A sea of blue corduroy jackets will descend upon California State University, Fresno on Saturday (April 21) as FFA students from throughout the state participate in the 53rd annual State Finals and Field Day Contest.
More than 2,500 students representing 160 high school FFA chapters are expected to compete in individual and team competition, which is hosted by the university’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
Various speaking contests and parliamentary procedure competition featuring regional qualifiers from throughout the state will be held at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center Exhibit Hall on Thursday and Friday (April 19-20).
Competition at Fresno State on Saturday (April 21) will involve agricultural mechanics, agricultural pests, agronomy, computer applications, dairy cattle, dairy products, farm power and machinery, farm records, farm business management and floriculture. There also will be judging of fruit trees, grapevines, land, light horses, livestock, meats, ornamental horticulture, poultry, small engines, and fruit and vegetable crops.
The State Finals and Field Day contests are held in conjunction with the FFA convention in Fresno’s Convention Center that brings more than 3,000 participants to the city.
Fresno State professors, including Dr. Art Parham, chairman of the Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, and lecturer Steve Rocca, are advisers to the Field Day contest. Fresno State Dr. Parham noted “the Field Day and Convention provide high school students with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have acquired in their agricultural classes. While introducing California’s best students to the University, these activities also provide professional development opportunities for current Fresno State students who assist.”
For more information and photo opportunities, call the FFA Field Day Committee at 278-5197.
