This year’s Jessa’s Barnyard Buddies Livestock Experience will be held on March 28 at the Los Banos Fairgrounds, bringing together special needs youth and the community for a day centered on agriculture and inclusion.
Now in its third year, the event was created by Kevin Soares and his family to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in a livestock show tailored to their needs.
What began as a small idea quickly grew, with participation more than tripling since its first year. “We had about 20 kids participate that first year,” Soares said. “Last year we had around 40, and this year we have 67 kids signed up.”
The event offers participants hands-on experience with livestock, including goats, sheep and, for the first time this year, dairy heifers. All animals are donated and cared for by Soares, his family and a network of friends in the lead-up to the event.
Throughout the day, participants will work alongside high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) buddies, who guide them through showmanship and help them interact with the animals.
In addition to livestock activities, the event will feature a petting zoo, sensory stations such as Play-Doh and bubble activities, face painting and a visit from the local fire department.
At the end of the event, all exhibited animals will be auctioned, with 100 percent of the proceeds returned to participants. “That extra money really helps the families,” Soares said. “It’s not cheap to raise a special needs child.”
The organization also provides scholarships to graduating participants with special needs and their student buddies, further extending the event’s impact beyond a single day.
The inspiration behind Jessa’s Barnyard Buddies is deeply personal to Soares. He said the idea came after his daughter, Jessa, who has a chromosomal abnormality, received discouraging comments while participating in a traditional livestock show.
“That just stuck with me,” he said. “So we made this happen for all special-needs kids.” While the event is operated as a nonprofit by the Soares family and their close network, it draws widespread community support.
FFA students from multiple schools, including Dos Palos, Pacheco, Newman and surrounding areas as far as Visalia and Morgan Hill, volunteer their time to serve as buddies and assist throughout the day.
The event is free and open to the public, with food vendors and merchandise available for purchase. A buyer’s lunch will be held ahead of the auction, which begins at noon.
Activities begin at 9 a.m., and community members are encouraged to attend and support the participants.
