According to Dixon High School FFA Adviser Georgia Fedler (left), 52 Dixon High students competed in livestock exhibition at the Dixon May Fair, May 7-10, including Emma Graham (right), who exhibited her lamb, Todd. Photo by Kendall Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from Dixon High School showcased months of preparation and dedication during animal exhibition competition at the Dixon May Fair held May 7-10.

More than 50 livestock exhibitors from Dixon High participated this year, according to sheep adviser Georgia Fedler. In total, the chapter submitted about 100 entries, including livestock, floral and art projects.

“We have 52 livestock exhibitors,” said Fedler. “For lambs, for example, we had 15 lambs last year, and 30 this year.”

Sophomore Brandin Victorine, who has been in FFA for two years and showing steers for six, said preparing for the fair has required months of discipline.

“Since around Thanksgiving,” said Victorine. “I wake up, feed my steer, go to the gym, go to school, then baseball practice. Come home, walk my steer for an hour, brush him, feed him, then go to bed.”

According to Victorine, balancing school and livestock responsibilities has become routine.

“I’ve always been kind of busy all my life, so it’s just kind of a habit,” he said.

Senior Ava Brady said she joined FFA because she enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning.

“I liked that it took a more outdoor approach to educating,” said Brady.

She has been working since October preparing her market steer, which she described as “one of the longest and most intensive livestock projects.”

Brady said balancing school, work and FFA commitments has been challenging.

“I overcommitted myself,” said Brady. “I had a job, multiple AP classes. I had to make sure my priorities were taken care of first.”

Senior Macee Boykin exhibited a heifer after previously showing chickens before avian influenza restrictions affected poultry exhibitions.

“I saw an opportunity with Mr. Tanaka,” said Boykin. “I normally do chickens.”

Boykin said she spends about an hour daily practicing with her heifer, Lil Trouble.

“It’s definitely hard being a high school student and chapter officer,” she said. “Just time management and prioritizing what I need to do.”

Senior Emma Graham exhibited sheep and said the experience connects her to family tradition.

“My dad grew up doing the May Fair, so I want to follow in his footsteps,” said Graham.

Graham said caring for her lamb, Todd, involves daily exercise and cleaning.

“We use a treadmill to walk him backwards to strengthen his back legs,” she said.

Senior Gracien Granillo showed a market hog and said livestock exhibition has been part of his family for generations.

“I’ve been showing market hogs a little over nine years,” said Granillo.

Granillo said the work extends beyond the fair season.

“I’ve been showing pigs across California all year,” he said. “It’s a lot of work and preparation to get the pigs where they need to be.”

Senior Garrett Reed exhibited market swine and said he appreciates the intelligence and characteristics of pigs.

“For me, they’re a lot easier to read,” said Reed. “They’re more stubborn but smarter.”

Dixon FFA students Garret Reed (left) and Gracien Granillo (right) also participated in exhibition competitions. Both encourage those interested in exhibiting animals or joining FFA to go for it.

Reed said caring for his pig, Shirley, requires a strict schedule.

“You have got to wake up early to take care of the pig and get yourself ready,” he said.

Students also encouraged younger classmates to consider joining FFA programs.

“Just do it,” said Victorine. “It’s cool exposure to the agriculture industry.”

“It prepares you for life,” added Brady.

According to Fedler, students gain more than technical livestock skills through participation.

“The biggest one that kind of goes without recognition is work ethic,” she said. “Students are becoming goal-oriented, they’re learning cooperation, time management, etc.”

All four Dixon High FFA advisers attended the fair to support their students, including Ashland Williams, Georgia Fedler, Marcus Tanaka and Maria Torres.

For more information about exhibition competition at the May Fair, visit dixonmayfair.com.