PIGS
According to the USDA, Iowa had a total of 15.5 million market hogs and pigs as of March 1, 2007, which is 1/4 of the nation's total. North Carolina (8.4 million) and Minnesota (6.2 million) were second and third.
• Pigs have no sweat glands, which is why they wallow in water or mud to keep cool.
• A baby pig, or piglet, weighs about 3½ pounds at birth and will double its weight in just 7 days.
• Pigs can run about 7 miles an hour.
• Pigs that weigh over 250 pounds are called hogs.
Wall Street in New York got it’s name because it ran along the wall that was built by 17th century farmers to keep their pigs from straying.
Yorkshire pigs are the world's most popular breed. They originated in Britain in the late 18th and early 19th century. They are a cross between the indigenous white pig of northern England and the small, fatter Chinese white pig.
The first 'cattle' to be branded in the U.S. began when farmers in Connecticut were required to mark their pigs
The hog, swine, or pig, was first domesticated almost 10,000 years ago in China.
In Austria, suckling pig is the traditional dinner for New Year’s Day and is said to symbolize good luck. Often the New Year’s table also is decorated with miniature pigs made of marzipan, maple sugar or chocolate.
One of the most prolific breeds of pig in the world is the Meishan breed from China. They reach puberty at less than 3 months of age, and generally have litters of 15-17 pigs. Many have 2 litters per year.
Top 5 Pig countries: (2000)
• China - 438 million
• US - 59 million
• Brazil - 27 million
• Germany - 27 million
• Spain - 24 million
The Trigg County Country Ham Festival
Trigg County, Kentucky, has been holding the festival every year since 1977. Each October, tens of thousands of people from all over the country come to sample the county's famous country cured hams.
The world's largest country ham and biscuit is made here each year as part of the festivities, and many contests are held, including the pig derby, a greased-pig catching contest, and a kiss a pig contest. Just hope it doesn't kiss back!
Library of Congress Local Legacies Project
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