By Copper Williams
When it comes to farming festivities, no one does it better than the San Joaquin AgFest! Hosted at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, this week-long event sprawls from June 13th throughout the 18th to showcase talented 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) students from the local region as they compete with their prized animals.
This celebration has grown since its humble beginnings as part of the San Joaquin County Fair. When the fair bid San Joaquin farewell, individuals in the community banded together to create the San Joaquin County Junior Show & Auction Council. As Chris Schallberger, Volunteer of AgFest and Co-Community Leader of Tokay Colony 4-H explains, “We went out and we formed different committees. Talked to different community members and businesses.” With their newfound support, backed by the ever-present assistance of the Ag community, AgFest blossomed in 2014 into the exceptional event it’s known as today.
In these last years, AgFest has begun providing local restaurants and wineries with an opportunity to showcase their own culinary zeal through the Farm to Fork Food and Wine Fundraiser. This Thursday evening event is filled with gourmet dishes from locally harvested ingredients and rich region-grown wines. Sponsors not only get to enjoy a little countryside charm, but sample some of the foods that make their Central Valley so appealing!
However, the primary reason for AgFest has always been geared towards the students who bring their agricultural projects out and into the public eye. Students who have brought in livestock, raised for a certain period of time as dictated by AgFest regulations, display their prized critters according to large or small animal categories and weight classes. “They have to have a commitment to these animals.” Chris elaborates. “[They] learn about them before they show them. During that time they’re finding out a lot about these animals. They put that learning in towards raising them.”
The animals are then judged according to their market quality. “A Market grade scorecard for each specie based on State judging standards is used to evaluate and place the animals. If they’re deemed market ready they’re put through an auction sale on Saturday.” Fellow students also bring out breeding animals they’re not intending to sell for competition. And many students working in other fields of the agricultural industry produce projects such as welded trailers, horticulture exhibits and more. This work prepares the students for their career goals ahead, teaching them life lessons they can take with them in any line of work, be it agriculture or beyond.
Step Out And Into:
San Joaquin AgFest
San Joaquin Fairgrounds
1658 S. Airport Way., Stockton
SanjoaquinAgFest.org