As the previous issue of the Paolite covered, new life was expected to arrive at PHS in December and January. The agricultural classes inseminated their pigs and waited for the birth of the piglet litter. 

Students whose pigs recently gave birth include senior Keeley Scott, sophomore Graydan Padgett, freshman Kutter Springer, and seventh grader Luke Buner.

Springer’s two pigs, Faye and Michelle, had to overcome complications when giving birth. Faye gave birth to seven babies, with only two surviving. Michelle had nine babies, but also only two survived. 

Buner’s pig, Bertha, is the only pig whose entire litter survived. She had ten babies without complications.

Scott’s pig, Bonnie, is another new mother. Seven out of nine babies survived.

Padgett’s pig, Queeny, was the last to give birth. She originally had ten, but only four survived. 

“We faced several challenges this year compared to previous years, but the kids still helped tremendously in every way they could have,” said agriculture and animal science teacher Cory Scott. 

Although this year was not as active as usual regarding the pigs, the students still learned new things daily. 

Once everything has been finished for the pigs, they will remain in the barn until the annual pig sale in March.