By JUAN NAVARRO
Escalon FFA Reporter
San Joaquin County AgFest marked an outstanding finish to another successful year for Escalon FFA. Throughout the event, Chapter members earned 23 awards, adding to a school year highlighted by the election of a sectional officer and strong performances from the award-winning Agronomy, Agricultural Pest Control, and Advanced Parliamentary Procedure teams.
This past month, Escalon FFA members had the opportunity to participate in the annual San Joaquin AgFest, where they showcased the dedication and hard work they invested in their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects. The event allowed students to display skills they developed throughout the year while being recognized for their accomplishments.
Escalon FFA members exhibited a wide variety of projects, including beef, swine, sheep, and goat livestock, while also competing in showmanship contests that demonstrated their professionalism and livestock handling abilities. Students also highlighted their agricultural knowledge through horticulture and entomology exhibits by displaying fruits and vegetables they produced and insect collections they carefully identified and organized.
Preparing for AgFest required months of commitment and preparation. Members devoted countless hours to feeding and conditioning livestock, watering and maintaining plants, practicing showmanship, and refining their projects. Their success would not have been possible without the continued support of parents, advisors, peers, buyers, volunteers, sponsors, and community members. Whether through purchasing market animals, donating to AgFest, volunteering at the event, or simply cheering on exhibitors, the community plays an essential role in making these opportunities possible.
Today, the chapter serves more than 350 students, offering experiences that build leadership, strengthen agricultural knowledge, and encourage community involvement. Escalon FFA looks forward to welcoming even more students into the organization as it continues to build on its excellence.
Major Escalon FFA highlights and awards from the 2026 San Joaquin AgFest follow.
Gracie Ariola: Supreme Champion Bull, Reserve Champion FFA Market Beef, AOC Champion, FFA Advanced Showmanship, Market Beef.
Eden Ariola: Grand Champion Local Bred.
Addison Correia: Grand Champion Market Goat, Reserve FFA Market Goat Showman.
Aubrey Hohenwarter: Champion FFA Market Goat Showman, Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat.
Briley Silva: Supreme Ewe, Grand Champion Wether Dam, Supreme Champion Wether, FFA Advanced Showmanship.
Bryce Valle: Champion Commercial Gilt, Champion FFA Commercial Gilt Showman, Reserve FFA Champion Market Hog, FFA Champion Market Hog Showman, Third Overall Master Showman.
Caroline Vieira: Supreme Dairy Bull, Champion Registered Purebred Holstein, Senior Champion Registered Female Holstein, Supreme Champion Overall Female.
