JUDGING OF PIGS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20128, 23 December 1939, Page 16

JUDGING OF PIGS

YOUNG FARMERS’ DAY CARCASE MEASUREMENTS IDENTICAL PLACINGS Some interesting features were associated with the baconer pig judging competition at the recent young farmers' field day on the Gisborne showgrounds, particularly when the pigs were killed and measured under the standard English system.

Three pigs were paraded before the competitors, and afterwards the judge, Mr. H. A. Hopkins, placed the pigs in order of merit as he viewed them, and later carried out the measurements of the carcases. The placings following the carcase measurements were identical with those on the showgrounds. The following are the carcase measurements, weights and points of the three pigs in the order in which they were placed:— Large White.—Weight, 1791 b.: length, 31in„ 11 points: shoulder fai. 28/lGin.. 20 points; loin fat. 22/lGin.. 8 points; total, 39 points. Tamworth-Berkshire. —Weight, IGI lb.: length, 80in., 9 points; shoulder fat, 26/lGin., 20 points; loin fat, 22/10 in., G points; total, 35 points.

Three-quarter Tamworth-Berkshire cross.—Weigh*, 1701 b .: length, 32in., 13 points; shoulder fat, 34/1 Gin., 14 points; loin fat, 22/16in., G points.

Maximum points.—Length, 20 shoulder fat. 20; loin fat, 12; total, 52.

The judge remarked that die pig 'which he placed third was the pig which the majority of competitor:; placed first. The competitors were deceived by this pig. Despite his length, his excessive back fat secured him only 14 points out of 20, and bore out the judge’s opinion with relation to the hoof,and the hook placings.