Here is a post about it.

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The Texas shows are Oct (Dallas) and then Jan through March (Ft.Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston, Austin). So I would say you missed it this year. Texas does have Co Fair's all year long and a large a jackpot circuit that runs all year long. But the above mentioned dates are the hot spots.

I would look at a small freezer top open lid freezer. You may can find a used one or one that does not work. They have a seal around the lid to keep it tight.

Sure, there are a lot of people who start slopping from the beginning.

Since I am in Texas I cant comment too much on how to build your pens for a rough winter. I would say you need to make sure and have it blocked from the wind. Ensure that your water source does not freeze. Your pigs need to be able to get out of the weather and stay dry. You will probably need to se...

I am curious where you are located. Pens in the south need to be built differently than pens in the cold. I would say concrete floors covered with lots of shavings. Our pens are 8x10 and they have plenty of room. We have an area that we can walk them or turn them out into that is also fenced off fro...

I have never used one I don't think. I always use the ones from Tractor Supply and never had a problem. You can take them apart and see if there is some debris stuck in it.

I would look at the price you need to obtain to make money over the price you paid and feed and supplements. Your time and effort for raising the pig is not free. That is the price I would ask for from the breeder. Pick of the litter is a tough call. The best pig at 4 weeks old could turn downhill a...

With AI you can make your program what you want it to be for the price of a straw of semen. You don't have the feed and care costs associated with having a boar. If you have a gilt that needs better feet you can purchase the semen of the best structured boar out there. If you need more top you can d...

Linders is a good feed. I never used it because it was not convenient to get where I live. I have always had good success with Purina HSC. Never had any problem with the pigs eating it.

Add some fat to the diet to help. Also if you can, put the pig on a joint supplement. TruTrac works great. A stiff pig now will probably develop some sort of structure issue as a result of the strained walking. There are other supplements such as Lubrisyn you get from the Feed store. It is the Top e...

If I knew a definite answer I could make a lot of money in this business. You can try slopping her feed. Add just enough water to make it like a thick milkshake. Also if you don't have a fan I would try that to keep her cool or daily wash downs with water. I would not do anything too drastic. Try th...

Looking at the PICs I think you can accomplish your goal by using Champion Drive or another high protein supplement. Your pig looks good, when you clip him you will also see a difference in muscle as the hair can hide some things. It is hard to tell from the pics but does he have any swelling on his...

At our Co. Fair in Texas the trendy barrow look was not as well received as the more feminine leaner gilt look (I hope people understand what I am referring too). The judge was not as concerned with the blown out middle and tummy as others. He is a well respected judge. Myself I like the look of a g...

One thing I would add is if your pigs have long hair try and clip it a couple of times through out your show season. I have seen that when you clip them you can get the skin in better condition when you add your moisturizer. Plus you have the added benefit of getting your pig used to being clipped a...