Rules and Guidelines

Overview

The Swine Sponsorship Program supports Boulder County youth in developing skills through swine projects, fostering mentorship, education, and community engagement. In collaboration with 5280 Show Pigs and local breeders, the program ensures a hands-on learning experience and promotes participation at the Boulder County Fair.

Eligibility

Participant Criteria

1. Open to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year swine project members in Boulder County 4-H or St. Vrain Valley FFA.
2. Must be enrolled in the swine project for the 2024-2025 year and in good standing.
3. Must be between the age of eight (8) and eighteen (18). Age is determined as of December 31 of the previous year. It is highly recommended that a Participant does not enter this program if they plan to be away at college or away from home during the time of raising the animal.

4. Past participants of the Swine Sponsorship, Catch-a-Pig, or Pen-a-Pig programs are not eligible.
5. Participants must demonstrate the ability to house and care for a pig from April to August 2025.
6. Participants must comply with all rules and regulations outlined in the Boulder County Fair Premium Book, Boulder County 4-H, and St. Vrain Valley FFA program requirements.

Commitment

1. Participants must actively engage in mentorship, attend required training clinics, and adhere to all program rules.
2. Participation in the 2025 Boulder County Fair is mandatory.
3. Participants must prove access to adequate facilities, feed, vet care and other needs for raising and caring for the animal.

Application and Selection

1. Applications:
   • Accepted from October 2024 to January 31, 2025.
   • Must be submitted via email to 4hinfo@bouldercounty.gov and applicants must confirm via email the receipt of the application.
2. Selection Process:
   • Based on application merit, demonstrated commitment, and adequate housing capability.
   • Notifications will be sent by February 28, 2025.

Fees

1. $50 upfront fee upon acceptance, payable to the Boulder County Fair Swine Sponsorship Program.
2. An additional $50 fee will be deducted from the Junior Livestock Sale check or paid separately from the exhibitor if the pig does not qualify for sale. Payment must be made by the second Thursday in September.
3. These fees will help with running the overall swine program, awards, and sustainability of the program.

Pig Care and Training

1. Housing:
   • Pigs must be housed in a clean, safe, and adequate environment.
2. Care:
   • Participants are responsible for proper feeding, training, and daily care of their pig.
   • Regular communication with the assigned mentor is mandatory.
3. Training:
   • Animals provided by sponsors are not pre-trained; training is the participant’s responsibility.
   • Attendance at training clinics is required for program participation.
4. Progress Reports:
   • Participants must submit monthly summaries with photos to the sponsor and superintendent by the last day of each month. Missing submissions may result in forfeiture of the animal.

Fair Show Requirements

1. Participants must register for the Boulder County Fair by the required deadline.
2. Participants must compete in the dedicated Swine Sponsorship Class at the fair and the appropriate market class to qualify for sale.
3. Hogs may also participate in breeding or showmanship classes (optional).
4. Market animals must meet competition requirements to be exhibited in Junior Market Animal classes.
5. A complete 4-H project record book, including a story, pictures, and activities, must be submitted by the deadline outlined in the Fair book.
6. If eligible, the sponsorship pig must be prioritized for the Junior Livestock Sale unless a Grand or Reserve Champion market animal is also shown.
7. Sale proceeds belong to the participant, minus the $50 program fee.
8. Participants must send “Thank You” notes to livestock sale buyers and award sponsors by the second Thursday in September, with copies submitted to the extension office.
9. Participants are subject to all Junior Livestock Sale participation rules.
10. Animals not eligible for the Junior Livestock Sale may be sold privately, with the remaining $50 fee paid to the Swine Sponsorship Program.

Mentorship Program

1. Each participant will be paired with a breeder mentor who will provide guidance and advice.

1. Participants are required to maintain regular communication with their mentor and document progress.
2. This mentorship is a two-sided process where youth, families and breeders will all work together to help each other. It is important the youth and families make significant efforts to communicate their questions, needs, and the progress of their pigs to the breeders.

2. Monthly progress summaries must be submitted to both the sponsor and superintendent by the last day of each month.
3. Training Clinics:

1. Hosted in collaboration with local breeders and the swine superintendent.
2. Cover topics such as pig handling, feeding strategies, and showmanship techniques.
3. Attendance at these clinics is mandatory.

Timeline

1. October 2024 – January 31, 2025: Applications open and must be submitted.
2. February 28, 2025: Notifications sent to selected participants.
3. April – August 2025: Care and training of pigs, monthly progress summaries submitted.
4. April– Mandatory ACMQA training
5. May– Mandatory animal ID and tag in
6. June– Required registration for fair classes and entries
7. Boulder County Fair (August 2025): Participation in swine classes and livestock sale.
8. Second Thursday in September 2025: “Thank You” notes to sponsors/livestock sale buyers submitted and Livestock record books due.

Other

In the event of death or lameness, the participant assumes all responsibility for care, disposal, and expenses.ons for this year. 

Participation is at the applicant’s own risk. Sponsors, volunteers, and staff are not liable for injuries or damages incurred during the program or ownership period.

You agree to hold harmless the liability of Colorado State University Extension, Boulder County 4-H, Boulder County, Boulder County Fair, Boulder County Junior Livestock Sale Committee, and all volunteers and staff, while you participate in this program.

Participants grant permission for the use of photos for program promotions.