By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. April 19, 2026)
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Students from Union Mine High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter posted a series of strong finishes at the 2026 Fresno State Field Day, one of California’s largest agricultural education competitions.
Held April 18 at Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, the annual event drew more than 1,800 students from 152 chapters statewide to compete in 19 career development events, according to organizers.
Union Mine FFA’s Poultry Judging Team led the way locally, placing eighth overall. Team member Ruby Mutzig earned an individual fifth-place finish in the Ready-to-Cook category, marking a notable achievement for a team that included first-time competitors.
“We’re looking forward to State Finals in two weeks,” the chapter said in a statement, highlighting continued momentum heading into the next round of competition.
Multiple Teams Post Top Finishes
Union Mine students competed across several disciplines, demonstrating a broad range of agricultural skills:
- The Floral Judging Team advanced to Fresno Judging Finals, gaining hands-on experience in plant and flower identification while building technical knowledge.
- The Horse Judging Team secured sixth place overall, showcasing expertise in evaluating equine conformation and defending placements.
- The Farm Power Team placed fifth overall, reflecting strong performance in agricultural mechanics, equipment troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving.
Advisors noted that the competitions emphasize both technical knowledge and real-world application, preparing students for careers in agriculture and related industries.
A Growing Program with Community Roots
The Union Mine FFA chapter (Charter #CA0581), established in 2017, operates within the California FFA Association, the largest FFA organization in the nation with more than 100,000 members.
At the local level, the program integrates classroom instruction with hands-on learning through Supervised Agricultural Experiences, competitive teams, and community events. Students regularly participate in activities such as farmers markets, livestock projects for the El Dorado County Fair, and regional leadership conferences.
“The growth, effort, and determination they’ve shown all season truly paid off,”
the chapter said in a statement, reflecting on the Farm Power Team’s performance.
Statewide Competition and Industry Pathways
The Fresno State Field Day, established in 1949, serves as a proving ground for top agricultural students and includes state-level finals in several categories. Events range from livestock and floriculture judging to agricultural mechanics and public speaking.
Organizers say the competition plays a critical role in preparing students for careers in agriculture, science, and natural resources—industries that remain central to California’s economy.
For Union Mine FFA students, the results signal both progress and potential as they advance toward upcoming state finals.
