Meghan Barkley, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Beaufort County
Local 4-H members were rewarded for their dedication on Sunday, November 3rd, at the Orangeburg, SC- Local 4-H members were rewarded for their dedication on Sunday, November 3rd, at the Orangeburg Fairgrounds by participating in the annual Savannah Valley 4-H Market Hog Sale & Awards Program. Participants sold a total of 8 animals. Each participant received 100% of their market hog’s sale. Supporters included: Hurst Family Farms, Michael & Jana Chassereau, Ulmer Family Farms, DCCTC FFA, Carolina Eastern, J.G. Blocker Auctioneering and ODAC. Throughout the duration of the project, members care for their animals daily and attend workshops to learn more about animal science and record keeping. Participants showcase their project animal at local fairs before auctioning their hog off. Youth submit a record book that contains animal health and financial records to be judged for awards. The 2025 Senior Grand Champion was Lawson Weilnau, and the Reserve Senior Champion was Paige Ulmer. The 2025 Junior Grand Champion was Kolsen Gibson, and the Reserve Champion was Sadie Hutto. 4-H members must also complete leadership and community service hours while enrolled in the project.
For more information on how to become involved in the 4-H Market swine project, contact your local Clemson Extension Office. The 4-H Market Hog Project is for any youth ages 5-18 interested in raising a hog for four months and showing at the Orangeburg Fair and State Fair in 2026. For Rules and Regulations, Premiums, and Awards, go to the State Fair Website at: https://www.scstatefair.org/competitions/swine/
