Students from FFA chapters in Georgia and Florida had the opportunity to enter and exhibit their wood and metal projects at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia on October 15-17.
The impressive projects are built by middle and high school FFA members and are judged based on quality of work, precision, attention to detail, and difficulty.
The Farm Credit Associations of Georgia and Florida began hosting the contest at the Farm Credit building at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in 2017. The goal of Farm Credit is to use their facility at the Expo to offer an opportunity to students to compete and showcase their work.
The creativity and skill of students is remarkable, and each year Expo attendees enjoy coming by to see the projects on display. No two projects are ever the same – fire pits, impossible chairs, tables, benches, instruments, gun racks, playground sets, and more!
Projects are divided into four categories: Large Wood, Large Metal, Small Wood, and Small Metal.
The Grand Champion and Reserve Champion projects are featured with their winning ribbon throughout the Expo, and students are awarded a cash prize. The FFA Chapter that earns the most points through winning projects and number of projects entered is also awarded a plaque and a cash prize.
A recent addition to the contest that has gained popularity to Expo-goers is the People’s Choice Award. Anyone walking through the exhibit can submit their vote for their favorite project.
The 2024 FFA Ag Mechanics Contest Winners are:
- Large Wood Grand Champion - Emma Grace Turner, Tift County High School– Wood Table
- Large Wood Reserve Champion – Ayden Tidwell, Rutland Middle School – GA Bulldog American Flag
- Large Metal Grand Champion – Alan McCartney, Crescent City High School – Grill
- Large Metal Reserve Champion – Robin Canup, Newton College & Career Academy – Guitar Firepit
- Small Wood Grand Champion – Ivan Jackson, Newton College & Career Academy – Urn
- Small Wood Reserve Champion – Peyton Hutchins, Rutland Middle School – American Flag Table
- Small Metal Grand Champion – Ethan Frederick, Eighth St. Middle School - Small Tire Rim Grill
- Small Metal Reserve Champion – Reece Cantrell, Newton College & Career Academy – Fire Pit
- People’s Choice Award - Alan McCartney, Crescent City High School – Grill
- Grand Champion Chapter – Newton College and Career Academy