Jared Mudd, a senior at Willows High School and FFA member, works as a ranch foreman for R&M Farms where he manages orchard operations including planting, irrigating, and monitoring tree growth. Through this SAE project, he has developed practical skills in tree planting, irrigation management, pest identification, and day-to-day orchard maintenance while working under the mentorship of expert Barry Morrell. His hands-on experience has inspired him to potentially establish his own orchard on his family's ranch in the future, demonstrating how classroom learning in plant science translates directly to real-world agricultural application.
