The Aksarben Pig Challenge Program is a new opportunity to experience growing and showing a market pig. Pigs are provided by the Aksarben Stock Show and awarded to youths chosen through an application process. Once selected, the pigs are the participant's responsibility to feed, train and show throughout the spring and summer. Participants are evaluated on their projects from the time they take ownership in the spring to returning to Aksarben Stock Show in September.

Participants will be judged and scored on:
1. Feed Records - cost and written rations
2. Sponsor Letters - five letters minimum
3. Record Book and Contents - organization, pictures, complete records
4. Showmanship
5. Interview - 5-10 minute interview during Aksarben
6. Live Placing Class

Particpants will be expected to communicate monthly with their assigned sponsor. The sponsor letters should include information about their pig as well as themselves.

A record book will be provided at the pig pick-up date. The record book will need to be completed with additional content added, to turn in for judging at the Aksarben Stock Show.

Once the participant and pig arrive at Aksarben they will check their pig in and weigh it. It will be the participant's responsibility to enter their pig in the Pig Challenge Class, through the online entry system. The Pig Challenge class will have its own official live placing and showmanship class (separate from the Market Swine show).

The Pig Challenge class will have a program following it. This program will allow participants to meet their sponsor face to face and mingle with all the contestants. At the end of the program, the tabulations will be announced, and the top three Pig Challenge Participants will sell their pig in the Purple Ribbon Auction.