Mead and Nelson are not strangers to the Norman Rockwell atmosphere of the Ventura County Fair livestock area. Their 4-H leadership is generational. Their children and now grandchildren have been involved in Mupu 4-H projects, which have brought many Grand Champions to the Fair. They stood beside the livestock sheds where blue ribbons fluttered in the breeze and Grand Champions enjoyed a meal. “We sold 40 pigs into the fair this year,” Darrell Nelson said. Those 4-H and FFA swine were born on the Ranch.When they mature, the swine weigh 240 to 280 pounds, but when 4-H and FFA members take them as their projects they are about 70 pounds and six months old. They are grain-fed and well cared for. The prize winners “need to be lean and muscular and healthy,” Nelson said. Both Mike Mead and Darrell Nelson have many years of experience with swine projects, and their knowledge has earned them recognition for their hard work.
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Left to right are Darrell Nelson, Craig Harvey, Kristin Nicole Harvey, and Mike Mead. Nelson and Mead took the Ranchers Bred and Fed Pen of Three and received a belt buckle. This was a breeders competition for swine. Photo by Don Johnson |
Nelson & Mead win ribbon at Ventura County Fair
August 22, 2007
Santa Paula News
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula TimesSanta Paulans Darrell Nelson and Mike Mead took the Bred and Fed Pen of Three Award at the Ventura County Fair last week. Their pen of three swine was judged the best from the five breeders that entered the competition for the rancher’s award. They were awarded a rosette ribbon and belt buckle as well as the satisfaction of a job well done.“Each county breeder brings his three best to be judged,” Mike Mead said. “Thanks to my partner Darrell and to Ralph Harrison.” Both Darrell and Mike had special thanks for Ralph Harrison. The Harrison South Mountain ranch is where Nelson and Mead have their swine project. “We thank the Harrisons for providing the facilities and the ability for us,” Nelson said.
