Minarets FFA Finds Success at Statewide Field Day Competitions

March13th, 2026 O'Neals, CA Sarah Kinnunen, Reporter

Students from the Minarets FFA Chapter recently traveled across California to compete in several agricultural field days, including events hosted by Reedley College, the University of California, Davis, and Gridley High School. These competitions bring together FFA members from throughout the state to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a variety of agricultural career development events.

Members of the Minarets FFA Floral team pose with their floral arrangements while competing at a California field day competition, where they placed 7th overall among teams from across the state. Photo by Kristi Mattes

Minarets FFA’s Ag Sales team delivered one of the chapter’s strongest performances of the season, placing fourth in the state of California against tough competition. Team members Jaxon Simmons and Maddan Basila led the way individually, with Jaxon Simmons earning the highest individual score in the competition and Maddan Basila placing second overall. Their impressive results helped push the team to a top finish and highlighted their strong understanding of agricultural marketing, communication, and product knowledge.

The chapter’s Floral team also had a successful showing, finishing 7th overall among many competitive teams from across California. The team continues to improve throughout the season and is steadily climbing the statewide floral leaderboard as they refine their floral design skills and industry knowledge.

Additionally, Minarets FFA’s Best Informed Greenhand (B.I.G.) team represented the chapter well, placing 11th overall. The B.I.G. competition tests first-year FFA members on their knowledge of FFA history, leadership, and organizational fundamentals, making it an important event for developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts served as the backdrop for one of the agricultural field day competitions where Minarets FFA members competed alongside teams from across California. Photo by Sarah Kinnunen

At the Gridley Field Day, Minarets FFA’s Forestry team also represented the chapter strongly, placing 5th overall as a team. Meanwhile, at UC Davis, the chapter’s newest team, Milk Quality, competed for valuable experience and finished 21st on the scoreboard in its first season.

Through these field days, Minarets FFA members gained valuable experience, strengthened their agricultural knowledge, and proudly represented their chapter and community while competing with some of the top programs in California. With plenty of time left in the season, the chapter is looking forward to continuing to improve and representing O’Neals–Minarets with pride.

Written by Sarah Kinnunen

Photos by Sarah Kinnunen and Kristi Mattes

Edited by Josephina Emerson