FFA Sentinel, Madison Andrade brings “The Dairy Project” to Redwood High School

With every fleeting moment, time flies by unmeasurably. Accommodating for the Coronavirus pandemic was not on anyone’s to-do list this previous year.

For Madison Andrade, ’23 this year’s September Tulare County Fair promoted a sense of normality, a reassuring step towards establishing her passion towards what she’s been surrounded by her entire life- a love for agriculture.

Andrade recently competed in the September Tulare County Fair as a Future Farmers of America (FFA) officer, being the only participant to show not only one, but two heifers- a young female cow. She showed both of her heifers; “Mocha” who is a first year winter yearling, and a second year springer named “Willow”. Though both competed, “Willow” is being sold at the fair this year.

“Every heifer I show is a two-year project, which means I have each one for two years. Then, I sell them on the second year,” adds Andrade.

The winter yearning, “Mocha” placed third in her class, meanwhile “Willow,” whom is also pregnant placed third in her class as well. To elaborate, Andrade stated, “Class is where they judge your animal and the structure of her.”

In showmanship, Andrade was in the Advanced Division, the highest division in FFA, which included 34 other contestants.

Andrade clarified, “Showmanship is where they judge you and how you present, not only your animal, but also yourself and the way you show off both of you.”

“Mocha” and Andrade were a pair in this division, taking first place. The surprise was so shocking that Andrade admitted, “I was so excited when I got first in showmanship. I actually cried.”

After the victorious win of first place in showmanship, “Mocha” and Andrade were able to progress to the Master Showmanship Division, where first place winners from a variety of divisions regarding dairy cattle compete against each other. In the master showmanship competition, Andrade placed third, thrilled and proud of their placement.

From a young age, Andrade has been surrounded by the agriculture lifestyle. Though, when she was little, she wasn’t looking forward to show.

“I was scared and I didn’t really see a purpose of it,” states Andrade.

That was seven years ago.

Contrary to that statement, Andrade now loves it. For her, this isn’t just an event, rather it’s truly something she looks forward to each year in September.

In response to what inspires her regarding this aspect of her life, she says, “I’ve noticed how much purpose it has. It has taught me so much in life and made me into the person I am today. I really enjoy showing and have grown to love it so much more and more every year.”

As previously mentioned, Andrade has been surrounded by agriculture her entire life.

When she was little, she lived on her grandfather’s ranch where there was cattle, their very own hay business, and a halting business [which her father has continued].

Both Andrade’s parents were involved with FFA in high school, as both her mom and dad showed heifers when involved.

Andrade adds, “My parents were both in FFA in high school and both showed heifers, which also made me want to join FFA and be like them.”

Before becoming a part of FFA, Andrade started by showing in 4-H, about seven years ago with Elbow Creek Elementary.

4-H is an organization that has “engaging programs,” this of which Andrade was involved with “The Dairy Project.”

During her time in 4-H, she met Cort Rowley, a mentor-figure to her. While she was showing for Elbow Creek, Rowley was showing for Golden West High School.

Andrade states, “I have looked up to him since I was a little girl. He helped out a lot with 4-H, and still continues to. He always was by my side and has helped me so much and made me into the showman I am today. He has taught me everything I know.”

Upon the arrival of high school, Andrade knew her passion towards Ag, and wanted to pursue the involvement with FFA.

With the knowledge of her parents’ past involvement with FFA, Andrade wanted to incorporate “The Dairy Project” into her time with FFA at Redwood.

Throughout the past 18 years of Redwood FFA history, there wasn’t a dairy representative. Although, Andrade wanted to change that.

By communicating with Mr. Coon, she was able to make it possible. Being the only student tackling “The Dairy Project,” she expressed how incredible it felt to be the first person in 18 years to show dairy for Redwood FFA.

“Walking out into that show ring, knowing I am the first person to walk into the diary show ring for Redwood in 18 years was such a great feeling. I really showed Coon how passionate I was about showing dairy, and he knew how serious I was about it- knew that I am experienced, so I think he had a lot of trust in me to show dairy for Redwood FFA.”

FFA Sentinel, Madison Andrade, ’23

Andrade’s first year showing, about seven years ago, developed a close relationship with her first heifer because she “didn’t notice how quick the two years were going to pass,” she says.

In relation to being around agriculture from a young age, Andrade feels it’s “really formed [her] into the person [she is] today, and pointed [her] towards showing dairy cattle.”

With this, she hopes to pursue agriculture in the long-run.

“I just love it so much I couldn’t imagine going into the future without it. My goal is to go to Cal Poly and major in Agribusiness,” Andrade says.

Last year was difficult to manage, nonetheless. Especially for the the fair kids who were unable to attend and experience the full depth of the events.

Andrade explained how there were virtual shows, which would be completed by sending in a video of the contestant showing the animal, and from that, the judges would take it from there.

For Andrade, she worried to sell one of her heifers because of the lack of normalcy. Though, there was a compromise for contestants to sell their animals.

For Andrade and her heifer at the Tulare Sales Yard, there was an auction held. The 2020 event wasn’t as memorable for Andrade since the entirety of the fair week consisted of not being able to physically show the judge, and sell at the actual fair.

Despite the troubles, Andrade is incredibly pleased with this year’s event, as her favorite part of the fair was the experience that came with it.

One word she uses to describe it as a whole was “exciting,” though her authenticity to describing how it felt is so relatable.

“It’s just a lot going on. You’re nervous, but then you’re also so excited to go in. Once you’re in there, all the nerves go away,” Andrade expresses.

Since her freshman year, Andrade has been in both the opening and closing competition, and this year she is an official FFA officer.

Pleased with the event this year, she adds, “With this year being normal, it felt so great being back out there and being better than ever. It was awesome being able to go and show to an actual judge, and I am so excited for Saturday, which is when I get to sell one of my heifers.”

Throughout the countless amount of time spent in preparation towards the September fair, Andrade feels beyond proud of the current work she’s accomplished, and couldn’t be anymore thrilled with how the fair has gone.

Something that she started about seven years ago through 4-H has now expanded into Andrade having the title of FFA Sentinel officer, and breaking the 18-year streak of no dairy contestants.

Tags: Donya Hassanshahi, features, FFA officer, heifers, humans of redwood, Madison Andrade, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs ffa, showing, The Dairy Project, tulare county fair