Exciting times are ahead at PHS with new arrivals expected in December and January. The agriculture classes have been actively involved in the artificial insemination process for their pigs, and are now eagerly awaiting the birth of the piglet litter. This hands-on experience is instructional for students, providing them with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of animal reproduction and care.
Fifth grader Feenyx Springer’s pig, Faye, was the first to become a mother. She had seven babies, though with some complications, only two survived. Because Springer is from Throop, her older brother Kutter Springer has been caring for her pigs.
The next pig to give birth was seventh grader Luke Bruner’s pig, Bertha. She had ten babies and are all alive and healthy. This is Bruner’s first year as a part of the pig program.
“I decided to be a part of the pig program because I’ve grown up around the pigs and enjoy being around them,” said Bruner.
Freshman Kutter Springer’s pig, Michelle, is due over Christmas break, December 27.
Senior Keeley Scott’s pig, Bonnie, is up next. Scott has been part of the pig program for eight years and her dedication to animal care is evident in her strict attention to her pigs.
“My favorite part of being a part of the pig program was overall being able to get hands-on experience with the pigs and getting to learn new things every day,” said Scott.
Lastly, sophomore Graydan Padgett’s pig, Queeny, is due on January 5.
The students in Scott’s classes have been instrumental in caring for the piglets and their mothers. They regularly clean out the pens and take on additional piglet responsibilities, including ear notching, tail docking, teeth clipping, and castration. Their involvement ensures that the pigs receive comprehensive care and that the students gain valuable hands-on experience.
“Being in Scott’s Veterinary Science classes allows us to gain a lot of hands-on experiences with the piglets,” said Veterinary Career I student junior Amber Pennington.
Once everything has been finished for the pigs, they will remain in the barn until the annual pig sale in March.