By NATHAN WATSON

Escalon FFA Reporter

San Joaquin County AgFest proved to be the perfect conclusion to Escalon FFA’s successful year, with members taking home 31 awards after a school year that produced a sectional officer and several award-winning teams in Agronomy, Ag Pest Control, and Novice Parliamentary Procedure.

During June, our very own Escalon FFA chapter was once again given the opportunity to participate in the San Joaquin County AgFest. The chapter members were able to showcase the hard work and dedication they put into developing their projects. They even got the chance to be rewarded for their efforts. Our chapter presented a variety of exhibits showcasing students’ skills in raising livestock, including beef, swine, sheep, and goats, as well as their professionalism through various showmanship contests. Additionally, they demonstrated their knowledge of agriculture through horticulture and entomology, as evidenced by their skills in collecting and arranging insects as well as producing fruits and vegetables.

Throughout multiple months, many FFA members have spent hours each day conditioning animals, watering crops, practicing showmanship, and preparing themselves for the opportunity to participate in this event. However, none of it would have been possible without the support of their peers, parents, advisors, and community members. Whether it be through purchasing animals, donating to AgFest, volunteering their time, or simply being there to support members, the community’s contributions are invaluable to these experiences.

The Escalon FFA chapter has already begun preparing for the next school year. They are currently working on several projects, including the construction of a brand-new food science laboratory for the Food Science 1 and 2 classes, as well as for the new Farm-to-Fork class being introduced. The Escalon FFA chapter will continue to develop over the next year with the help and involvement of its teachers, students, community members, and many others, both new and continuing. The importance of FFA in developing leadership skills, increasing community involvement, and advancing agricultural education cannot be overstated. The chapter currently provides over 300 students with the opportunity to be a part of this outstanding organization and would like to invite even more to be a part of its bright future.

Major Escalon FFA highlights and awards from the 2025 San Joaquin County AgFest are listed below.

Gracie Airola

Reserve Supreme Champion Female in Breeding Beef

Supreme Champion Bull in Breeding Beef

Reserve Supreme Champion Bull in Breeding Beef

Reserve Champion All Other Registered English Breeds, Female in Breeding Beef

Reserve Champion Registered Cow/Calf Pair in Breeding Beef

Natalie Giuntoli

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Breeding Beef

Reserve Supreme Champion Market Beef

Reserve Champion FFA Market Beef

Champion - San Joaquin Locally Born and Raised in Market Beef

Destiny Reyes

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Dairy Goats

Aiden Hohenwarter

Reserve Supreme Champion Doe

Reserve Champion Commercial Doe

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Boer Goats

Reserve Supreme Champion Market Goat

Champion FFA Market Goat

Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe in Breeding Sheep

Reserve Champion Wether Dam in Breeding Sheep

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Breeding Sheep

Reserve Champion FFA Market Lamb

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Market Lambs

Large Animal Champion, FFA in Master Showmanship

Addison Correia

Reserve Champion FFA Market Goat

Reserve Champion San Joaquin Locally Born and Raised in Market Goats

Bryce Vallee

Reserve Champion Light Colored Gilt in Commercial Gilts

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Commercial Gilts

Reserve Champion Dark Crossbreed, FFA in Market Swine

Showmanship Champion, FFA in Market Swine

Kenley Koops

Reserve Champion Yorkshire, FFA in Market Swine

Rebecca Wampler

Best in Show in Horticulture

Best in Division, Fruits in Horticulture

Trenton Silva

Best in Division, FFA in Entomology