BY NATHAN SEQUEIRA

Hilmar FFF Reporter

Over the last couple months Hilmar FFA students have had the opportunity to exhibit their Ag Mechanics and Livestock projects at the 2022 Merced County Spring Fair, Stanislaus County Fair and California State Fair. These students put countless hours in their projects and spent a great deal of time preparing for the fair.

In construction and management of these projects students learned responsibility, the importance of attention of detail, time management and commitment.  Students that are enrolled in the Introduction to Ag Mechanics Skills, Welding & Fabrication and Ag Woods classes all had shop projects exhibited in these areas. Any student enrolled in an Agriculture class is eligible to exhibit breeding and/or market livestock at these fairs as well.

 Hilmar FFA was well represented taking home many awards. Highlighted below are the major awards from all three fairs.

Ag Mechanics

● Ag Mechanics Chapter Sweepstakes Award – Merced County Fair

● Ag Mechanics Chapter Sweepstakes Award - Stanislaus County Fair

● 2nd Place Chapter Group - California State Fair

Ag Mechanics - Large Projects:

● Dylan Baballe – Brush Fork, 1st Place State Fair

● Jesus Cervantes – 8’ Picnic Bench, 1st Place at Merced, Stanislaus and CA State Fair

● Rodrigo Padilla – 8’ Picnic Bench, 2nd Place at Merced & Stanislaus Fair

● Caden Peterson – Nut Crowder, 2nd Place at Merced & Stanislaus Fair, 1st Place at CA State Fair

● Anthony Reyes – 4’x8’ Santa Maria Style BBQ Trailer, 1st Place at Merced & Stanislaus Fair, Best of Division at CA State Fair

Livestock

Merced County Spring Fair - Los Banos

● 1st Place Chapter Group – Dairy

● Supreme Champion Dairy Cow – Joseph Oliveira

● Reserve Supreme Champion Dairy Cow – Avery Oliveira

Merced County Fair

● 1st Place Chapter Group – Dairy

● 1st Place Advanced Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Avery Oliveira

● Supreme Champion Dairy Cow – Avery Oliveira

● Supreme Champion Dairy Bull – Colby Gomes

● Reserve Supreme Champion Dairy Bull – Colby Gomes

● 1st Place Chapter Group Dairy Goats

● 1st Place Advanced Dairy Goat Showmanship – Derek Oliveira

● Supreme Champion Dairy Goat Doe – Mike Vieira

● 3rd Place Chapter Group – Sheep

● 3rd Place Chapter Group – Goats

● 6th Place Master Showmanship – Avery Oliveira

● 7th Place Master Showmanship – Derek Oliveira

Stanislaus County Fair

● 2nd Place Chapter Group - Dairy Cattle

● 1st Place Advanced Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Daniel Diniz

● 1st Place Intermediate Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Finley Rosa

● 1st Place Novice Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Sophia Vieira

● Supreme Champion Grade Dairy Cow – Anthony Diniz

● Reserve Supreme Champion Grade Dairy Cow – Daniel Diniz

● Supreme Champion Dairy Bull – Colby Gomes

● 5th Place Master Showmanship – Daniel Diniz

With the help of the Hilmar and surrounding communities, these opportunities are made possible for Hilmar FFA students. Hilmar FFA is grateful for the continued support as students are eager to begin shop and livestock projects, and come up with new ideas for next year!

The Hilmar High School Agriculture Education Department and FFA strives to fulfill the mission of the National FFA Organization which is as follows: “To make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through Agricultural Education.”