March and April
1. Starting the pig project at this time. If it is desired to start the pig project at this time instead of in September, the club may be organized, a pure-bred gilt to farrow in April purchased by each member of the club, and the work started as suggested for September and October.
2. See the September and October calendar. In all essential points the members of the class beginning the pig project at this time should follow every detail outlined for September and October.
3. The October pigs. Continue the feeding rations of the October pigs as suggested for other months, according to weights and gains, and make larger use of the pasture as a supplement as the spring advances.
Alfalfa pasture has proven by many tests to be one of the best for growing pigs. After the first season for alfalfa, an acre should pasture two sows and their litters throughout the season. The corn rations may be cut one-half with alfalfa as a pasture. “Pigs in clover” are contented and happy. An acre of good clover should pasture one sow and her litter. A Missouri bulletin recommends feeding shoats about a pound of corn per head per day when on good clover pasture.
4. The second litter. If the second litter of pigs for the sow for the year is farrowed in April, as was recommended at the beginning of this project, quarters separate from the October pigs should be provided for them for at least eight weeks, or until the second litter is weaned. See directions for the care and management of the sow and pigs as given for September and October.
5. Records and study. Continue to make all records called for in the project. Read and study texts and reference books relating to the work you are doing each month.