4-H students focus on pork, rabbits at Exchange Club

Two Gatesville High School students and 4-H members gave presentations to the Gatesville Exchange Club on May 4.

Kinlee Gardner, a freshman, talked about "The Power of Pork" and Cayleigh Coursey, a sophomore, spoke about rabbit showmanship. They were introduced by Becky Coward, an Exchange Club member and the Coryell County Agrilife Extension agent who oversees 4-H programs. Both students advanced to state competition, where they will represent Coryell County.

Gardner has raised show pigs and went a step further by researching interesting facts about pork.

"Pork is the second most consumed meat product in the world," she said, noting that only chicken ranks ahead of pork, while beef is third.

"There are 65,000 hog farms in the United States," Gardner said. "Most are small farms with less than 100 hogs, but others can have as many as 5,000.

The average production hog weighs 265 pounds and can generate 371 food servings, she noted, adding "that's a lot of pork."

Hog farming has changed significantly over the years, Gardner said.

"It's a lot different than when my granddad was raising hogs," she said. Those pigs were fattened using slop, often a combination of several different leftover items, and the pigs mainly stayed outside.

Now, most production hogs are given a nutritious balanced diet and stay in climate-controlled barns, she said.

The fear of contracting trichinosis – a food-borne illness that occurs when a consumer eats infected pork has significantly diminished because of the improved hog raising techniques, she said.

"You can cook most pork like a steak," Gardner said. One exception is ground pork, which like ground beef, has to be cooked at higher temperatures to ensure food safety.

"Pork fits perfectly into USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) healthy eating plans and myplate.gov, '' Gardner said.

She said there are various cuts of meat from different parts of the pig, and shoulder cuts are among the most popular.

"In 2011, the American Heart Association labeled pork tenderloin a heart healthy food, and in 2016, the American Heart Association certified pork sirloin roast as an extremely lean meat," Gardner said.

"It's an excellent source of nutrients, including potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure and phosphorus which is good for bones. Its most powerful punch is protein, which helps build blood and helps the body fight infections and reduce fatigue.

"Today's pork is really good for you. It's not only nutritious but there are a variety of ways to cook it."

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Coursey has specialized in raising and showing rabbits, so that was the topic of her presentation. She said she chose the topic to gain a better understanding of rabbit showmanship.

Those who compete should be knowledgeable about their rabbits, and also know how to properly hold, handle and display the animals according to the American Rabbit Breeders Association standards, she said.

She talked about the five body types rabbits have: those with a fully arched back, which have longer legs and can stand up like a cat; semi-arched, which are bigger and shorter, so they can't stand up as high; compact, with smaller bodies that are easier to push to show their backsides; commercial, which is similar to semi-arched and compact mixed together; and cylindrical, with long bodies and short legs.

"There is only one breed in the world" that is cylindrical, Coursey said – the Himalayan. Those rabbits are laid out to display for judging.

To help her show different ways rabbits are checked and displayed during judging, Coursey brought out a stuffed toy rabbit, Flopsy, during the presentation.

During a head-to-tail check of the rabbits, judges examine teeth, feet and toenails, stomach, tail and gender.

Judges pull competitors aside and ask questions about their general knowledge of rabbits and specific breeds.

"Rabbit showmanship is all about skill and knowledge," Coursey said. "You have to work with your rabbit every day in order to compete.

"Good sportsmanship is important, and also being kind to fellow competitors," she said, adding that those who show rabbits can also meet people and develop lasting friendships.

Asked how many rabbits she has, Coursey said "close to 30 – maybe more."

She said she also talked to the rabbits to help keep them calm.