California Ag Network

Tag: Modesto Junior College

  • Selina Lopes Joins California Milk Advisory Board Team

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representingCalifornia dairy producers, today announced the addition of Selina Lopes as Producer Relations Coordinator.

    Lopes brings a deep-rooted passion for the dairy industry and a diverse background in agriculture to the CMAB. She joins the organization from her most recent role as an Agriculture Instructional Support Specialist at Modesto Junior College (MJC). Her professional experience also includes serving as Development and Donor Relations Coordinator at the St. John Student Center, and working as a Business Communications Intern at Corteva Agriscience. In a previous role at World Wide Sires Ltd. , she supported advertising and public relations efforts for dairy clients across international markets.

    Raised on a dairy farm in Gustine, Calif., Lopes has been actively engaged in the industry from an early age showing dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA and participating in the California Junior Holstein Association. While attending MJC, Lopes was President and Vice President of the Dairy Science Club, the contest chairperson for the MJC Field Day Dairy Judging Contest, and the chairperson of the MJC Biannual Heifer Sale. During this time, she also held the title of District Six Dairy Princess from 2021 to 2022, representing the industry with enthusiasm and pride.

    Lopes pursued her education in agriculture, earning an associate degree in Agricultural Business from MJC, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University (OSU), graduating in 2024. While at OSU, she was actively involved in campus organizations including the Dairy Science Club and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, further solidifying her commitment to advancing the dairy community.

    “As a farmer-funded organization dedicated to driving demand for products made with milk from California dairy farms, we greatly value Selina’s extensive relationships and comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry. Her insight is an exceptional asset to our team,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its more than 1,000 family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department

    of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

  • Salinas Teen Overcomes Adversity to Win Big at CA State Fair Livestock Competition

    With tears streaming down his face, 18-year-old Luis Gonzalez was speechless when his name was called as FFA Master Showmanship winner at the 2025 CA State Fair on July 13. He also won Reserve Champion Wether Dam Doe.

    “I just couldn’t believe it! There was a lot of tough competition out there,” said Gonzalez. “But I’ve learned that hard work will take you anywhere.”

    In this moving moment during the awards ceremony, Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair, witnessed Gonzalez’s raw emotion firsthand. “This young man was shocked when his name was called,” Martinez said. “You could see the pride flowing through his tears of excitement and disbelief. He earned this moment.”

    Gonzalez’s story is one of perseverance, family sacrifice, and resilience. His journey began when he was just nine-years-old, showing animals in local 4-H programs. He started entering more competitive shows in high school. Without access to the necessary equipment to help develop winning animals like grooming supplies, feeding and watering supplies, show equipment, and general supplies, he adjusted his methods and trained harder. His turning point came when he bought a wether and was gifted a doe earlier this year. He started raising and working with her in January of 2025, dedicating countless hours before and after school.

    Gonzalez’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In August 2023, while returning from the California Youth Ag Expo in Tulare, his family’s vehicle was t-boned and flipped five times. Luis was in a coma for a week, suffered a foot injury, and missed the first two weeks of his junior year while recovering in a medical boot. But instead of giving up, he came back stronger.

    “If you stay focused and put in the effort, you can achieve anything,” said Gonzalez.

    His success didn’t come alone. His entire family played a role in his achievements. His mother works long hours harvesting lettuce in the Salinas Valley, and his father supports the household through tree service labor. His older brother Jesus has been by his side every step of the way, attending shows, and motivating him to keep pushing forward.

    A recent graduate of Salinas High School, Gonzalez will attend Modesto Junior College this fall, continuing his agricultural journey with a focus on animal science. To other young agriculturalists, Gonzalez offers this advice, “Always be around people who make you better. Ask questions. Learn everything you can. That’s how you grow.”

    “The California State Fair is proud to celebrate young leaders like Luis,” said Martinez. “These are individuals who represent the best of California’s agricultural heritage, dedication, and heart.”

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.