On October 2nd, Selma High’s FFA program held their annual Raisin Round Up Event as a way for its members to practice for the livestock exhibition at the Big Fresno Fair this month. The Round Up event consisted of FFA members showcasing their animals to a judge who informed them about what they need to work on before showing at the fair.

They have had their animals since July and have been preparing them by feeding, watering, washing, grooming, exercising, and training their animals twice a day for exhibition at the fair.

That morning at eight a.m., Junior Jordan Ramirez got ready to showcase his hog by feeding and washing it and making sure that everything was in place. Then he dressed in his official FFA attire and went out to show. He explained that there are two categories that they are judged on: showmanship and market. For showmanship, the student makes sure that their animal has its head up and is under their control when they walk it. For the market category, they have to present all sides of the animal to display all the different muscle groups to present the animal as suitable for market.
“It was really fun to go out there and participate with actual competition,” Ramirez stated.

Sophomore Adaline Barros practiced with her goat every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as on her own time every night. In order to be ready when the Raisin Round Up came, she practiced walking and setting up her goat.

FFA teacher Mrs. Mendez stated that each student put a lot of effort, time, and sacrifice into preparing their animals for the Round Up. She expressed that everyone showed their animals’ unique qualities.

“Each animal was on their very best behavior and showed well,” said Mrs. Mendez. “I look forward to the Big Fresno Fair and have no doubt they will make us all proud!” 

Many students in FFA were interested in joining the program when they saw their family before them participating in it.

“I wanted to carry on that tradition in livestock and being an officer,” Barros stated.

Barros holds the Sentinel officer position, so her duties not only consisted of preparing her own animal, but also organizing event details for the Raisin Round Up and for activities after the Fresno Fair.

“My sister was originally in FFA, and I saw all the opportunities that she was given and how much fun she had, so that made me want to join,” Ramirez shared.

The students in FFA sacrifice a lot of their time to prepare for the fair, and being a part of this program has taught them many life lessons and skills that are translated into their everyday life. 

“It’s definitely taught me to be more patient and friendly with not only my animal, but people as well,” Barros expressed.

From leadership and hard work to learning to be patient and friendly, the FFA members are well prepared and looking forward to exhibiting their animals at the Big Fresno Fair.