How to organise a pig judging event

A pig judging event runs smoothly when entries, animal welfare and the judging timetable are settled before anything arrives on site. Start with registration and participant information, then confirm judges, the vet, pig details and class times. On the day, keep registration separate from the animal route, prepare forms and number cards in advance, and test the PA system and power supply before judging begins. Allow time for pens, bedding, feed and waste collection rather than treating them as last-minute jobs.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Send invitations
2 people
2
Share the participant terms and conditions
3
Open the registration form
4
Process registrations
2 people
5
Confirm participants
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Check pig details
2 people
8
Confirm judges
9
Confirm the vet
10
Order prizes
11
Book catering
12
Arrange waste collection
13
Check power outlets
2 people
14
Determine the animal route
2 people
15
Create class schedule
2 people
16
Publish start times
17
Prepare number cards
2 people
18
Print results forms
19
Print participant list
20
Do the shopping
2 people
21
Test equipment
2 people
22
Check animal pens
2 people
23
Clean stalls in advance
3 people
24
Set out straw and bedding
2 people
25
Bring materials to the venue
4 people
26
Build enclosures
4 people
27
Mark off the running course
3 people
28
Set up the judges' table
2 people
29
Set up registration desk
2 people
30
Set up audience benches
3 people
31
Install lighting
2 people
32
Test the PA system
2 people
33
Set up handwashing stations
2 people
34
Set up catering
3 people
35
Chill drinks
2 people
36
Set out trophies and ribbons
2 people

Event

37
Register animals
3 people
38
Hand out number cards
2 people
39
Guide the animals to their pens
4 people
40
Register visitors
2 people
41
Give the opening briefing
42
Explain animal welfare
43
Guide the first judging class
4 people
44
Guide the next judging classes
4 people
45
Record results
2 people
46
Giving the animals water
3 people
47
Check stalls
3 people
48
Replace straw
2 people
49
Serve snacks
3 people
50
Refill drinks
2 people
51
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
52
Answer audience questions
2 people
53
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
54
Support awards ceremony
3 people
55
Publish results
56
Bring the animals back
4 people
57
Guide participant departures
3 people
58
Close off the public area
2 people
59
Check animal enclosures
2 people

Aftercare

60
Collect waste
3 people
61
Wash dishes
3 people
62
Clean up catering
2 people
63
Clean pens
4 people
64
Clean the queue barrier
3 people
65
Dismantle furniture
4 people
66
Clean and dry materials
3 people
67
Return materials
2 people
68
Dispose of waste
2 people
69
Send results to participants
70
Send prizes and certificates afterward

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Registration desk
Judges' tablesqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 24
Animal pensqty 20
Waterproof storage binsqty 8

Animal care

Drinking bowlsqty 24
Feed bowlsqty 20
Scoopsqty 4
Wheelbarrowsqty 2
Hay balesqty 25
Wooden floatsqty 6
Short drift polesqty 6
Livestock transport blanketsqty 4

Equipment

Scalesqty 2
PA system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Groceries

Registration

Registration formsqty 100
Result formsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Number cardsqty 100
Cable tiesqty 200

Decorations

Directional signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Prize ribbonsqty 30
Trophiesqty 12
Certificatesqty 30

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Disinfectant dispensersqty 6
Handwashing stationsqty 4

Safety

Work glovesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 3

Tips

Close registration early enough to check every entry, collect dietary requirements and confirm participants before publishing start times. A final participant list prevents missing number cards and incorrect results forms.
Set the animal route before placing pens and crowd barriers. Keep loading, holding, judging and exit areas distinct so animals do not have to pass through queues or catering areas.
Confirm the judge and vet at least 2–3 weeks before the event, then share the class schedule and arrival instructions. A backup contact and working walkie-talkies help when the site is noisy or spread out.
Prepare one waterproof box for judging paperwork, number cards, pens and spare forms. Print the participant list and results forms before event day so registration does not depend on a weak signal or a working printer.
Check pens, drinking bowls, feed bowls, straw and bedding the day before, and test every extension cord, power strip, microphone and lamp. Arrange waste collection in advance; animal waste and used bedding are easy to overlook until the stalls are full.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a pig judging event?: Open registration several weeks before the event and confirm judges, the vet, catering and waste collection at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Use the final week to check pig details, print paperwork and test equipment.
How do I plan the order of a pig judging event?: Finish registration and participant confirmation first, then check animal details and set the class schedule. On the day, run registration before judging, move animals through the planned route, record results, and finish with prizes and departure.
What should I prepare for the pigs on the day?: Have clean pens, fresh straw or bedding, drinking bowls, feed bowls and suitable handling equipment ready before animals arrive. Check the pens in advance and keep the route clear from unloading through judging and exit.
When should I publish the pig judging start times?: Publish start times after registrations are processed and the class schedule is checked, ideally several days before the event. Include arrival instructions so participants know when to register and where to bring their pigs.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.