The Sydney Royal School Commercial Pig Competition is a three month educational program that provides students with hands on experience in the care, management and husbandry of commercial pigs. Open to NSW schools with suitable facilities to house and manage pigs, participating schools work with a team of three pigs, developing practical skills in animal welfare, nutrition, biosecurity and livestock management while gaining an understanding of the Australian pork industry and the wider primary industries sector. Through the program, students explore the connections between animal production, food production, agricultural science, sustainability and agribusiness before showcasing their achievements at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. For schools without existing pigs, the RAS can assist in sourcing animals for the competition, making participation accessible to a broader range of students and schools.
The competition is conducted as a school based livestock production project prior to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Participating schools work with a team of three pigs under their direct daily care and management, collecting production data and applying industry best practice principles in animal husbandry, welfare and biosecurity. Students then exhibit their pigs and present their learning outcomes as part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Teacher's Manual
Enter Competition
Entries to the 2026 Competition are now closed.
Competition Components
The competition is judged by commercial pork industry specialists and consists of four components:
On the Hoof
A team of three pigs is judged on:
- Commercial suitability
- Structural correctness
- Temperament
- Live weight performance
- Uniformity
- Presentation and handling
The focus is on producing pigs that meet commercial market specifications and industry expectations.
On the Hook
Following processing, carcasses are assessed against commercial pork industry standards, providing students with a valuable understanding of meat production and market requirements.
Project Presentation
Students prepare and present a project exploring a topic relevant to the Australian pork industry, such as:
- Pig production systems
- Sustainability
- Pig breeds
- Biosecurity
- Nutrition
- Pork products and markets
Projects are judged by industry representatives and allow students to demonstrate their research, communication skills and industry knowledge.
Stockmen Competition
Schools are assessed throughout the competition on:
- Animal husbandry practices
- Grooming and presentation of pigs
- Pen cleanliness and maintenance
- Showmanship
- Public engagement
- Overall professionalism
This component encourages students to take pride in their animals, their presentation and their role as ambassadors for agriculture.
