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Drought may mean fewer, smaller animals at fairs

Ag/Outdoor

July 29th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

MILWAUKEE (AP) — State and county fairs in the sweltering and drought-stricken Midwest may see smaller livestock and produce this year. The dozen pigs Greg Marzahl and his 15-year-old daughter are bringing to the Wisconsin State Fair are about 15 pounds smaller than the normal 275 pounds. Marzahl had three grand champion pigs last year. He says this year, the heat is affecting the pigs’ virility and appetites. The Wisconsin fair opens its 11-day run Thursday in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis.

State fairs also are set to begin in the next two weeks in Indiana, Iowa and Illinois. Those states also have been hit by unusual heat and drought. Marzahl still plans to bring his pigs to the fair, expecting his competition will be smaller too.