Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby

Growing the Next Generation of Swine Enthusiasts

The Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby is an exciting program designed to inspire Oklahoma’s next generation of pork producers. Created for 6th-12th grade 4-H and FFA students, this unique opportunity provides hands-on experience in raising pigs while fostering a lifelong connection to the pork industry.

Launched in 2023, the Derby program is a collaborative effort between Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma Pork Council, the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE), and other supporters of youth in agriculture. Participants are nominated by their local 4-H or FFA advisors, who commit to guiding these first-time exhibitors through the process of properly raising and caring for their pigs.

The journey begins at Draft Day in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where participants visit the Oklahoma State University Swine Farm to select their Derby pig. With a strong commitment to fostering new talent, the Oklahoma Pork Council board sponsors $250 per student to help cover the cost of purchasing their first pig.

Throughout the show season, Derby participants are encouraged to attend multiple swine shows, all while maintaining detailed record books to track their progress. The program culminates at the Oklahoma Youth Expo each spring, where Derby exhibitors compete in a special swine show. Students have the chance to earn awards across various categories, including a knowledge test, ultrasound scan results, and show placings.

The Derby aims to ignite a passion for pork production in youth, encouraging them to explore future careers in the pork industry. By providing education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, this program is helping to secure the future of Oklahoma agriculture.

The success of the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby is made possible through the support of key collaborators:

• Oklahoma Pork Council

• Oklahoma State University

• Oklahoma Youth Expo

• Oklahoma FFA

• Oklahoma 4-H

Come cheer on the next generation of pork leaders this March at the Oklahoma Youth Expo! Witness their hard work, dedication, and growth as they compete in the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby Show — and help us celebrate the future of Oklahoma pork production!

Helpful Resources & tools for Derby Participants

Biosecurity is a critical step to keep your pigs healthy before, during and after a pit show

Did you know that regardless of how many pigs you care for, whether it’s a single show pig or thousands of market hogs, you are part of the pork industry? And, just as you are responsible for keeping your show pigs healthy, you share the responsibility of keeping all the pigs across Oklahoma healthy.

A healthy swine herd starts with raising healthy pigs at home, and raising a healthy pig starts with biosecurity.

What is biosecurity? Biosecurity means doing everything you can to reduce the chances of an infectious disease being carried by people, animals, equipment or vehicles.

Biosecurity is a combination of management practices designed to prevent the introduction and transmission of diseases and disease-causing agents into a herd. Procedures typically associated with a biosecurity plan include barn equipment and transport vehicle/trailer sanitation, rodent control, worker and visitor entry policies and general farm security measures.

Before the Show

Prior to attending a show, review your biosecurity plan to be prepared to protect your pig’s health. Many fairs and exhibitions require health papers that list specific vaccines given, such as influenza, and may require targeted health testing, such as for PRRS or PEDv. Make sure to bring a written record of all your pig’s treatments and vaccinations. As part of your biosecurity plan, work with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and testing needs for your pig.

At the show

Direct contact between pigs is the most common way diseases are spread. Following the principles of biosecurity and disease prevention to minimize unnecessary contact with unrelated swine or equipment during the exhibition.

returning home

The implementation of a biosecurity plan does not stop at the end of a show. Taking biosecurity precautions when you return home is just as important as those you take before and during the show.

Click here to download the complete Champions Guide to Biosecurity