The WNC Market Hog Project is designed to introduce youth to livestock showing, feeding, and care. Participants in the program will be provided a weaned pig that they will feed and care for at their home or another approved facility from June through the 2026 Mountain State Fair when the pigs are sold.

Participants will attend an informational orientation to prepare them for their project, participate in other events/clinics where they will work with their pig, and conclude their project by showing their pigs at the WNC Mountain State Fair and selling them at auction.

Please click on the links below to download the application form, rules, and program information.

• Application:  After discussing the program requirements with your family and advisor, interested youth MUST submit an application for the program which is due no later than Friday, April 17th, 2026.
• Participants will be notified of acceptance to the program no later than April 22, 2026.

**2026 WNC Market Hog Project Application can be found here.**

• Orientation: The program committee will make selections of who is accepted in to the 2026 program year based on pig availability. After being selected, youth participants and an adult must make plans to attend the required orientation on May 16th, 2026. All orientation details will be communicated with those selected. Please hold this mandatory date if interested in the program, as not being able to attend will forfeit your participation in this program year.

• Pig Pick Up Day - June 12, 2026 - Must attend to participate in the lottery to assign pigs. All event details will be communicated with those selected. Please hold this date if interested in the program.

• WNC Market Hog Mock Show - August 22nd, 2026 - $50 will be deducted if participant is not present. All event details will be communicated with those selected. Please hold this date if interested in the program.

• Mountain State Fair Hog Show- September 18, 2026 - $75 deducted if participant is not present.

• Barnyard Bandits Fundraiser Auction - September 19, 2026, - $50 deducted if participant is not present.

• Record Books Due - September 25, 2026 - $150 will be deducted if project record book is not turned in.

Please contact Abby Whitaker by email at abby_whitaker@ncsu.edu or phone (828) 255-5522 regarding any questions about the 2025 Market Hog Program.

2026 WNC Market Hog Project Rules