April 9, 2026

Hughson Elementary School held its annual Ag Day on April 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 650 students participated this year, from preschool to third grade. In addition, the community was also allowed to attend, bringing in at least 200 additional local children and community members. This year, Ag Day welcomed more presenters and equipment, bringing the tradition back to its pre-pandemic scope.

Ag Day in Hughson is huge, according to Hughson Elementary School Principal Megn Reisz. The coordinated effort is as remarkable as it is because of the vision of teacher Allene Beck, along with the 80+ Hughson Elementary School staff and a team of six retired staff members, who bring that vision to life. “She is wonderful at what she does, and Hughson Elementary School is grateful for it,” Reisz said.

“Ag Day honors agriculture of old and new, making sure students understand the basics as well as the advancements in agriculture,” Reisz said. “Ag Day is to teach students about the agriculture that they can find right here in their own backyard. If a student is familiar with one or two types of agricultural careers and products, days like today can really broaden their knowledge of what we do in agriculture right here in our area. It also lets them know that a variety of careers may be available to them.”

Hughson Elementary School welcomed no fewer than 28 presenters this year.

Hughson FFA provided a flower transplanting station, brought an exhibit of veterinary supplies, brought in livestock, taught students about the various species, and provided an interactive roping exhibit. Turlock Steppin' Pards taught students to square dance. At All Things Rodeo, Carson and Charlie Escobar showed students the ways of the rodeo and introduced them to rodeo events through live stick-horse barrel races. Each student even earned their own back number for the competition.

There was no shortage of animals at Ag Day. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department K9 Unit and Mounted Unit taught students about the animals they work with, including presentations on their roles within the units. Macedo's Mini Acre brought two alpacas, taught about their care and the products made from their wool, and gave wool-spinning demonstrations. M&J Farms taught students about sheep and their wool, and gave them a chance to compare raw and spun wool.

From Stanislaus Cowbelles, students learned all about the beef industry through games, puzzles and play, and even put together a puzzle of a 3D beef carcass. HM Clause taught the students how bees work and the importance of pollination. Hughson 4-H put together a display of animals in their 4-H Petting Zoo, teaching students about their roles in agriculture and giving them an opportunity to interact with animals of all sizes, from chicks to cows.

There were many equipment displays this year. Presenters who brought equipment gave students a chance to climb in and taught them about its operation and purpose. Displays included a Hughson Fire Department fire engine, TID Lineman boom truck, equipment from Hughson FFA, Holt of CA/CAT, Fowler Brothers, Dairy INC, and Garton Tractor. W.H.E.A.T. brought an antique farm display.

Learning about land and animals in the wild, Theresa Becchetti put on the "Who, What, Where of Rangeland" and taught students about the importance of how plants and animals work together to maintain the rangeland. TID Fishery Management taught about fishery management and the life cycle of fish. From Turlock Mosquito Abatement, students learned the important role of mosquito abatement and how everyone can help.

Taking a look at food production, Mr. Mohamed explained irrigation and its importance to this agriculturally rich community using slides. TID Canals and Operations taught students about the importance and uniqueness of the canal system and irrigation. Mr. Vong Moua brought a variety of plants and vegetables and let students touch, smell and taste some unique varieties. Students learned a definition and description of composting, saw examples of how to use it, and discussed its benefits.

Janet Hill from Jars of Delicious taught students how the fruit becomes jam. Taste testing included. Stanislaus Farm Bureau showed a video about almonds and a taste test of almonds in various forms. At another station, students were walked through the way almonds are produced and the life cycle of the almond. The Scott Family taught the students how to make ice cream.

MJC Ag Department, with Ag Teacher Kattie Schmidig Sanchez and a team of MJC students, taught students how to start seeds by placing the seed in a wet cotton ball, placing the ball in a Ziploc baggie, and taping it to a window at home to observe the process from seed to sprout.

Ag Day not only benefits the students who participate but also gives volunteers an opportunity to share their passion and to invite students to learn in an engaging, personal way about their trade. It creates an opportunity for students and families to learn about specific products in the ag industry. “When informing people about agriculture, they may think or vote differently once they have a better understanding of that product and the way things are done,” Reisz said. “It is an opportunity to teach those who may not know about what they do, why and how they do it.”