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For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

UWRF Show Pig Sale A Success

By Kendra Knutson

APRIL 30, 2007--The annual University of Wisconsin- River Falls Show Pig Sale held at the Mann Valley Laboratory Farm 2 in April was attended by more than 150 people with about 55 registered bidders who came to find that "special" pig among the 185 for sale.

Most of the hogs were crossbreds, however, there were about 15 Hampshires, 10 Chester Whites, and 10 Durocs. All of the hogs sold were born and raised on the University farm. Out of 185 pigs, 179 actually sold, for an average of $105 each.

Two hogs tied for the top spot with a bid of $205 each. Many of the animals purchased will go on to county or state fair exhibitions, as last year's sale produced 10 grand and reserve champions throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. A few of the pigs sold will directly enter into customer's breeding programs. All profits from the sale go directly back to Lab Farm 2.

According to the sale manager and student herdsman Jim Magolski, the sale requires a lot of teamwork and preparation. "It really takes 10 months of the year to prepare for this one day," said Magolski. The work begins in the summer when enough sows and gilts must be lined up for breeding. September thru November is spent selecting sires from boars at Shaffer's Goldrush in Indiana and then breeding the gilts. The farm prepares for farrowing in January, and farrowing runs from January until March, with the sale held in April.

Magolski said that a lot of effort went into the sale to make it a success.

"It was great to see so many people in attendance," said Magolski. "Several UWRF students helped out with the event, and the sale wouldn't have been a success without all of their help and hard work."

Besides Magolski, who is a senior majoring in animal science from New London, Wis., several student employees at Lab Farm 2 assisted with the auction including Chelsey Saevre, a junior majoring in animal science from Dodgeville, Iowa, Ryan Wodill, a sophomore majoring in animal science from Seymour, Wis., Nathaniel Casper, a sophomore majoring in crop and soil science from Adell, Wis., Lyssa Seefeldt, a sophomore majoring in animal science from Owen, Wis., Stephen Hubly, a junior majoring in agricultural studies from Clarks Grove, Minn., and Amy Schwake, a senior majoring in animal science from Maiden Rock, Wis.

The sale also benefits the academic programs at the University. "The sale is not only for the farm, but for the University," he said, adding that the sale targets youth around the area and state, not only to find a potential show pig, but also to create awareness of UWRF as a place to continue their education. Attendance at these types of events helps create a positive impression for youth and their parents, he said.

Buyers of each pig received a coupon for a 50 lb. bag of Honor Show Pig Feed, compliments of Land O' Lakes Purina Feeds and Goldstar Cooperative of Amery, Luck, Baldwin and Ellsworth. Other sponsors include: Shaffer's Goldrush of Indiana, Link Auction Service of Cambria, Wis.; Miller Land & Livestock Co, Lyndon Station, Wis.; and Stockman's Farm Supply, Wilson, Wis. Auction services were provided by Link Auction Services of Cambria. The UWRF Block and Bridle Organization provided the lunch for purchase at the sale.

Any pig purchased at the auction that is awarded grand or reserve champion at a 2007 state or county fair will receive a $25 buying credit for the 2008 UWRF Show Pig Sale. For more information about future sales, contact the Lab Farm at 715-425-3809.

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Last updated: Thursday, 22-Apr-2010 16:08:16 Central Daylight Time