One FFA agricultural mechanics shop in south central Kansas constantly craves a challenge. This year has been no exception, even amid a pandemic. The Winfield FFA Chapter completed the project of restoring a Ferguson TO 20 tractor this fall with help from students in the FFA chapter. The tractor belongs to Greg Carver, an agricultural education instructor at Winfield High School.
Imagine seeing a tractor that you used to use for various chores around the farm sitting in a nearby pasture collecting rust and dust. Now imagine that same tractor transported into the local high school’s agriculture building where there is conveniently a two-bay, fully-loaded shop waiting to restore your precious tractor to the shape it once knew many years prior. This scenario is not just the product of creative imagination from the Winfield FFA chapter, but a reality.
Funding for the restoration was provided by Carver Land and Cattle as well as Flint Hill Farmstead. Throughout the project, 20 students played key roles in the success of completing the repairs needed to bring the machine back to its original look. When asked what their favorite part of the restoration project was, students explained it was hearing the tractor start for the very first time and seeing it run again. This was no short process spanning over 3 years from start to finish.
Students became familiar with troubleshooting, wiring, body work, welding and mechanical and automotive skills. The future for the tractor will include being entered in the Kansas State Fair and work around the farm after that. The ability of students to come together and have the opportunity to complete this restoration shows the importance of support from community members and educators.
One FFA agricultural mechanics shop in south central Kansas constantly craves a challenge. This year has been no exception, even amid a pandemic. The Winfield FFA Chapter completed the project of restoring a Ferguson TO 20 tractor this fall with help from students in the FFA chapter. The tractor belongs to Greg Carver, an agricultural education instructor at Winfield High School.
Imagine seeing a tractor that you used to use for various chores around the farm sitting in a nearby pasture collecting rust and dust. Now imagine that same tractor transported into the local high school’s agriculture building where there is conveniently a two-bay, fully-loaded shop waiting to restore your precious tractor to the shape it once knew many years prior. This scenario is not just the product of creative imagination from the Winfield FFA chapter, but a reality.
Funding for the restoration was provided by Carver Land and Cattle as well as Flint Hill Farmstead. Marlin Burcham who is also an ag teacher at Winfield High School oversaw the project. Throughout the project, 20 students played key roles in the success of completing the repairs needed to bring the machine back to its original look. When asked what their favorite part of the restoration project was, students explained it was hearing the tractor start for the very first time and seeing it run again. This was no short process spanning over 3 years from start to finish.
Students became familiar with troubleshooting, wiring, body work, welding and mechanical and automotive skills. The future for the tractor will include being entered in the Kansas State Fair and work around the farm after that. The ability of students to come together and have the opportunity to complete this restoration shows the importance of support from community members and educators.