Real Swine

LOCK TF IN

What year was the Southwest Louisiana Swine Producers Association formed?

1963

Why was the association created?

To organize and promote feeder pig sales for local swine farmers

When and where was the first feeder pig sale?

November 1964 at the Basile Town Park Recreational Building (now the Pig Barn.)

What major development happened in 1967?

A government grant funded a larger feeder pig sale barn at the west end of Stagg Avenue near Bayou Nezpique.

What was the lane leading to the new barn named?

Feeder Pig Lane

When and why did feeder pig sales end?

1974 due to the market demand dropping dramatically.

When was the LA Swine Festival officially incorporated?

September 12, 1966

Who notarized the incorporation?

C.L. Hester, Jr.

Which years did the Festival NOT occur?

1974 due to sewer system installation, and 2020 due to COVID-19.

Which parishes is Basile located in?

Evangeline and Acadia parishes.

What is the size of Basile?

1.2 Square Miles

What was the population as of the 2020 census

Approximately 1,214.

What prairie is Basile located on?

The Mamou Prairie

Which bayous border the Basile area?

Bayou Des Cannes (east) and Bayou Nezpique (west)

Who is Nathan Abshire?

Cajun accordionist, singer, composer; preformed at Nixon’s inauguration; Swine Festival Grand Marshal (1969); his shack is now a Cajun Music museum.

Who is Dewey Balfa?

Cajun fiddler, singer, composer; global promoter of Cajun music; chaired the festival’s musician competition; Swine Festival King (1989)

Who is Nonc Allie Young?

Cajun accordionist and singer; preformed worldwide; festival dedicated to him in 1999.

What is a sow?

A mother pig.

What are baby pigs called?

Piglets.

What is a group of piglets called?

A litter

What is the gestation period of a sow?

112 days, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days.

How many piglets are in a typical litter?

8-12

How many litters does a sow usually have?

About 5 in her lifetime

When are market swine sold and how much do they weigh?

At 5-6 months old; 230-260 pounds.

Why do pigs roll in mud?

To cool off- they have no sweat glands.

Are pigs clean animals?

Yes- newborns move away from their waste within hours.

What do pigs eat?

Corn, soy meal, and human food leftovers.

How do pigs communicate?

Oinks, grunts, squeals- they are highly social and intelligent.

What are pigs mainly used for?

Consumption (pork)

Name some pig by-products.

Plastic, adhesives, insulation, floor wax, rubber, crayons, antifreeze, leather finish, coats, gloves, shoes, buttons, china, glue, chalk.

How are pigs used medically?

Pig heart valves can replace human heart valves.

What nutrients does pork provide?

Protein, fats, vitamins, minerals; pork is 75% water.

What is a cochon de lait?

Roasting a suckling pig.

What is a boucherie?

A community hog-butchering event producing sausage, cracklins, boudin, hog’s head cheese, boiled meats.

What is boudin made of?

Pork meat, rice, vegetables, seasonings in a natural pork casing.

What organs are used in traditional boudin?

Pork liver and/or pork heart

What dish is the boudin filling similar to?

Dirty rice

Why was a new barn needed by 1967?

The sales were so successful that a larger facility was required.

What type of organization is the La Swine Festival?

A nonprofit corporation

Why do pigs avoid their waste?

They are naturally clean and prefer separate areas for eating, sleeping, and waste.

What automotive product can come from pigs?

Antifreeze

What industry did the association support?

Local swine farming

What highway is connected to Feeder Pig Lane?

Highway 190

What is the festival’s purpose?

To celebrate swine agriculture and local culture.

What document made the festival official?

its incorporation papers.

Know your why.

Getting to represent the people who raised me, the traditions that shaped me, and the community that taught me how to be both strong and gracious, Its a chance to get to honor my roots in a much bigger way.

Why this festival?

Even though other festivals nationwide seen bigger, flashier, or more well known, they don’t carry the people, the memories, or the pride of a community that watched me grow up. Choosing this festival means choosing a place. that truly shaped me.