STOCKTON – Nicole Kimmerle could hardly contain her enthusiasm at San Joaquin AgFest on Tuesday.
The first-year East Union Hugh Future Farmers of America student suddenly had a prized Berkshire pig.
“I was so surprised,” she said via sign language (her older sister Julie served as her interpreter). “I worked really hard with my pig – this was my first time showing and I really didn’t expect to win.”
The judges awarded her Berkshire named ‘Cowboy’ with a first place in class and reserve champion.
Nicole’s older sister Julie Kimmerle was always nearby to help out with advice on raising the Berkshire. She too showed farm animals including pigs during her days with the East Union FFA some six years ago.
Cowboy scored high with bone structure and was also recognized for having “enough meat on his bones,” Julie Kimmerle said.
Daniel Gavino was nearby with his ewe lamb project.
The incoming senior of the Lathrop High FFA had his livestock of the past four months showing with “a solid group” of ewe lambs, according to one of the judges.
“Singling out the top three was like splitting hairs,” he said.
Overall, Gavino was OK with his lamb showing. He even has plans to keep her.
“She’s not going to auction – she’ll be used for breeding,” he said.
Gavino does have two animals entered in Saturday’s sale and auction, which also marks the AgFest finale.
Showmanship continues today at AgFest with dairy cattle, replacement heifers, market swine, breeding-poultry and breeding rabbits on the schedule.