FFA Sow Farrows
In October of 2023, the FFA’s jointly owned sow was artificially inseminated by the Central Decatur animal science class. She gave birth to 16 piglets on January 13, 2024. Members of the Lamoni Farrowing Team were there by the sow’s side the whole time. The members that helped deliver the piglets were Jaimie Tull, Kimberly Stretch, Brady Lester, and Ethan Elliot. They made sure she didn't have any complications during delivery. She delivered three more piglets the following day, bringing the total to 19. There were three runts with this litter. Two are at home with one of the members of the farrowing team and the other is still with the sow doing well. They are currently smaller than we would like, but we will get them where they need to be.
Jamie Tull, Kimberly Stretch, Ambrose Savage, Cortlynn Holmes, Kelan Stevenson, Brady Lester, Ethan Elliott, and Macie Jeanes were responsible for processing the piglets. They clipped their needle teeth, docked their tails, castrated the males, and gave iron shots to all the piglets. Those and additional members are responsible for maintaining the farrowing trailer and livestock. They have to care for the animals by feeding, watering, and cleaning the trailer out. They also have to keep track of expenses such as feed and medicine. They carry out these responsibilities daily, roughly four times per day.
This project teaches students responsibility, teamwork, animal husbandry, and the farm-to-table process. After the piglets are raised to their market weight, 260-280 pounds, they will be processed to share the meat between Lamoni Community Schools and Central Decatur for their breakfast and lunch programs. This is Lamoni’s third year of participating in this USDA Farm to School Grant with Central Decatur.