Welcome to the Pleasant Acres Swine Project!

Welcome to the Pleasant Acres Swine Project.  Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the project.  We hope this will give you a better understanding of what you can expect if you join our project. 

Any member can join the Swine project.  Members must be 9 years of age to show at the Santa Clara County Fair. When the pigs are purchased they weigh roughly 60 pounds and at market they need to weigh 200 to 270 pounds. 

 The initial cost of a good pig is usually somewhere between  $250.00 and $500.00 but you can purchase pigs for a lot more should you choose to do so.  It then costs about $100.00 to feed it. Beyond that you will have additional cost for basic tack.  A rough estimate for basic tack would be somewhere in the range of $100.00 dollars for the things you have to have.  This would include feed pans, water buckle, tools, show cane, show supplies and alike.

 If members do not have room to keep pigs at home, Pleasant Acres has a contract to keep animals at Emma Prusch Park.  Prusch Park is located where Highways 280 and 101 meet.  To keep animals there members must sign a contact with the park and adhere to their rules, as well as, pay a fee of approximately $25.00 per animal.  Swine contracts are valid for 6 months, should you keep the animal for longer you will need to resubmit a contract and pay additional fees.  Contracts are approved on a case-by-case basis and also depend on space availability.

 As with all large animal projects of Pleasant Acres, once you have decided to join the project you must sign a “ Swine Participation Agreement”.  This agreement lays out an outline of the projects and minimum requirements of participation you must meet.  See the “ Swine Participation Agreement” for more details.

 Although members are only required to own pigs for 60 days (2 months) before fair most will have them for 4 to 6 months.  Most members will purchase their animals somewhere between March and May because that is when most of the sales are.   Once most members have their pigs we will start having practice.  The practice schedule depends on the animals and the needs of members.  See “Swine Participation Agreement” for more details.

 Depending on the size of your pig and the other pigs in your pen you may be able to allow your pig to be on free feed.  This means you can put feed into the feeder and when your pig is hungry it can eat.  However, as the pig grows there may come a time where it is necessary to monitor its’ feed intake.  Should this become the case it will be necessary for you to feed it it’s ration, in a feed pan, twice a day.   Pigs also need clean water and a fresh dry bed each day as well. Depending on where your animal is kept in may be necessary to for you to rinse your pig when the weather is hot to keep it cool. 

 Jackpot shows are a great practice run for both members and pigs.  At most of the shows members can participate in both market and showmanship classes for money and prizes.  It is also an opportunity to actually fit your animal for the show, along with being able to show in front of a judge.  Most jackpot shows are from January though May and are located all over California. 

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