That'll Do Pig

Story by Geoff McMaster

Facts are, pigs are suddenly popular.  From telephone ads to billboards, the humble hog is making a comeback.

The public’s fascination with pigs is good news to the folks at the University of Alberta’s brand new Alberta Pork Industry Interpretative Centre.

Here, kids of all ages can get to know pigs—up close and personal.Many of them are surprised to know that it is impossible to sweat like a pig (because pigs don’t have sweat glands) and a pig sty is anything but a housekeeping disaster (pigs like very clean living areas).

In fact, there’s a ton of tantalizing trivia awaiting anyone who wants to know more about pigs.

Through interactive displays, children and the general public can learn almost everything there is to know about the pork industry—from how pigs are cared for, to what they eat, how they are housed and even what is done with the manure they produce.

“Thirty years ago, everyone had some connection to a farm. But today, most of us never see the inside of a barn,” says Paul Hodgman of Alberta Pork. “This is a great way to give young kids and their families an  opportunity to experience agriculture right in the middle of the city.”

“The Pig Science Centre is an innovative example of our farmers speaking directly to young consumers in terms young people can easily understand,” says Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Shirley McClellan.

Aimed primarily at students in Grades 4–6, the 1,500-square-foot facility is funded by Alberta Pork, an organization representing more than 1,800 pork producers, and the Alberta Livestock Industry Development Fund.

You’ll find it at 114 St. and 89 Ave., in Edmonton, and it is open, free of charge, to the public. For school tours or more information, contact Alberta Pork at 780.474.8288 or albertapork.com •

Pig Pointers—Did you know?

• Farmers shower before going into hog barns and change their clothes when they come out. This is done to maintain a healthy, clean environment in the barn.
  
•  A facility that houses pregnant sows is called a “farrowing barn.”
  
• Finishing or feeder barns are used to house weanlings (piglets that have been weaned from their mothers) until they are ready for market.