4 Kids Farm Show Pigs Annual Sale Coming Up

When Julie Lander’s kids got a market pig for 4-H in 2008, it started a whole new life for the family. The kids quickly got attached to their pig and begged their mom to keep it. Lander, being an animal lover, agreed to their plea. Soon they wanted more pigs, so Lander decided they should start raising them. After discovering a champion show pig breeder out of Iowa, it all took off. 

Lander, along with her kids Ryan, Randy, Riley and Allison, then became ‘4 Kids Farm Show Pigs.”

They soon found out that pigs are much different than other farm animals. Due to the lack of a fur coat, pigs need more shelter during the winters and summers. Although winters are more severe, summer is a large concern as well. A lot of people don’t realize that because of their fine hair, pigs are susceptible to sunburns. It can get so bad that the skin along the back will crack and bleed, making it difficult and painful to move. 

With show pigs, moving is essential, as exercise is needed to define the muscles. Also very important is their diet, which should include a good amount of protein and fat. The amount of food is crucial, as pigs will keep gaining weight if continuously overfed. Lander uses and suggests five pounds of feed a day.

Pigs are also very susceptible to respiratory problems, whether due to heat, humidity or dust. As far as health is concerned, pigs are very touchy. There are many different diseases and viruses they can contract, such as influenza and pneumonia. These issues, if not addressed, can cause slow growth and even death.

Due to her love for animals, Lander tries to educate and help everyone that buys pigs from her. One of the points she really emphasizes is to never give pigs a shot anywhere but the neck, as it may cause an air bubble that would make that cut of meat no good. She has found a ton of information on the internet, which has helped her take care of her pigs and educate others.

Lander endearingly calls her pigs, ‘her girls’, as she only raises females. Lander uses artificial insemination, which she says is easier with pigs than with other animals, but the timing is much tougher. With only a two day fertile period, Lander must really track the timing and get it just right. Fortunately, she has had an 80% success rate, as she really knows ‘her girls’.

If a due date is known, as with artificial means, pigs stay within a two to three day span of that date. Although this aspect is easier, newborn piglets give you a run for your money, literally. When piglets are born, they are instantly moving and running around. Lander stated that it is quite the scene, as they typically have to be chased around and caught.

Although the first litters of piglets came in 2009, “it blossomed in 2010”, as Lander stated. Pigs, unlike most animals, have litters of an average of 15 piglets. Last year they had 20 litters, with 8 of them having more than 15 piglets. Although Lander began selling privately, last year she held a live auction to sell them. Pigs take about 6 months to get full grown, but Lander sells them shortly after weaning at about two weeks.

There was definitely a turn out for last year’s auction with 200 people in attendance. With only 25% of the attendees being local, 4 Kids Farm Show Pigs has spread since selling locally. As a matter of fact, they were named the number five pig breeder out of 150 breeders in Montana.

Last year’s auction bid off 80 pigs, which Lander is hoping to hit again this year. Many helpers are needed during the auction, so Lander ropes in a group of 4-H kids. Lander stated, “The only reason we raise is for 4H and for the kids.” That is why she holds the auction in April, as the 4H weigh-ins are the end of April.

This year’s auction will be Sunday, April 14th beginning at 1 pm at the Richland County Fair Grounds.

As displayed on the ‘4 Kids Farm Show Pigs’ Facebook page, “Strong Genetics Make Healthy Pigs and Make Champions.”