A wealth management firm is not the only thing the Rice family brought to California’s Central Coast – their passion for livestock, agriculture and youth education has followed them to the mainland as well.
The Rice family has raised cattle on Maui for over 100 years, making ranching a way of life for both Bonnie 
Rice and daughter Ashley Wilken. Growing up, Bonnie was a 4H member and spent plenty of time on the family ranch. She eventually passed on her interests and family lifestyle to her daughter, Ashley, who forewent traditional summer camps as a child to work beside her grandpa and ride horses.
The mom-and-daughter-duo now support youth development in agriculture by sponsoring the Junior Livestock Auction – as well as individual 4H and FFA kids who enter into the auction – that happens in conjunction with the California Mid-State Fair. Founded in 1946, the California Mid-State Fair provides annual entertainment for 12 days at the end of July in Paso Robles, CA.
Among the many events that happen between these 12 days, the Junior Livestock Auction attracts hundreds and marks the culmination of a year’s work for young aspiring ranchers and farmers. The young 4H and FFA members select, purchase, feed, and groom their livestock to be judged, graded and sold at the California Mid-State Fair. In 2019 the Junior Livestock Auction included a total of 869 animals, totaling to $2.1 million sold by both 4H and FFA students.
For more information on the Junior Livestock Auction: https://www.midstatefair.com/fair/livestock.php