points)
  2. Arrangement of Exhibit: Hay, chips and straw arranged neatly and orderly. Feed and pans, miscellaneous gear arranged in an orderly and uniform manner. (15 points)
  3. Appearance of Hogs: Hogs clean and brushed. (10 points)
  4. Signs and Stall Cards: Uniform, readable from alley, clean and complete with FFA chapter or 4-H club name. (15 points)
  5. Attendants: Courtesy of the attendant(s) and others in the area, at the wash rack, showring, etc. Promptness on entering the showring. (20 points)

Nonessential equipment or materials in excess of needs for the show period will not be considered in the rating.

Purina Show Chow logo

Purina Animal Nutrition will provide $1,000 cash award to the Overall Grand Champion Market Swine, and $500 cash award to the Overall Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine, if animals were fed using the Purina Honor Show Chow Feed Program. Minimum feeding requirement is the same as the ownership rules stated in the Premium Guide.

Growth and Quality Barrow Classic

Barrows must be pre-entered. This is a TERMINAL show. See Open Swine for rules.

Swine Classes

Class numbers will be the same for all breeds, except a letter will be added to each class to designate the breed as follows: B) Berkshire; C) Chester White; D) Duroc; H) Hampshire; F) Hereford; P) Poland; S) Spotted; Y) Yorkshire; O) Other Purebreds; XD) Crossbred Barrows – Dark colored; XL) Crossbred Barrows – Light colored; XD) Crossbred Gilts – Dark Colored ; XL) Crossbred Gilts – Light colored; XD) Crossbred Boars – Dark colored and XL) Crossbred Boars – Light colored. (Dark colored is any animal with black hair or skin.)

Gilts and boars born after December 1, 2025, and barrows born after December 1, 2025 will be eligible to show in the 2026 Missouri State Fair. Breeding classes will be determined after pigs arrive on the Fairgrounds. Four classes will be conducted by sex and breed if 79 head or less are entered, and five classes will be conducted by sex and breed if 80 head or more are entered.

4-H swine project members are required to have a current card in Youth Pork Quality Assurance or Missouri Show Me Quality Assurance. No further quality assurance documentation is needed with the State Fair entry.

All Berkshire swine must be registered by the American Berkshire Association (ABA), PO Box 2436, 1769 US 52 West, West Lafayette, IN 47996. Said registration paper must be presented at time of check-in. The ABA is the only Berkshire swine registry recognized by the National Association of Swine Records (NASR) and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council (NPLC).

Barrows

Class

  • Barrows (On-Foot) – December 1 through March 31: 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200
    • FFA Breed Champion On-Foot Barrow
    • FFA Reserve Breed Champion On-Foot Barrow
    • 4-H Breed Champion On-Foot Barrow
    • 4-H Reserve Breed Champion On-Foot Barrow
    • Grand Champion On-Foot Barrow of FFA Department
    • Reserve Grand Champion On-Foot Barrow of FFA Department
    • Grand Champion On-Foot Barrow of 4-H Department
    • Reserve Grand Champion On-Foot Barrow of 4-H Department
    • Grand Champion On-Foot Barrow over 4-H and FFA Departments
    • Reserve Grand Champion On-Foot Barrow over 4-H and FFA Departments

Breeding Classes

  • BOARS – December 1 through March 31: 231, 251, 271, 291, 311, 331, 351, 371, 391, 411, 431
  • GILTS – 12/1 – 3/31: 241, 261, 281, 301, 321, 341, 361, 381, 401, 421, 441
    • Grand Champion Boar
    • Reserve Grand Champion Boar
    • Grand Champion Gilt
    • Reserve Grand Champion Gilt

Swine Specials

The Missouri Berkshire Breeders Association, Jim Routh, President, 8946-1 NE Railroad Pond Rd, Hamilton, MO 64644, offers the following awards: an award to the exhibitor of the Champion Berkshire Boar, an award to the exhibitor of the Champion Berkshire Gilt. Two $200 scholarships for Junior members of 4-H or FFA (contact Philip Fitzwater 660-707-2917). To be eligible for this award, the exhibitor must be a member of the Missouri Berkshire Breeders Association prior to June 30.

The Missouri Berkshire Breeders Association, Phillip Fitzwater, 215 Maple, Hardin, MO 64035 (660 707-2917) offers the following awards: Each class of barrows, boars and gilts that show in the 4-H and FFA divisions will receive the following: 1st – $10; 2nd – $8; and 3rd – $7. To be eligible for these awards, exhibitors must have pigs that are either Missouri born or Missouri bred. They must also be members of the Missouri Berkshire Association by June 30, 2024. Junior dues are $10, and farm membership is $25. To be eligible to sell in the sale following the breed show exhibitors must be members of Missouri Berkshire Breeders Association.

The Missouri Chester White Association, Mindy Briscoe, Secretary-Treasurer, 2966 County Road 1520, Cairo, MO 65239, 660-263-2212, will provide awards to the 4-H and FFA Champion and Reserve Champion Chester White boar and gilt. In the Youth Division, the Missouri Chester White Association will award $50 to the Champion Chester White Barrow, $50 to the Champion Chester White Derby Barrow, $25 to the Reserve Champion Chester White Derby Barrow, and $25 per class to the top five (5) placings in each class of the Chester White Barrow Show. To be eligible for these premiums, the exhibitor must be a paid member of the Missouri Chester White Association prior to opening day of the 2023 Fair and the barrow must be Missouri bred. The exhibitor is responsible for presenting the animal’s pedigree for verification at the time announced during the show to receive premiums.

The National Swine Registry, 2639 Yeager Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906, will offer $500 to the Grand Champion Barrow Overall and $250 to the Reserve Champion Barrow Overall of the 4-H and FFA junior market hog show (live) at the 2025 Missouri State Fair, if this animal is a registered Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace or Yorkshire barrow. The exhibitor must have a transferred pedigree of the Grand Champion Barrow and must present it to the NSR representative at the time of named Grand Champion. This barrow must submit to a DNA verification test and must meet all registration requirements. A representative of the National Swine Registry must be present at the time of DNA sampling. If this animal is disqualified for any reason, the exhibitor is not eligible for this special premium. This award is paid directly from the National Swine Registry. (NOTE: If the Grand Champion Barrow is disqualified, the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow Overall is eligible to move up and receive the special premium from the National Swine Registry, if this animal meets the above listed conditions. Only the Reserve Grand Champion Overall will be eligible to move up and collect the special premium offered by the National Swine Registry. Only one premium will be paid per animal.)

The American Yorkshire Club, 2639 Yeager Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906, will offer $250 to the Grand Champion Yorkshire Gilt in the FFA and 4-H Breeding swine division. The American Yorkshire Club requires a photo and a copy of the registration paper of the Grand Champion Yorkshire Gilt from the owner to receive their premium. Please forward these to Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry, 2639 Yeager Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

All award winners must submit proof of registry and supply appropriate picture to the NATIONAL SWINE REGISTRY within 60 days of the show to receive their awards.

The Missouri Swine Association, Mary Jane Kahrs, Treasurer, 32470 Kahrs Road, Smithton, MO 65350, 660-619-7140, offers the following awards: $100 to the exhibitors of the Champion Boar, Gilt and Barrow in the 4-H and FFA divisions of the Hampshire, Yorkshire, and Duroc shows, as well as $50 to the exhibitors of the Reserve Champion Boar, Gilt, and Barrow in the same divisions/shows. To be eligible for the said awards, the exhibitor must be a paid junior member of the Missouri Swine Association by July 1, 2025. Dues are $15 per exhibitor for 1 breed (must specify), plus $5 for each additional breed.

The Best of Breeds Sale will also award $250 to the Junior Barrow Champion of each of the three breeds and $100 to the Junior Barrow Reserve Champion of the same breeds. (The barrow must have been purchased or originated from a current member of the Missouri Swine Association.)

The Chester White Swine Record Association, Jack Wall, CEO, Box 9758, Peoria, IL 61612-9758, offers the following awards: A 3-year subscription to the Chester White Journal to the exhibitor of the Champion Chester White Barrow. $100 to the exhibitor of the Champion Chester White Barrow, if Grand Champion Barrow over all breeds, including both FFA and 4-H departments, providing this barrow is from a recorded litter and a picture is sent to the Association within 45 days after the show.

The Missouri Pork Association, Scott Hays, Executive Director, 6235 Cunningham Drive, Columbia, Missouri 65202, will award a trophy to the Grand Champion Barrow and a trophy to the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow of the 4-H and FFA Departments. (Combined Showing.)

The Missouri Spot Breeders Association, Karson Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer, 1219 E Charles, Republic, MO 65738 (417-988-3411) and Garrett Reid, Sale Chairman (660-460-0485), will offer $100 to the Spot Barrow in the Best of Breeds Junior Champion Barrow Sale. Awards will be given to the 4-H and FFA champion boar and gilt, as well as the reserve champion 4-H and FFA boar and gilt. To be eligible for these awards the exhibitor must be a member of the Missouri Spot Breeders Association by July 30, 2026. Dues are $5 for junior members.

FFA Breed Champion and Reserve Plaque Sponsors

  • Berkshire plaques sponsored by Marshall FFA Chapter
  • Chester White plaques sponsored by Sweet Springs FFA Chapter
  • Duroc plaques sponsored by Bowling Green FFA Chapter
  • Hampshire plaques sponsored by Braymer FFA Chapter
  • Hereford will be sponsored by East Buchanan FFA Chapter
  • Poland China plaques sponsored by Gallatin FFA Chapter
  • Spot plaques sponsored by Chillicothe FFA Chapter
  • Other Purebred plaques sponsored by Jamesport FFA Chapter
  • Yorkshire plaques sponsored by Northwest Tech FFA Chapter
  • Crossbred Gilt & Boar plaques sponsored by Princeton FFA Chapter

4-H Breed Champion and Reserve Plaque Sponsors

Breed Plaques for the champion and reserve champion in each species.

  • Berkshire will be sponsored by Blessing Family Berkshires
  • Chester White will be sponsored by Gerke Livestock
  • Duroc will be sponsored by Stein & Stewart Genetics
  • Hampshire will be sponsored by Rolling Hills Genetics
  • Hereford will be sponsored by Henke Livestock
  • Poland will be sponsored by Missouri Poland Association
  • Spots will be sponsored by Hinnah Farms
  • Crossbreds will be sponsored by Team Sloan Livestock
  • Yorkshire will be sponsored by McAlexander Livestock
  • AOB (All Other Breeds) will be sponsored by Red Bird Farms