California’s annual celebration of agriculture returned to the (soggy) west steps of the State Capitol today, bringing together farmers, ranchers, agricultural enthusiasts and leaders around this year’s theme: “Cultivating Community & Opportunity.” Thanks to everyone who came out to share the bounty of California’s agricultural community – and especially to California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom for her uplifting words about kids, nutrition, agriculture, and optimism.
Thanks also to our emcee Aida Mollenkamp (above, at microphone) for guiding our stage program with a little bit of “California Grown” flavor, and to our rodeo queens for braving the weather and leading the pledge of allegiance: Kendall Castle, Folsom Pro Rodeo Queen 2022; Julia Kalika, Miss CCPRA 2023; Lilly Butler, 2022 Amador County Rodeo Queen; Lilly Ekberg, Miss Marysville Stampede; and McKensey Middleton, Miss Rodeo California 2023.