Guide to Determine What Weight Show Pig to Buy

Traditionally, the swine show at the Dixie National Junior Round-Up is scheduled for a Saturday near February 1 each year. In 2027, the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Swine Market Hog Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 6.

Each year, many swine exhibitors purchase the pigs they intend to show at the Dixie National Junior Round-Up in Jackson. Some exhibitors purchase pigs at show pig sales, on-farm sales, or from individual producers usually in late September and October. Sometimes they purchase in early November, since the ownership deadline for pigs is December 1, 2026. Don’t wait until November to purchase a pig, because there may not be many left.

To be successful showing pigs, plan before purchasing the show pig.

It is a good idea to understand the show’s requirements.

• Become familiar with the rules and regulations of the specific show in which you will show the animal.
• Each show may have different requirements, and the requirements may change from one year to the next.
• Mississippi Bred Contest: If you want to be eligible for additional premiums provided by the Mississippi Pork Producers Association for Mississippi-bred tagged pigs, ask the seller if the pig will be tagged Mississippi-bred before you purchase the pig. All Mississippi-bred tagged pigs should be tagged before change of ownership.

Here are more things to consider before purchasing the show pig:

• Animal care—Who will provide daily care for the pig?
• Housing—Do you have shelter and a pen to keep the pig comfortable?
• Transport of the pig—Do you have a truck or trailer to haul the pig(s) you purchase?
• Equipment—Do you have a self-feeder and water supply for the pig?
• Feed—What will you feed your pig, and will you have the feed when the pig arrives?
• Health program—Ask the seller what vaccinations or dewormers the pig has received and when the treatments were given.
• Market situation—What do you plan to do with your pig after the show?
• Sources of show pigs—Where will you go to purchase a show pig?

Download the PDF for the full publication.

Publication 2516 (POD-10-26)

Revised by Dean Jousan, PhD, Extension Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences.