1. Agricultural Careers Swine Producer By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. What does a Swine Producer do? Feeding and feed formulation Perform Pork Quality Assurance tests Attend livestock auctions, graded feeder pig sales, and buying stations Seek out and find markets Develop and maintain good working relationships with suppliers, packers and processors Constantly monitor market price as prices can vary greatly from day to day Artificially inseminate or breed sows on a schedule Keep detailed records Read, research, and generally stay up-to-date

3. What kind of qualities and skills are needed? Able to handle and manage live animals Be responsible, patience and organized Computer skills are greatly needed Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions Heavy lifting and moving is required

4. What is my salary? The salary varies for year to year for any type of production. However, swine producers earned anywhere from $20,000 to $45,000 this past year.

5. What are the conditions of the work environment? Most work is done in a hog barn Work will be done in a dirty environment with foul orders Some travel to and from sales and shows may be required Outdoor work making feed and feeding in various weather conditions

6. How can I become a Swine Producer? Obtain employment, intern, or volunteer on a swine farm. Take classes in biology science, animal science, and math. Agriculture classes in high school related to livestock production. Participate in FFA or 4-H livestock events.

7. Related Organizations National Pork Producers Council 10664 Justin Drive Urbandale, IA 50322 Internet: www.nppc.org The National Swine Improvement Federation 203 Polk Hall, Box 7621 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 Internet: http://mark.asci.ncsu.edu