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When the Jackson/Vinton County Farm Bureau decided to raise money for their youth program by having local businesses decorate and display oversized piggy banks, they never dreamed they would win a national award.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) recognized the Hog Wild project as one of 15 outstanding county Farm Bureau initiatives from across the nation under the County Activities of Excellence program. The programs were selected based on content, benefit to Farm Bureau members, innovation and results.

The project raised more than $5,000 to support youth and scholarship programs and inspired a similar statewide project that promoted the Our Ohio brand. The Hog Wild project was displayed during the trade show at the AFBF annual meeting in Nashville.

Shane Meldick, Jackson/Vinton County Farm Bureau president, said he has been surprised at the program's popularity. During the convention, a steady flow of people stopped at the Hog Wild booth to examine the porcelain pigs and ask questions about the project.

"Jackson/Vinton County is nothing in the world," Meldick said with a laugh. "But right now we are."

Melody Meldick, Shane's wife, said the project regularly received front-page coverage on the local newspaper and that a "hognapping" alert went out when a business owner temporarily removed his pig without telling anyone.

"Everything you hear anymore, they're saying Hog Wild," she said.

The Meldicks say the county Farm Bureau plans to continue the project but may diversify to porcelain cows or chickens.

Caption: Shane and Melody Meldick explain the Hog Wild project during the AFBF annual meeting.