Putnam County 4-H News
By Trent Jones
Putnam County Extension Agent
It’s Swine Time in Tennessee
The 2020 Central Region and State Market Hog Shows were held at the
Tennessee Livestock Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. Mary
Carter Shirley and Ryan Glascock competed in both shows held January 6th-9th.
Mary Carter, a 7th grader, and Ryan, a 4th grader at Algood Elementary, worked
hard over the last several months preparing their hogs for the show, training them how to
drive in the show ring while helping them build muscle and studying for the skillathon
competition. Many hours are spent in the barn, no matter the weather, ensuring that their
show animals receive the proper nutrition of a carefully balanced diet, and a comfortable
place to rest after hours of practice and exercise.
The Central Region Show was open to 4-H’ers from 31 counties. The
State Show had a total of over 350 youth from 46 counties that exhibited over 800 market
hogs and registered gilts or barrows.
In addition to showing hogs, there were competitions in showmanship, skillathon and premier exhibitor.
The skillathon competition tests the 4-H member’s knowledge of breeds, feeds,
equipment, proper health care, and much more. In fact, many of the youth who study
hard for the skillathon contest are covering advanced material that would be included in a
college level animal science course. The showmanship competition is all about how well
you can present your pig to the judge, while sometimes showing your knowledge of your
animal and swine in general.
Mary Carter Shirley, who recently received the distinction of being named an All
Star Livestock Showman by the University of Tennessee 4-H Animal Science
Department, had a excellent showing. In the Central Region show she was the Champion
in Junior High Showmanship, showed the Champion Chester Gilt, and was 4th Overall in
Skillathon. At the State Swine Show, she was the Junior High Premier Exhibitor in the
Gilt Division, Reserve Overall Champion in Junior High Showmanship, had the
Champion Chester Gilt, and Division 1 Reserve Champion Cross Barrow. Ryan also had
a great showing for his first year exhibiting hogs. He took home 2nd place in class at the
Region and 1st place in class at the State with his Crossbred Breeding Gilt, and was 6th
in class with his Registered Hereford Gilt.
The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative
efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private
sector volunteers. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning
leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth,
grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national
origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
UT Extension Putnam County is an extension of the University of Tennessee
working in Putnam County to provide Real Life Solutions in agriculture, family &
consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. We work with youth, families, and land
owners to provide education and solve everyday problems.
For further information relating to upcoming 4-H livestock shows and events, call
the Putnam County Extension Office at 526-4561.
Ryan
Mary