Ripon High’s school farm Saturday showcased student projects involving goats, steers, lambs and swine.
The event was hosted by the Ripon Unified School District Board of Trustees and the Ag Advisory Board. It focused on the Ag students and FFA members who are preparing for the showing of their animals at the upcoming Ag Fest scheduled for June 11-16 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds.
Ag teachers present for the showing were Sherry Johns, swine; Celeste Morino, sheep; and Ryan Patterson, beef cattle.  Patterson also serves as the managing instructor in charge of the farm located on North Ripon Road and Clinton South Avenue.  Ryan and Lauren Brown live on the site and serve as managers for the school farm.  They barbecued the hot dogs for the students and their families.
Kari Donich, president of the Ag Boosters, had a table set up displaying the belts and buckles students had won during the past year.  
The Ag Boosters are the chief supporters of the young farmers and make sure they receive top dollar for their animals when they are sold at the fair. The Boosters also pay premium cash awards to students who have earned champion status in their class entries. There are some 200 members of the Future Farmers of America at Ripon High School.
Several area farmers at the event included Dave Phippen, Josh Luis and Blake DeJong.
The almonds raised on the school farm help support student projects.

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.