San Joaquin County AgFest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting agricultural education and youth development, successfully concluded its 13th annual event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. The event featured the AgFest 2026 Breeding Show on June 12-13, 2026, followed by AgFest 2026 from June 14-20, 2026, drawing more than 1,000 exhibitors from throughout the county.
Of the exhibitors participating, 848 youth showcased livestock projects, representing one of the strongest levels of participation in the organization's history. The event culminated in a record-breaking livestock auction on June 20, generating more than $2.3 million in sales, demonstrating the continued commitment of local buyers and community members to investing in the future of agriculture.
Participants represented 4-H, FFA, Grange, and independent youth exhibitors, all of whom dedicated significant time and effort to developing their agricultural knowledge, leadership skills, and livestock projects. Species exhibited during the event included beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and turkeys.
Throughout the week, exhibitors competed in showmanship and project competitions, earning recognition through awards such as ribbons, buckles, chairs, and ice chests for outstanding achievement and demonstration of agricultural skills.
The success of AgFest is made possible by an organization operated entirely by volunteers. Thousands of volunteer hours are contributed each year, not only during the nine-day event but also throughout the months of planning beforehand and the extensive work that continues after the event concludes. This dedicated volunteer base ensures that local youth have opportunities to showcase their projects, gain valuable experience, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
In addition to livestock exhibitions and competitions, AgFest continued its commitment to education by awarding more than $15,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from across San Joaquin County. These scholarships help support students as they pursue higher education and career opportunities beyond their involvement in youth agricultural programs.
The record-setting participation and auction results highlight the strength of San Joaquin County’s agricultural community and its ongoing investment in developing future generations of agricultural leaders.
