LOS BANOS — Dozens of special‑needs children from across the region gathered at the Los Banos Fairgrounds on March 28 for Jessa’s Barnyard Buddies, an inclusive livestock experience created to ensure every child has the chance to participate in agriculture.
The event, now in its third year, continues to grow rapidly and has become a major community effort centered on compassion, mentorship and hands‑on learning.
The program was founded by Dos Palos resident Kevin Soares and his family after his daughter, Jessa, who has a chromosomal abnormality, received discouraging comments while participating in a traditional livestock show. Soares said that moment stayed with him and ultimately inspired the creation of a livestock expo designed specifically for children with special needs.
“That just stuck with me,” Soares said. “So, we made this happen for all special‑needs kids.”
What began as a small idea has expanded dramatically. The first year drew about 20 participants. Last year, that number doubled to around 40. This year, 67 children signed up — more than triple the original turnout. The growth reflects both the demand for inclusive agricultural experiences and the community’s willingness to support them.
Participants spent the day working with goats, sheep and, for the first time, dairy heifers. All animals were donated and cared for by the Soares family and a network of friends leading up to the event. High school FFA students from multiple chapters — including Dos Palos, Pacheco, Newman and schools as far as Visalia and Morgan Hill — volunteered as “buddies,” guiding participants through showmanship, helping them interact with the animals and ensuring they felt supported in the ring.
Beyond livestock activities, the event featured a petting zoo, sensory stations with Play‑Doh and bubbles, face painting and a visit from the local fire department. The day concluded with an auction of all exhibited animals, with 100 percent of proceeds returned to the participants. The organization also provides scholarships to graduating special‑needs exhibitors and their student buddies, extending the program’s impact beyond a single day.
As the Soares family, volunteers and participants wrapped up the day, the purpose behind Jessa’s Barnyard Buddies remained clear: creating a livestock experience where every child is welcomed, supported and celebrated.
Westside 4‑H closed its report by congratulating Bristow and thanking all members who volunteered, calling the event a reminder of the impact young people can make when they show up for their community.
