By Alex Griebel
South O’Brien FFA Reporter
FFA teams including 99 individuals from 31 chapters participated in this year’s Career Development Event designed to provide students an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Agricultural Mechanics & Technology. Activities included demonstration of skills, problem solving, and knowledge application in agricultural machinery equipment, metals and welding, structures, environmental and natural resources, and electrical systems.

South O’Brien placed 7th overall, 4th in Environmental/Natural Resources, 7th in Machinery/Equipment, 9th in Electrical, and 9th on the Exam.
Ian Oliver, Justice Frerk, Josh Gnade all participated in this contest. Josh Gnade stated “ At the contest we were able to show our skills in welding, small engines, wiring, wood working, and land measurement.
My favorite part was the welding section because I am very knowledgeable in this area.” Ian Oliver stated “ I prepared for the contest with Mr. Kumm. I spent most of my time on electrical and carpentry. I think I did the best on mechanical, I have a fair amount of background information in that area. I felt very confident in my abilities at the contest and it was very enjoyable.”
Justice Frerk stated “ I studied for the events during Mr. Kumm’s Discover, improving the time it takes us in each area. My favorite part was the small engines event because it’s the area that I am the most familiar with.”
Josh Gnade working on the electrical wiring component of the contest.