107th Annual Rutgers Day/Ag Field Day
Animal Fitting and Exhibition Contests
April 25, 2026
Sponsored by The Society of Animal Science and the Department of Animal Sciences.
We welcome you to the 107th Annual Rutgers Day / Ag Field Day Animal Fitting and Exhibition Contests! Rutgers Day / Ag Field Day is one of the best days of the year here on the Rutgers University Cook Campus. A variety of activities will be taking place on campus today offered by different clubs and departments. Here is a brief overview of the exciting things happening on the animal farm!
In the morning, a series of livestock shows will occur at various locations around the farm. Students are able to show beef cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and horses. The participating students are registered for a course called “Animal Handling, Fitting, and Exhibition.” These students learn how to groom, train, and present their animal for show. This is all accomplished in approximately six weeks. Both students and supervisors have been working extremely hard these past few weeks, so please stop by and show your support!
Additionally, the Mounted Patrol barn will be open. This is the only student-run mounted patrol unit in the nation! They will be giving tours and you will have a chance to meet the patrol horses: Norman and Austin. The Veterinary Science Club will be running a petting zoo in the Round House. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet some of our animals from the farm up close! The Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club will also be nearby with their dogs. The Companion Animal Club will be on the scene, too! Lastly, there will also be a demonstration of our horse treadmill. We are fortunate to have one of the few horse treadmills in the country. Be sure to see some of our horses in action!
When you get hungry, make sure you stop by the Society of Animal Science BBQ across the street from the farm! We will be serving pork roll sandwiches and coffee in the morning. Come in the afternoon and we will have a variety of food items, including burgers (beef and veggie), hot dogs, and sweet and hot Italian sausages. We will also be selling club merchandise and Ag Field Day animal show shirts. The Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences graduate students will be having a bake sale. Be sure to check out what they have as well! Make an effort to stop by! Your support is deeply appreciated!
We hope you all enjoy your time here today. Without the help of the whole Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers Day / Ag Field Day would not be as memorable as it is. The faculty is very committed to providing as much education and experience to students as possible. Thanks to Clint Burgher and the farm staff for opening up the farm to all these students. Many students come in to begin working with their animals with very little experience. The farm staff is very patient and understanding. They really try to make this the best experience possible for the students.
Special thanks to the Society of Animal Science club advisors: Dr. Carey Williams and Dr. Taylor Ross. They have been a huge help to the club over this past year. They assist with the Northeast Student Affiliate (NESA) competition every year and it would not be possible without their constant support and guidance.
Thank you for coming to the 107th Rutgers Day / Ag Field Day Animal Fitting and Exhibition Contests! We hope you enjoy your visit with us and hope to see you again next year!
From the Faculty, Students, and Staff of the Department of Animal Sciences
Contents
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Animal Shows
DOG 9 AM Skelley Field HORSE 10 AM Red Barn SWINE 10 AM Swine Finishing Platforms GOAT 10 AM Sheep Barn CATTLE 11:30 AM Heifer Barn SHEEP 11:30 AM Sheep Barn 
Activities and Events
Veterinary Science Club Petting Zoo: R U ready to meet and pet our wonderful farm animals? Come on down to the Round House from 10 am - 3:30 pm (the line will CLOSE at 3:00 pm) and spend some time with the Rutgers University Veterinary Science Club! Seeing Eye Puppy Meet & Greet: Come and meet the Rutgers Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club’s representatives and the puppies that they’re raising! The table will be located next to the Round House!
The Rutgers University Equestrian Team: RUET will have a table outside of the barn. Come meet the team and get creative by painting horseshoes!
Equine Science Center: Join us for live treadmill demonstrations at 1 PM and discover the fascinating research happening at the Equine Science Center! Then, from 2-4 PM, we will have a Meet & Greet with our RUTH (Rutgers University Teaching Herd) Horses in the Red Barn.
Mounted Patrol Meet & Greet: An open house will be held at the Rutgers Mounted Patrol barn (College Farm Rd. between the Ag Museum and Round House) to meet Mounties and their horses!
Food and Souvenirs
Companion Animal Club (on Red Oak Lane): Paw printing station and photo booth
Society of Animal Science: BBQ, merchandise
Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Student Organization: Baked goods
RU Veterinary Science Club & Rutgers Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club: Club apparel
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The Society of Animal Science would like to thank the following people for their kind assistance:
- Dr. Nick Bello: Chair, Department of Animal Sciences
- Dr. Taylor Ross: Teaching Instructor, Department of Animal Sciences, SAS Advisor
- Dr. Carey Williams: Extension Specialist; Department of Animal Sciences, SAS Advisor
- Prof. Henry Bignell: Teaching Instructor, Department of Animal Sciences
- Dr. Aparna Zama: Associate Teaching Professor, Undergraduate Program Director
- Clint Burgher, M.S.: Cook Campus Farm Manager, Animal Care Program
- Laura Comerford: Supervisor of Animal Operations, Animal Care Program
- Felicia McCloskey: Senior Research Animal Worker - Swine
- Rebecca Potosky: Senior Research Animal Worker - Sheep and Goat
- Kelly Vuong: Senior Research Animal Worker - Cattle
- Emma-Kate Feeney: Senior Research Animal Worker – Equine
- Anastasia Ioshpa: Research Project Assistant, Animal Care Program
- Kaylee O’Rourke: Senior Research Animal Worker, Animal Care Program
- Stacey Pontoriero: Sr. Program Coordinator, Department of Animal Sciences
- Lindsey Luper: Program Coordinator II, Department of Animal Sciences
- Dr. David Reimer: Associate Director, University Lab Animal Services
- Wesley Bouchelle: Research Farm Supervisor - Farm Shop
- Samad Sharrief: Senior Research Farmer
- Michael Hoff: Business Assistant, Department of Animal Sciences
We appreciate all of the faculty, students, and family members who helped with the BBQ!
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Heat I - (not to start before 10 am)
Show # Horse Student Handler 118 Marci Jacqueline Valenzuela 119 Cougar Isabella Javier 120 Mazel Sujey Avila 121 Wiser Jannah Shakir 122 Allie Lawren Whitesell Heat II
Show # Horse Student Handler 124 Marci Kaitlyn Aguila 125 Cougar Iris Peng 126 Mazel Casey Downs 127 Wiser Katherine Canelas 128 Allie Theresa Aquilina Heat I - Championship
First through Third-place winners from Heats I and II will compete in the Semi-Championship round
1st ________________________________________________________
2nd ________________________________________________________
3rd ________________________________________________________
Heat II – Championship
1st ________________________________________________________
2nd ________________________________________________________
3rd ________________________________________________________
Overall Championship
Grand Champion ______________________________________________________
Reserve Champion ______________________________________________________
Honorable Mention ______________________________________________________
The Horse Handling and Fitting Class Sends a Very Special Thanks To:
Judge: Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax
Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax serves as a Director of PonyUp4Kids Foundation, bringing a lifetime of lived experience, equine excellence, and community impact to the organization’s mission of empowering youth through the healing power of horses. An internationally recognized horseman, award-winning educator, and cultural trailblazer, Fairfax embodies the transformative connection between horses and humanity. With over three decades of experience as a clinician, coach, judge, and mentor in the Western horse world, Fairfax has broken racial and socioeconomic barriers in a billion-dollar equine industry historically dominated by white male voices. He is one of only a handful of African-American carded judges in the United States, holding credentials from organizations including the Appaloosa Horse Club and serving as a respected official at national and international competitions from Canada and Mexico to Germany and Australia.
Fairfax’s path to the arena began in his earliest years, when summers were spent caring for horses and mules on his family’s land in Georgia and Oklahoma. Raised in New Jersey, he was profoundly shaped by the wisdom and care of his grandmother, whose lessons in respect, responsibility, and service laid the groundwork for his life's purpose. His passion for horses was matched only by his commitment to the arts and education, leading to a long-standing career as a visual arts teacher at Arts High School in Newark, the nation’s first public high school for the arts. In 2019, Fairfax was honored with the Spirit of the Horse Award from the Rutgers Equine Science Center in recognition of his enduring contributions to the equine community. He is perhaps best known in the broader public as the original “Scarlet Knight” — the iconic horseback rider leading Rutgers University’s football team into the stadium — a tradition he co-founded and continued for over 25 years.
As Director of PonyUp4Kids Foundation, Fairfax leads with heart and humor, using his national platform to champion access, inclusion, and connection for children and families who are often overlooked. He believes that “every child deserves a space where they can be seen, heard, and lifted up — and sometimes, that space is in the saddle.” Under his leadership, PonyUp4Kids continues to offer hands-on equine experiences, educational clinics, and mentorship programs that promote wellness, responsibility, and resilience through horsemanship.
Announcer: Dr. Carey Williams, Department of Animal Science, Equine Extension Specialist
Class Instructor: Dr. Taylor Ross
Student Coordinators: Klaudia Marcisz, Aditri Singh
Student Supervisors: Grace Kreft, Hanen Abdallah, Natalie Armstrong, Leylana Ashley, Sakhee Daga, Jessica Ren, Sean Rodriguez, Joselyn Sabillon Corea
T-Shirt Design: Horse Handling and Fitting student, Isabella Javier
Emma Feeney, practicum students, and work-study students: Thank you for everything you do—keeping the barn and paddocks clean, caring for the horses, and getting the show area ready. Your hard work means more than you know!
Horse Handling and Fitting Supervisors: Thanks for all of your hard work with the students; you’ve done a GREAT job!
A huge thank you to Dr. Taylor Ross! Her dedication makes it possible for students to learn, grow, and build bonds with these amazing horses. We're truly grateful to have her leading this class!
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Class 1
Animal Name Contestant Pork roll Lindsey Evil Intimidating Horse Micha Seaver Abby Sesame Seed Julissa 1st: _______________ Class 2
Animal Name Contestant Chrispy bacon Sabrina Blep Elias Porky Jackson Tra-Sean Sweet Pea Karsyn 1st: _______________ Class 3
Animal Name Contestant Button Ning Waddles Sia Gibby Val Lucky Charm Alexa Pumba Mirnaya 1st: _______________ Class 4
Animal Name Contestant Priscilla Daniella Road Hog Alan Shaq Bryce Spout Jillian 1st: _______________ TA/Supervisor Round
- Alex
- Dan
- Victoria
- Kate
Final Class - 1st Place of Each Class
First-place winners from each class will compete for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
Grand Champion: __________________________
Reserve Champion: _________________________
The Swine Handling and Fitting Class Sends a Very Special Thanks To:
Judge: Felicia McCloskey
Felicia McCloskey started working at the Rutgers Farm as a work-study student in 2008. She immersed herself in gaining experience during her undergraduate career—she was a multi-species practicum student and a teaching assistant and coordinator for the handling, fitting & exhibition courses. In 2011, Felicia started working full-time as a senior research animal worker/swine practicum instructor.
Announcer: Hailey Awad
Class Supervisor: Professor Henry Bignell (Rutgers Faculty)
Student Coordinator: Hailey Awad
Student Teaching Assistants: Alexander Kokolis, Victoria Walsh
Student Supervisors: Kimberly Cheng, Dan Goldstein, Abigail Haney, Mustafa Abdelilah, Samantha Dzioba, Kate Quarcoopome, Linda Sanchez
T-Shirt Design: Julissa Medina
Felicia McCloskey, Laura Comerford, Ana Ioshpa, practicum students, and work-study students: Thank you for all of your hard work in keeping the swine fed, keeping their homes clean, and getting the show area ready and in working shape. You are all appreciated more than you know!!
Swine Handling and Fitting Supervisors: Thank you for all of the time and effort you’ve put into the students and their animals; you’ve done a GREAT job!
Thank you, Professor Bignell, for your hard work and dedication throughout the semester in teaching the students about cattle and swine showmanship!
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Class 1
Animal Name Contestant Dali Joselyn Skittles Alexandra Minnow Andrea Kit-Kat Theodora 1st: ________________ Class 2
Animal Name Contestant Muffin Elaina Salmiakki David Biscuit Krystal Kinder Nathan 1st: ________________ Class 3
Animal Name Contestant Kit-Kat Camryn Minnow Marjorie Dali Jalila Skittles Cara 1st: ________________ Class 4
Animal Name Contestant Salmiakki Laura Biscuit Ava Kinder Joseph Muffin Elysa 1st: ________________ Final Class - 1st Place of Each Class
First-place winners from each class will compete for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
Grand Champion: _______________________________
Reserve Champion: _______________________________
The Goat Handling and Fitting Class Sends a Very Special Thanks To:
Judge: Rebecca Potosky
Rebecca received her BS in Animal Science from Rutgers University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Edinburgh, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She currently works here at the Rutgers farm and is part of the SEBS/NJAES Animal Care Program. Rebecca's primary responsibilities involve the management & breeding of the sheep & goat herds as well as teaching the small ruminant practicum course. Formerly, she raised and showed Alpine dairy goats and currently enjoys competing nationally and internationally in dog agility.
Announcer: Charles McCloud (Student Supervisor)
Class Instructor: Dr. Taylor Ross
Student Coordinator: Sabrina Moreira
Student Supervisors: Jacob Cooke, Jordan Gibbions, Charles McCloud, Santiago Mesa Botero
T-Shirt Design: Marjorie Farro (Handling Student)
Practicum and work-study students: Thanks for all of your hard work keeping the barn clean, helping with the goats, and getting the show area ready and in working shape. You are appreciated more than you know!
Goat Handling and Fitting Supervisors: Thank you for all of your hard work with the students and their animals; you’ve done a GREAT job!
Thank you to Dr. Taylor Ross for teaching this class and helping students learn about goat showmanship. We appreciate your dedication to this class!
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Class 1
Animal Name Contestant Black Coffee Hanna Barrack Daniela Blossom Jeremy Nimbus Izabella 1st: _____________ Class 2
Animal Name Contestant Honeydew Chris Black Olive Eliza Mango Nia Cinder Chase 1st: _____________ Class 3
Animal Name Contestant Black Coffee Kloe Barrack Samantha Blossom Alyssa Nimbus Jennifer 1st: _____________ Class 4
Animal Name Contestant Honeydew Abby Black Olive Victoria Mango Taniya Cinder Brany 1st: _____________ TA Round
- Jinayah
- Tessa
- Abe
- Lindsey
Final Class - 1st Place of Each Class
First-place winners from each class will compete for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
Grand Champion: __________________________
Reserve Champion: _________________________
The Cattle Handling and Fitting Class Sends a Very Special Thanks To:
Judge: Patrycja Zbrzezny
Patrycja Zbrzezny, Cook College Grad 2010, is an agriculture teacher and assistant principal at John Bowne H.S. She has experience working with dairy, beef, and exotic cattle from her years as an agriculture student in high school, college, and beyond. As a young adult, Patrycja spent her summers working on a dairy farm in Upstate NY. Once attending Rutgers, she worked on the Cook College farm specifically working with the dairy cattle during her time as a student. She became certified in cattle artificial insemination while at Rutgers and worked on breeding cattle shortly after. Upon completing her BS in animal science (farm productivity track), Patrycja set out to receive her education degree to teach animal science. Since 2011 she has worked as an animal science educator in a school with a 4-acre farm, to which she brought in Zebu cattle. She works with the cattle and other livestock at the school to educate students on handling and management of livestock, and much more.
Announcer: Hailey Awad
Class Supervisor: Professor Henry Bignell (Rutgers Faculty)
Student Coordinator: Hailey Awad
Student Teaching Assistants: Lindsey Davis, Jinayah Lighty, Tessa Mcdonald, Abraham Reyes
Student Supervisors: Ryan Hart, Sabrina Kim, Paula Chavez, Terence Chin, Andrea Echeverry, Jay Lucien, Fiona Lynch, Tierney Mullowney
T-Shirt Design: Ryan Hart
Kelly Vuong, Laura Comerford, practicum students, and work-study students: Thank you for all of your hard work in keeping the cattle fed, keeping their homes clean, and getting the show area ready and in working shape. You are all appreciated more than you know!
Professor Bignell’s Studies in Animal Science Students: Tessa, Jinayah, Abraham and Lindsey, Thank you for spending the fall working with the show calves up until now to make this a safer and seamless experience for all the current 175 and 176 students. You have spent countless hours getting to know these animals and coming up with tips and tricks to help train supervisors and mentor the current students—I am grateful for your work this past year. -Professor Bignell
Cattle Handling and Fitting Supervisors: Thank you for all of the time and effort you’ve put into the students and their animals; you’ve done a GREAT job!
Thank you, Professor Bignell for your hard work and dedication throughout the semester in teaching the students about cattle and swine showmanship!
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Class 1
Animal Name Contestant Joey Sonali Becky Landy Dumpling Lisbeth Wendie Mary Clare 1st: ________________ Class 2
Animal Name Contestant Rosemary Gabriela Scylla Katrina Anise Nakiya Sasquatch Wren 1st: ________________ Class 3
Animal Name Contestant Rosemary Josue Dumpling Gabriela Wendie Ashley 1st: ________________ Class 4
Animal Name Contestant Anise Izabelle Becky Jordan Scylla Alexandra 1st: ________________ Final Class - 1st Place of Each Class
First-place winners from each class will compete for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
Grand Champion: _______________________________
Reserve Champion: _______________________________
The Sheep Handling and Fitting Class Sends a Very Special Thanks To:
Judge: Rebecca Potosky
Rebecca received her BS in Animal Science from Rutgers University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Edinburgh, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She currently works here at the Rutgers farm and is part of the SEBS/NJAES Animal Care Program. Rebecca's primary responsibilities involve the management & breeding of the sheep & goat herds as well as teaching the small ruminant practicum course. Formerly, she raised and showed Alpine dairy goats and currently enjoys competing nationally and internationally in dog agility.
Announcer: Ariana Satruc (Student Supervisor)
Class Supervisor: Dr. Taylor Ross
Student Coordinator: Sabrina Moreira
Student Supervisors: Madeline Atkins, Hyo Ju Lee, Sierra Liddell McKeith, Devon Sanchez, Ariana Satruc, Aspen Wu
T-Shirt Design: Lisbeth Cadmen & Sonali Subramanya (Handling Students)
Practicum and work-study students: Thanks for all of your hard work keeping the barn clean, helping with the sheep, and getting the show area ready and in working shape. You are appreciated more than you know!
Sheep Handling and Fitting Supervisors: Thank you for all of your hard work with the students and their animals; you’ve done a GREAT job!
Thank you to Dr. Taylor Ross for teaching this class and helping students learn about sheep showmanship. We appreciate your dedication to this class!
More Information
For more information, visit us at the Department of Animal Sciences @ Rutgers University.
Phone: 848-932-9100