Dedication and Hard Work Rewarded at Parade of Champions Ahead of Auction Weekend
The hard work and dedication of young livestock exhibitors took center stage during the Parade of Champions at the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta on Sunday, March 9. Held in the swine arena, the event recognized champions in six livestock categories: beef, production, feeders, sheep, goats, and swine.
Jared Jackson, co-owner of Jackson Cattle Company in Texas, announced the grand and reserve champions for each category, commending the exhibitors for their commitment. Before revealing the rankings, Jackson acknowledged the long hours these young competitors put into training and caring for their animals.
“It’s not only the responsibilities young people learn in getting to do this, but the network and the relationships that you get,” Jackson said. “It’s been a lot of fun to sort through [the animals].”
Jackson judged the market beef, production beef, and feeder calves categories, while Skyler Scotten of Missouri evaluated breeding beef, sheep, swine, and meat goats. Scott Greiner of Virginia oversaw market sheep and goats, and Brennan North of Indiana judged market swine, according to the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds Livestock Show.
Each exhibitor dedicated hundreds of hours to preparing their livestock for competition, and every participant was recognized for their work ethic and dedication.
2025 Grand Champions
• Market Beef: Sofia Garcia, Calipatria 4-H
• Holstein Production Beef: Analise Arreola, Desert Valley 4H
• Crossbred Production Beef: Kloee Valdez, El Centro FFA
• Feeder Calves: Jacob Viesca, Verde 4-H
• Market Goats: Sevin Hilfiker, Verde 4-H
• Market Lambs: Audree Callens, Independent
• Market Swine: Gage Eugenio, El Centro FFA
Animal Auctions Highlight Community Support
Following two weekends of intense livestock showmanship and confirmation competitions, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated animal auctions, set to begin on Friday, March 14. The auctions are a culmination of months of work for local youth, providing both financial rewards and recognition for their efforts.
Last year, the auction raised over $2 million, thanks to strong support from individuals, businesses, and organizations. This year’s auctions will kick off with the feeder calves auction at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the beef arena. The event continues on Saturday, March 15, at 8:30 a.m., featuring auctions for swine, small animals, goats, sheep, and beef, all held in the beef arena.
What makes the California Mid-Winter Fair’s auction unique is the option for buyers to team up for group purchases, a practice pioneered by the fair.
“There are not a lot of fairs that do that,” said Bo Shropshire, a longtime fair board member and master ringman for the auctions. “It’s a super cool option that our fair pioneered.”
Additionally, buyers can contribute online by registering at ivexpo.fairwire.com to add funds to a specific youth’s total.
For many young exhibitors, the auction represents more than just a financial return—it’s a reminder of their months of dedication.
Caelynn Iten, 14, of Holtville FFA, won Champion Middleweight Division for her calf. After four years of raising calves, this is her highest award, earned through months of early mornings and late nights.
“I had to create a really good bond with my calf,” Iten said. “I am so thankful for the community support.”
Evan Michael Dollente, 13, of Mount Signal 4-H, secured three ribbons, including Champion Hampshire and Reserve Champion 4-H Swine.
“Honestly, it’s a relief that all the work I put in has come back to me in a positive way,” he said, adding that he plans to use his auction earnings to fund next year’s project and save for college.
For Brock Burnett, 18, of Holtville FFA, the competition was particularly special—his first major award in five years of raising animals. He earned Reserve Champion for his Heavyweight Division calf.
“It was a little nerve-wracking, but I’m super excited and super grateful,” Burnett said. He plans to use his earnings to start a hauling business.
Chiara Abatti, 13, of Mount Signal 4-H, won Junior Swine Showmanship Champion and expressed her love for working with animals.
“I really feel a lot of love for the animals,” she said. “It fills my heart with joy to care for them.”
For many parents, watching their children’s success is rewarding, but witnessing their dedication is even more meaningful.
Leticia Iten, Caelynn’s mother, said, “I’m so happy for her because I saw the amount of work she put in to caring for her animal every day.”
Tara Dollente, Evan’s mother, said “I’m so proud of him for all of his efforts. I’ve seen how responsible he is and how dedicated he is.”
A Tradition of Hard Work and Support
Jared Jackson, who also served as a judge for the feeder calf showmanship competitions, emphasized the value of these programs in teaching responsibility.
“There is really nothing else we could do to teach them responsibility that would be more important than this,” he said.
Victor “Chino” Torres, associate dean of Workforce Development at Imperial Valley College, participates in the auction each year as an announcer, ringman, and buyer.
“The folks who participate in the auction both as workers and buyers are there to support the kids,” Torres said. “The auction is really the pinnacle of their hard work.”
Shropshire praised the Imperial Valley community for its strong backing of local youth, from junior livestock leaders to buyers who ensure all participants receive support.
“There are just some really awesome people here who will stand up and do what they can to help,” he said.
As the auction approaches, exhibitors eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase their animals one final time while receiving well-earned support from their community.