Vessels Farm hosts fundraiser for Ag students, honors Colburn

More than $9,000 was raised when guests paid $100 each to attend a fundraiser for the San Luis Rey Ag Boosters Club hosted by Scoop and Bonnie Vessels at their stunning Bonsall farm.

“One hundred percent of the money will go to the young men and women of this community,” Scoop Vessels told the guests.

Two thousand dollars was directed toward the Ag Department at Fallbrook High School. Principal Rod King was present to accept a check for the FFA Scholarship Fund. “I am amazed by the generosity of the community and the support they give to our Ag department,” he commented.

FHS Ag teachers Scott Duffin and Doug Sehnert also attended. “It’s a great event and nice to see the community come out and support the kids,” said Duffin.

Sehnert commented, “It is nice to be part of a community that has so much support for our program. We appreciate the generosity.”

Tables were arranged on a green lawn that bordered a quiet pond. Country music filled the air and guests dined on a barbecue which included lamb, ribs and pork chops, side dishes and creamy cheesecake for dessert.

After the barbecue a program was presented which included a parade of stunning horses, including “First Down Dash,” a 24-year-old quarter horse who is the number one all-time leading sire of money earners.

Another incredibly beautiful and incredible horse shown was “In Excess” (IRE), a thoroughbred, who is California’s number one all-time leading sire of money earners.

Jules Duffin, a Fallbrook High School senior and outgoing president of the Fallbrook FFA (2007-2008), thought that the event was a success. “This event is such a neat thing because they are such great sponsors and supporters and to see them, the leaders of today, with us, the leaders of tomorrow, it is great to work toward a common goal, which is success for the future.”

She is going to El Camino College and transferring to Fresno State to study agriculture communications. Jules is a signer in American Sign Language. After graduation her plans are to reopen an agriculture program in a school for the deaf located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

She has studied sign language for three years at Fallbrook High and has learned how to combine it with her knowledge of agriculture. “There are very few teachers who know American Sign Language and also know about agriculture,” she commented.

Maria Valdez, who was club secretary for 2007-2008 and was just installed as president for 2008-2009, was present as well. “It is a great thing to get everyone together who really help our community and support our Fallbrook FFA chapter,” she commented.

The event also honored Vessel’s longtime veterinarian, Dr. Steve Colburn, and his family.

Due to the lagging economy, Dr. Colburn is concerned that the Ag students won’t be able to sell their animals at the fair this year. “I am worried about how the auction is going to hold,” he said. “The last thing you want is a kid who has worked hard all year long and goes to the auction and loses money. That is not the message we want to send to them – that their hard work is not going to be rewarded.”

Dr. Colburn was presented a plaque in appreciation of his many years of service to Vessels and the Ag community. “I’m humbled by this and appreciate the thought,” he said.

He was born in Woodland, CA, and spent his youth in Escondido, where he was active in 4-H and the Escondido High FFA. Colburn was both chapter and regional president of FFA. His father, Darrel, was an agriculture teacher at the school.

Dr. Colburn attended UC Davis, majoring in animal science, and it was there that he met his future wife, Karen. The Colburns were married in 1980.

He graduated from veterinary school in 1984 and they came to Fallbrook the same year with baby Jeanelle. He has operated his Fallbrook practice since 1984 and has served as a director for both REINS and Rider’s Field.

Colt Vessels told the guests, “The Colburns have helped me on numerous occasions and Dr. Colburn has saved many of our animals.”

Karen served as 4-H poultry leader and community pride leader. The Colburn children were also active in the Ag world. Jeanelle raised and showed poultry, swine and steers. She graduated from Cal State San Marcos in 2006 with a major in communications and is employed at Pala Mesa Resort.

Son Garrett was a member of 4-H showing swine. He graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2007 with a degree in business marketing. Garrett is currently living and working in the San Luis Obispo area.

Ashley was a member of 4-H from the fourth grade through her senior year at Fallbrook High showing her sheep, steer and swine. She was an FFA all-star and state ambassador. She also worked as a student correspondent for the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News. Ashley is now a senior at Colorado State University studying broadcast journalism and Spanish.

Wade is a member of 4-H and shows his beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats at the fair. He is an all-star and state ambassador for 2008-2009 and serves as FFA Fallbrook Chapter vice president. He followed in his sister’s footsteps and is a student correspondent for the Village News.