This Friday, as many as 29 students from across Escambia County (Ala.) will gather at the Double AA Auction, Inc., building on Ag Drive in Brewton (which is located behind Southern Pine Electric Co-op) to show and sell pigs they have been raising since Dec. 4.
Students learn from the start that this is not a pet project, it's a food project. They are raising those pigs to be slaughtered and turned into hams, bacon, pork chops, ribs and more that will end up on somebody's dinner table.
We talked to four students involved in the program last week (see story on the front page). They all seem to understand and realize they are not raising pets, they are raising food and it's fine that their pigs will be turned into meals.
But we also learned it's not just about raising food. Ashley Bradley's mother Angela said the experience her daughter has had this year and in years past participating in the program has taught her other life lessons.
Angela said it has taught her daughter responsibility. It has taught her that she is responsible for something other than herself.
“It helps you in life,” Angela said.
These students have put a lot of time, effort and money into the project. Their reward will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Brewton when people begin bidding on their pigs.
In addition to the learning experience, the project is designed to at least let the students break even money wise and possibly make a little extra cash.
We applaud the 4-H program for offering this opportunity to our students and we ask you to show up at Friday's sale and show your appreciation to the students by buying a pig.
You won't have to touch the pig. It can be hauled off to the processor and you can pick up your ribs, bacon and chops later.
