The Arizona National Livestock Show (ANLS) is pleased to announce the Swine Show will be an affiliate show of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA), the nation’s largest youth livestock association and the youth membership branch of the National Swine Registry (NSR), and Team Purebred, the fastest growing youth livestock organization in the nation.
Starting with the 2014 event, Arizona National will collaborate with the NJSA and Team Purebred organizations to offer a pedigreed barrow show, pedigreed gilt show and a pedigreed breeding gilt sale. Along with purebred classes, the ANLS will offer both crossbred barrow and breeding gilt classes, as well. In support of these additions, NSR will offer added premiums for purebred Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire animals. Team Purebred will provide added premiums for Purebred Berkshire, Poland China, Chester White and Spotted Swine breeds. NSR staff members and Team Purebred leaders will assist the ANLS Swine Committee with event preparation and execution. NSR, Team Purebred and ANLS will provide new educational and entertainment activities to encourage personal growth and development among youth exhibitors participating in the event.
The competition is open to youth from all 50 states. The Pedigree Barrow Show exhibitor age requirements are 9 to 19, and the Pedigree Gilt Show exhibitors can be ages 9 and under 22 years. Breeding Gilts must be born May 1, 2014 or later. Exhibitors may also enter crossbred individual barrows or gilts without entering purebreds.
The partnership between the ANLS, NSR and Team Purebred will create new opportunities for youth to not only exhibit outstanding purebred swine, but also gain valuable life skills through competition and educational activities.
The 67th Show will be held Dec. 26-31, 2014, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, Ariz.