Pig Judging Checklist

A pig judging event depends on more than the judging itself. You need a clear registration process, verified pig details, confirmed judges and vet cover, safe animal movement, and paperwork that works on the day. This checklist puts the work in a practical order, from invitations and entries through to pens, equipment, catering and results. It also highlights details that are easy to leave until the last minute, such as power, waste collection, dietary requirements and participant start times.

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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

Send invitations
2 people
Share the participant terms and conditions
Open the registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm participants
Collect dietary requirements
Check pig details
2 people
Confirm judges
Confirm the vet
Order prizes
Book catering
Arrange waste collection
Check power outlets
2 people
Determine the animal route
2 people
Create class schedule
2 people
Publish start times
Prepare number cards
2 people
Print results forms
Print participant list
Do the shopping
2 people
Test equipment
2 people
Check animal pens
2 people
Clean stalls in advance
3 people
Set out straw and bedding
2 people
Bring materials to the venue
4 people
Build enclosures
4 people
Mark off the running course
3 people
Set up the judges' table
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up audience benches
3 people
Install lighting
2 people
Test the PA system
2 people
Set up handwashing stations
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out trophies and ribbons
2 people

Event

Register animals
3 people
Hand out number cards
2 people
Guide the animals to their pens
4 people
Register visitors
2 people
Give the opening briefing
Explain animal welfare
Guide the first judging class
4 people
Guide the next judging classes
4 people
Record results
2 people
Giving the animals water
3 people
Check stalls
3 people
Replace straw
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Answer audience questions
2 people
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Support awards ceremony
3 people
Publish results
Bring the animals back
4 people
Guide participant departures
3 people
Close off the public area
2 people
Check animal enclosures
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean up catering
2 people
Clean pens
4 people
Clean the queue barrier
3 people
Dismantle furniture
4 people
Clean and dry materials
3 people
Return materials
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Send results to participants
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

Set a firm registration deadline before you publish the start times. This gives you time to process entries, confirm participants, check pig details and prepare the class schedule rather than changing the running order on the day.
Confirm the judges and vet several days before the event, then record their arrival times and contact details with the participant list. A last-minute confirmation prevents gaps in judging or animal welfare cover.
Plan the animal route before pens, barriers and judges’ tables are set out. Walk it once with the available space, and keep the route clear of tables, cables, spectators and catering equipment.
Test the PA system, wireless microphones, walkie-talkies, scales and lighting before bringing participants in. Check extension cords and power strips at the same time, especially if the judging area and registration desk are in different places.
Prepare results forms, number cards and the printed participant list together, then store them in a waterproof container at the registration desk. Bring spare pens and keep completed forms separate from blank paperwork so results are not lost or mixed up.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I open registration for pig judging?: Open registration at least 2 to 4 weeks before the event, depending on how many participants you expect. Set a closing date early enough to check pig details, collect dietary requirements and publish the class schedule before judging day.
When should I confirm the vet and judges for a pig judging event?: Confirm both at least 7 days before the event, then check again 24 to 48 hours beforehand. Include the venue access time, judging start time, contact number and any changes to the animal route.
How many animal pens do I need for pig judging?: Plan one secure pen for each pig that must wait separately, plus at least one spare pen for separation or unexpected arrivals. Final numbers depend on your entries and class schedule, so confirm them after registration closes rather than guessing early.
What should I prepare the day before pig judging?: Clean the stalls, set out straw and bedding, check drinking and feed bowls, and test all electrical equipment the day before. Also prepare number cards, results forms and the participant list so registration can start without printing or sorting delays.

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.