NorthWood FFA Tractor Team Makes National Finals
Published: Friday, October 16, 2020
A nearly year-long tractor restoration project has earned two NorthWood FFA members a birth in a national contest that culminates with virtual judging later this month at the National FFA Convention.
The members, Elliot Suarez and Taylor Martin, were both seniors last year and are now in college. Elliott is studying diesel mechanics and Taylor is pursuing a degree in animal science and pre-veterinary medicine.
According to NorthWood FFA advisor Amy Beer, Suarez and Martin submitted a book that documented the procedures they went through to restore their tractor for the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. A video was also submitted that showed all the components of the tractor working and shifting through its gears.
A panel of judges reviewed the book and video submission, and selected 12 finalists. All of the finalists, including Suarez and Martin, will present their projects to the judges during the virtual competition on Oct. 27.
Beer said NorthWood FFA's tractor restoration entry is a 1948 Ford 8N, owned by Suarez himself. Beer said it took the two students 10 months to finish the work.
According to the contest website, the components and spirit of the competition will stay the same—focusing on the technical and mechanical knowledge of the competitors. Finalists will be able to showcase their knowledge directly to the judges, but through a virtual platform.
Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony at 8 p.m. on Oct. 29.
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