There’s something about that nose of a pig that stands out. In addition to its unique shape, it also serves some important functions. Though smell is a given, there are some other utilities employed by pigs that make their nose stand out. One behavior in particular that seems to stand out is rooting. But why? What is it about sticking their noses in dirt that is so … [Read more...]
Ask The Expert – Joanne Powell (part 2)
(Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series) Every day is a new adventure for Joanne Powell. As the Research Farm Supervisor for the large animal unit at Rutgers University, Joanne gets to do the things she loves, including being outside with animals! In addition to that, Joanne is a 4-H leader in Somerset County, a role she has had for nearly 30 years. In … [Read more...]
Ask The Expert – Joanne Powell, Research Farm Supervisor (part 1)
(Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series) For Joanne Powell, no two days are the same. Joanne is the Research Farm Supervisor for the large animal unit at Rutgers University. Having grown up on a farm herself, she appreciates not only the rewards of a hard day’s work, but also being able to spend time outdoors with animals. We recently reached out to … [Read more...]
“How Swine-wise Are You?” – The Things You Learn (AND REMEMBER!) In 4-H
One of the stars of the ABC sitcom Modern Family is Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Eric is a proud 4-H alum. In June of 2017, Eric was a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As most guests do, Eric spent a large part of the interview discussing his ongoing projects (such as Modern Family). At around the 6:20 mark of the … [Read more...]
A Pig By Any Other Name
New Jersey 4-H Swine Projects have many names - pigs, hogs, boars, sows, barrows, and gilts. Whatever the name, they all are members of the Suidae family. Members of this family are “artiodactyl” (a fancy word for “even toed ungulates”) mammals that include in their family tree, in addition to the domestic pig, warthogs, wild boars, and even razorbacks. As fascinating an … [Read more...]