More than 580 tractors, trailers and other farm equipment projects lined the East Arena of NRG Center, Sunday, March 26, showcasing students’ mechanical and technical skills in the Agricultural Mechanics Project Show.
Each unique project on display was crafted by a team of talented Texas 4-H and FFA members, and is the product of hundreds of hours spent working in school mechanics shops and garages throughout the year.
Tilden FFA won Grand Champion Agricultural Mechanics Project for the third-straight year, adding to the chapter’s long list of success at the Show. Tilden FFA advisor Barry Randolph beamed as he explained how proud he was of his hard-working and talented group of students.
“I am super proud,” Randolph said. “This group is one of the best I’ve had. The whole team contributed, and there is a bunch of talent here.”
Grand Champion team members Brett Acker, Mirza Bazan, Carter Garcia, Covy Harper, Samuel Layton, Joe Melendez and Hilario Ramon spent months constructing their award-winning cattle working facility.
Tilden FFA members not only possess the skillset required to win the competition, but also demonstrate commitment to the program, and illustrate a strong work ethic. For these reasons, the team was awarded the 2017 Dr. Billy Harrell Award of Excellence.
The Reserve Grand Champion award was presented to Vega FFA members Joe Knoll, Liam Schaap, Hallie Rains, Garrett Busby and Payden Mason. The five-member team built a folding hay rake.
Jay Newton, Vega FFA advisor, had a hard time expressing just how proud he was of all his students and their accomplishments this year.
“I am very proud of my kids for competing this well at a show this big,” Newton said. “Anytime your name is called, it’s a big deal. Whether you win your division or win Reserve Grand Champion, it means something.”
