HOPKINTON -- Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) presents Swine 101, on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Hopkinton Town Hall from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The course for farmers interested in raising pigs for themselves or to sell to the local market, will feature two speakers and a panel discussion at the end.

Jason Detzel from Ulster County CCE and swine producer specializing in swine raised outside will talk about housing, fencing and marketing your products.

Jake LeDoux of Jefferson County CCE and also a swine producer will talk about farrowing systems, farrowing and baby piglet care.

A panel of experienced pig producers will top off the program by sharing their experience and answering questions.

Raising swine in the North Country is challenging because pigs eat mostly a grain diet and we are a forage producing area, said a press release from CCE.

There is also no commodity market for hogs in the area, the CCE said.

A swine operation is good for someone that enjoys direct marketing their products to consumers as there is some demand for locally raised pork, CCE said.

For someone already marketing beef or chicken, hogs can make an appealing addition to their farm and provide their customers with another option, said the press release.

Swine 101 is brought to you by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Franklin, St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties with support from a USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

Pre-registration is appreciated and you can sign up on-line at franklin.cce.cornell.edu or call their office at 315-483-7403.

You can also contact Betsy Hodge at bmf9@cornell.edu.

There is a $10 per person cost for the class.

There will be refreshments served.