At first glance, the Bakersfield-Highland FFA Chapter’s annual plant sale looks like a vibrant community event featuring colorful rows of succulents, vegetables and flowers. A closer look, however, reveals something deeper: confidence, collaboration and communication. In 2025, the sale drew more than 500 people and raised more than $9,000 to fund chapter activities.
“Our former advisor, Craig Davidson, started the event a few years ago, and it has grown tremendously,” says Chapter Vice President Julisa Dorado.
Funds from the sale cover travel, registration and incidental costs for FFA conventions, conferences and competitions. With more than 650 members, the chapter ensures every member can attend events like these at no personal cost.
“On average, we probably have 10–12 career development event teams traveling all spring, going to places like the University of California, Davis; Modesto Junior College and Cal Poly,” says Amber Carter, the chapter’s lead advisor. “We never ask students to pay a dime. This money helps us cover hotels, food and conference fees.”
A Team Effort
All agriculture students contribute by cultivating about 300 plants. They sow seeds, transplant plugs and oversee maintenance inside their school’s greenhouse until the sale. They also sell a “Scotsman Salsa Kit,” complete with a recipe, a mason jar and the necessary ingredients to make salsa: tomatoes, peppers and onions.
The event also allows members to act as vendors and market their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects. On average, students earn about $500 at their booths.
“Sometimes, it’s hard for our students to be involved in a farmers market, so this is a once-a-year opportunity for them to really display what they’ve been doing,” Carter says. “They’re working toward earning higher-level FFA degrees and making a little money at the same time.”
For example, senior George Comacho, a fourth-year agricultural mechanics student and chapter reporter, showcased projects he built in the school’s workshop.
“I’m going to major in agricultural business, so the plant sale has shown me how these processes run on a larger scale,” he says. “It really shows what we can do when we step out of our comfort zone, and gives us a chance to work on our leadership skills.”
This sale has sparked additional partnerships; the chapter works with Porterville College to regenerate its agriculture program. Additionally, the event has gained significant media attention from multiple online, radio and local news outlets that help promote and showcase the chapter’s work, attracting more customers and strengthening community connections.
“Our efforts bring in thousands of dollars, but also open the door for more FFA members just like me,” Dorado says. “Because of this event, I’m able to go to the national convention and serve as a delegate at no cost. I’m one of those students who doesn’t always have the money to travel, and the plant sale provides me — and all our members — with similar opportunities.”
