Lemoore fields impressive contingent of student farmers at annual Kings Fair

Lemoore FFA advisor, Matt Moreno, was on hand once again to lead his young charges into the thick of competition, and said FFA’s presence at the county fair is a rite of passage for his young soon-to-be farmers.

“The Lemoore FFA has 71 fair exhibitors this year between steers, lambs, hogs, dairy, chickens and turkeys,” said Moreno, clipboard in hand as he observes yet another Lemoore student parade his finely coiffured animal past numerous judges.

“It’s the responsibilities the students learn from their animal projects that’s so important,” said Moreno. “They come here and are able to show off their animal project, and the awards they receive from first place to last place, they’ve learned something and they’re excited to be here.”

Lemoore senior Trinity Jones, who a week ago participated in Lemoore High’s commencement ceremony, was on hand Thursday to show off her handsome steer, a behemoth that goes by the name of Benjamin. Jones steer was a big winner Thursday, taking home the Fair’s Grand Champion award.

“Honestly you have to work with him every day, and it’s a lot of work but it’s very rewarding when you see how successful you can really be. And of course it’s really fun because you can get to be really good friends with your animal.”

Another big winner, among many, was Reid Jacobs, whose colorful turkey, more attuned to a beautiful painting that a Thanksgiving dinner table, was honored as the Fair’s top turkey. Jacob’s turkey, named Houston, is one-year old and the FFA student says Houston future is secure as simply a pet and not as the main course at Thanksgiving.

“I’ll keep him as a pet,” said Jacobs, who added that he’s been raising turkeys for the past five years.