The Doña Ana County Fair kicked off July 31, welcoming Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from across southern New Mexico to showcase the animals they’ve spent months raising and preparing. Long before sunrise, students were already hard at work, feeding, grooming, and making final preparations before stepping into the show ring.
Students from Las Cruces Public Schools, representing elementary, middle, and high schools, joined exhibitors from Gadsden Independent School District and Hatch Valley Public Schools to compete in a variety of livestock events. They proudly represented their schools, demonstrating the knowledge, responsibility, and dedication they have developed through agricultural education.
According to Las Cruces High School Agriculture Science Teacher and FFA Advisor Raul Perea, the week-long competition includes shooting sports, horse shows, market hogs, market lambs, junior replacement dairy cattle and more.
"We have so many kids showing, and I think Doña Ana County is ranked among the top five agricultural industries in New Mexico," Perea said. "These students are out here showcasing projects they've worked on all summer. Their dedication and commitment really shine when they step into the ring."
As students made their final preparations, eighth-grader Parker Howard of Zia Middle School focused on keeping his sheep, AJ, calm and comfortable ahead of competition. Using a cool chamois towel to help the animal beat the summer heat, Howard demonstrated the care and attention that comes from months of daily work. He said showing livestock has strengthened his sense of responsibility, taught him discipline, and reinforced the importance of consistency.
"I practice with them every single day right after school," Howard said. "I work with them for 35 to 45 minutes every day except Sunday."
The FFA program provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and career-ready skills through agricultural education. Students gain hands-on experience in more than 300 agriculture-related career pathways, including animal science, food science, natural resources, agribusiness, and agricultural mechanics. Through classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experiences, community service, and competitions, students build confidence while preparing for future careers.
For many FFA students, the Doña Ana County Fair is only the beginning of a busy competition season. Students who earn top honors continue preparing for the New Mexico State Fair in September and also compete at the El Paso County Fair and the Southern New Mexico State Fair. Many FFA members ultimately advance to state and national competitions, representing both their schools and southern New Mexico on larger stages.
While ribbons and awards recognize excellence in the show ring, FFA advisors say the greatest accomplishment is watching students develop the work ethic, leadership, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the fairgrounds.
The Doña Ana County Fair concludes tomorrow, giving families and community members one last opportunity to visit the livestock barns, cheer on student exhibitors, and celebrate the hard work and dedication these young agricultural leaders have demonstrated throughout the week.
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