Meet Benjamin Casillas, a Reedley Middle College FFA exhibitor!
"I first got involved in FFA through my older sister and my school’s program (RMCHS). I also got involved in FFA because ever since my sister started showing lambs her sophomore year of high school, she would take me to the RMC farm. She would have me walk her lamb, brace it, and just work with it overall. She showed another sheep her junior year and a steer her senior year. She would drag me along to help her with her animals. Ever since then, I knew that I would enjoy FFA and being a part of it.
This is my second year showing livestock. I am raising a market lamb named, Besito. Besito is really calm when it comes to walking, practices, or anything else. Although she has her bad days, she always stays calm and never overreacts. My ewe is a very fast learner when it comes to bracing and walking without a halter.
Over these past few months, from June all the way to today, I have learned firsthand how much work and care goes into showing lambs. This project taught me how to manage my time well to make time for her, basic care, grooming, and practicing showmanship. This is my second year showing, but I showed a feeder cow my first year. It is very different from showing lambs, and both of my animals have taught me so much. I am still learning, and I am very excited to learn much more since I still have three years left."