Months of dedication and hard work by Chattooga County’s young agriculturalists are set to culminate next week as FFA and 4-H students host their annual Pig Project Show and Auction. The event, which provides students with hands-on experience in livestock management and agricultural finance, will take place on Monday, November 10th, at the Chattooga County Ag Center, beginning at 6:00 PM.

The Pig Project is a cornerstone of local agricultural education, emphasizing the principles of animal husbandry and financial responsibility. Students have been raising their hogs since July, honing their skills in feeding, care, and preparing their animals for market. They first previewed their efforts during the Chattooga County Ag Fair in August.

Support Local Youth, Purchase a Pig

The highlight of the evening is the public auction, where each participating student will sell one of the pigs they raised. This auction serves as the payoff for their months of labor, as all proceeds generated from the sale go directly to the student participants. These funds are crucial for supporting future farming projects, educational endeavors, or college savings.

Logistics and Learning

Beyond raising the animals, the Pig Project teaches students valuable lessons in market logistics. The Chattooga County Young Farmers Association, an organization supporting local agriculture since 1970, plays a critical support role in the auction process. They will assist students with the secure and timely transport of the auctioned pigs to local processors.

Buyers should note that while they are purchasing the animal on the hoof, they are responsible for covering the subsequent processing costs.

The project is heavily supported by organizations like AgGeorgia and Georgia Farm Credit, underscoring the strong community commitment to youth development and agricultural literacy initiatives like 4-H and FFA.

Investing in the Future of Agriculture

The public is invited to attend the show starting at 6:00 PM on Monday, November 10th, at the Chattooga County Ag Center, with the auction immediately following the exhibition. Community support is vital to the success of the project. Bidding for the hogs will start at $1.00 per pound. Local businesses, families, and residents are strongly encouraged to attend and bid to invest directly in the future of Chattooga County’s young farmers.

For More Information

Individuals interested in supporting the students, attending the auction, or learning more about the Chattooga County Pig Project can contact Lauren Jarrett at Ijarrett@chattooga.k12.ga.us.