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Animal projects help teen learn patience
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Lesley Jimenez and her Boer goat took part in Tuesday’s Market Goat Show during San Joaquin AgFest 2018

STOCKTON – Lesley Jimenez refers to her livestock project simply as ‘Goat.’

She noted that the showing and possibly auctioning of the Boer goat at San Joaquin AgFest 2018 will be her finale as a member of the Manteca High Future Farmers of America chapter.

Jimenez, who just graduated from MHS, will soon be attending Modesto Junior College to study Animal Husbandry, which is the science of breeding and caring for farm animals.

She’s showing goats for the second time at the annual junior show and auction at the San Joaquin County fairgrounds.

Last year, Jimenez’s goat was named ‘Gus,’ who took first place in show but wasn’t sold during auction. Gus is currently a pet belonging to one of her friends.

“What I learned (from a year ago) is patience,” she said following Tuesday’s Market Goat Show.

Jimenez is also hoping for better fortunes this year with ‘Goat.’

She purchased Goat about three months ago and since then has been responsible for twice-a-day feedings along with cleaning, etc.

Goat received praises from the AgFest judges for his compact structure.

Jimenez is awaiting Saturday morning’s junior auction at the fairgrounds.

“She’s determined,” said MHS ag advisor Amanda Martinez. “Lesley has worked hard this year.”

She indicated that 32 from the MHS FFA chapter are currently involved in this year’s AgFest.

“They’re showing animals, small and large,” Martinez said.

This is her third year at MHS but 15th year with Manteca Unified. Martinez previously taught at Weston Ranch High.

AgFest continues today with the 4-H Market Hog Showmanship in the Dave Luis Memorial Swine Barn Arena at 8 a.m.

Market Beef Showmanship (9 a.m.), Dairy Cattle Showmanship (1 p.m.) and FFA Swine Showmanship (1 p.m.) are also on the schedule.

For more information, log on to www.sanjoaquinagfest.org.