Four young aspiring agriculturalists from San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties each won $500 as the first-ever “The Farm-Tastic Four”. Tyler Araujo from Tracy, Abigaill Fellion from Lodi, Lianna Cabrales from Turlock, and Natalie Giuntoli from Escalon were recognized for their achievements in agriculture and their future as farmers and industry leaders.
Cumulus Media’s KAT Country Radio Station hosted the contest for all kids aged 5-19 years old in the listeners’ range. Students active in agriculture organizations such as FFA, 4-H, Grange, and Young Farmers & Ranchers submitted applications. The radio station selected four deserving kids and awarded each with $500 and the title of “The Farm-Tastic Four”. Each winner was interviewed in the radio station studio and explained in detail their accomplishments and their future goals in agriculture.
“The inspiration for the Farm-Tastic Four came directly from the heartfelt letters we received from young leaders in FFA, 4-H, and Grange seeking support for their agricultural projects,” said Andy Winford, Program Director for KAT Country 103/KATM-FM. “As the San Joaquin Valley continues to serve as the breadbasket of the world, it was only natural to create a platform that celebrates and invests in the next generation of agricultural innovators. We were truly moved by the intelligence, drive, and passion these young ag superheroes bring to the field. The future of agriculture in Northern California is not just promising – it’s extraordinary.”
Honoree Natalie Giuntoli of Escalon was born into an agricultural family. She is currently a student at Modesto Junior College with aspirations to work in the field of embryology for beef and dairy cattle. She was in 4-H, FFA, and now a Young Farmer & Rancher. At Escalon FFA, she served as a chapter officer, competed in livestock judging, and traveled to the National FFA Agronomy judging contest with her team members. Giuntoli has a cattle show string that she exhibits at various fairs and can continue to show until she is 22 years old. She plans to use the extra cash to feed her cattle.
Tyler Araujo, Tracy FFA Chapter president, is active on the grapevine pruning and marketing co-op judging teams.
Abigaill Fellion is a 12-year-old and a member of the Live Oak 4-H Club in Lodi. She raises and shows sheep, rabbits, and cavies.
Lillianna Cabrales is the Turlock High School FFA 2025 President. She is studying advanced floral, welding & fabrication, ag science, and ag business.
Three local businesses sponsored the contest: Discount Ag, Farmers Feed Stockton, and Pump Pros. The station hopes to make the contest an annual event and increase the prize money.
