BY LOS BANOS FFA
Special to the Express
Los Banos FFA is proud to announce that Owen Baffunno has been selected as a National Finalist in the Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship proficiency category in October at the National FFA Convention.
He placed among the top four agricultural students in the nation. This remarkable achievement makes him the fourth national finalist in Los Banos FFA history, continuing a legacy of excellence that spans nearly six decades.
Baffunno’s supervised agricultural experience (SAE), Southpaw Pumpkins, highlights his work in diversified crop production, where he has demonstrated exceptional recordkeeping, agronomic skill and innovation. His project reflects both his personal work ethic and the deep agricultural roots of the Los Banos community.
Baffunno now joins three distinguished Los Banos FFA members who previously reached national finalist or winner status: Richard Cotta – 1967–68 National Finalist, Dairy Production; Joe Alves, Jr. – 2002–03 National Winner, Wildlife Management Placement; Jonathon Cota – 2009–10 National Winner, Agricultural Mechanics Design & Fabrication; Owen Baffunno – 2025–26 National Finalist, Diversified Crop Production.
These individuals have set a high standard for agricultural achievement, and Baffunno’s accomplishment adds a proud new chapter to the chapter’s history.
Los Banos FFA continues to be recognized statewide and nationally for its commitment to student leadership, agricultural education and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for success in the agricultural industry
