Swine Skillathon educates 4-H youth during Ohio State Fair

Children who participate in the 4-H program’s Swine Skillathon at the Ohio State Fair will learn there is more to a pig than meets the eye. The 4-H program is part of Ohio State University extension.

The Swine Skillathon, otherwise known as a learning laboratory, gives children and youths ages 9 to 18 the opportunity to learn more about the swine industry.

The Swine Skillathon will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday (8/8) in the O’neill Building at the Ohio State Fair.

The competition is open to teams or individuals and will include stations where participants are tested on their knowledge of quality assurance exercises and livestock breed, meat, equipment, and disease identification. Although everyone will receive a token for their participation in the Skillathons, participants with the highest scores will receive a plaque and monetary award.

Skillathons are also conducted for youth who are interested in horses, dogs, dairy cattle, beef cattle poultry, rabbits, sheep, and goats.

WHAT: By combining the Ohio State Fair, live animals, 4-H education and competition, Ohio State University extension is hosting a Swine Skillathon for children and youths involved in 4-H programs.

WHEN:2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday (8/8).

WHERE:The Ohio State Fair, O’neill Building (Ohio State Fair map).

WHY: To give children the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the swine industry by developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Editor’s Note: For media credentials, please fax on letterhead the name of the reporter and time/date of event being covered to (614) 644-4501. Day of event, check in at the Media Center on 11th Avenue next to the Ohio Gate.