Mr. Ricards and FFA members getting ready for the fair.

As the weeks of hard work dwindle down to days, FFA members are in the final stretch of preparation for the fair. Although the Ventura County Fair started last week, the Junior Livestock exhibitors will move their animals in on Monday August 9th. FFA members were busy clipping, shaving and sheering their animals to make them look their best. Students continue to monitor their animals’ feed, weight and health closely as show day approaches. FFA members met on three afternoons last week to wash and paint equipment that will be used at the fair. During the week, members also had to fill out health care forms for their animals making sure they are showing proper use of vaccinations and medications. After showmanship practice on Thursday night, Mr. Ricards held a meeting for parents and students to talk about fair issues. He announced that if the Fillmore FFA can win Grand Champion in all three species, lambs, swine and steers, he will shave his head. Let’s hope the first day of school finds Mr. Ricards bald! If you find yourself in the livestock area at the fair, please stop by the Fillmore FFA barns and say hi!!

Market shows at the fair this year are as follows: Lambs Tuesday the 10th at 9am; Swine Wednesday the 11th at 9am; and Steers Thursday the 12th at 9am. On Saturday August 14th, all species will be shown in showmanship classes starting at 9am.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter