Hard work is already underway for this October’s Jr. Livestock Auction! 🐑

 

Meet today’s featured exhibitor: Meleah Williamson of Clovis FFA!

 

“FFA is important to me because it has taught me responsibility, leadership, and hard work. Raising a pig for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair means taking care of my animal every day and making sure it stays healthy and strong. Through FFA, I’ve gained confidence, made new friends, and learned valuable life skills that will help me long after the Fair is over. I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps me grow and succeed.

 

My FFA project is raising a light cross gilt for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair. Through this project, I’ve learned responsibility, hard work, and patience by caring for my pig every day. I feed, exercise, and monitor its health to help it grow and reach its full potential. Raising my pig has taught me valuable life skills and given me a better understanding of agriculture and livestock production. One of my favorite parts of the project is building a bond with my pig and watching it grow. It was exciting to see the progress we have made together. I’m excited to showcase all of my hard work at The Big Fresno Fair.”

 

Help support Meleah and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Hard work is already underway for this October’s Jr. Livestock Auction! 🐑

 

Meet today’s featured exhibitor: Madalyn Welton of Reedley Middle College FFA!

 

“I first got involved in FFA because my whole family did, and every one of them agreed I would love FFA. This program is important to me because I have got to meet so many more people, as well as find people who share the same interest in animals as me.

 

I currently have two animals this year. This is my third year with a lamb, and first with a heifer. My heifer, Pearl, is very calm, though a bit lazy. Thankfully she is amazing when it comes time for the arena, and I am forever happy she is the first heifer I get to show. I actually got a heifer instead of a steer this year because I will be keeping her at my family’s ranch, since I know I could not part with her.

 

My other animal I have had for a long time so far. I cannot figure out a name for him yet though, since I have spent so much time with him, and he is a very kind lamb, no name is good enough for him. He is one I can simply let go in a pen without a leash, or even outside, and he will follow me around. I am very excited to show him, and I hope to do well. Both my animals I am incredible proud of, as they have turned out better than I could ever hope for.”

 

Help support Madalyn and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Every exhibitor has a story – and we’re excited to share a few as we count down to the Jr. Livestock Auction 🐔

 

Meet today’s Reedley Middle College FFA exhibitor, Sophia Tovar!

 

“I first got involved in the FFA through showing livestock. I showed a market barrow my freshman year of high school, and little did I know that simple decision would lead me to a state championship, many awards, leadership positions, and a deeper love for showing livestock. Showing livestock has not only taught me about responsibility, but it has taught me to appreciate the things we have in life. Enjoy the little moments with your animal, because you’ll never know when the last time you walk, feed, work hair, or practice showmanship will be.

 

This year, I decided to raise a market steer named Lucky. Over the course of several months, I’ve had the opportunity to take Lucky to several jackpot shows, including California State Fair. This steer will always hold a special place in my heart, not because of the banners we won together, but because of the bond and love that I have grown to have for him. Though my time with Lucky is coming to an end, I know the memories with him will last a lifetime.”

 

Help support Sophia and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!