Josh Spencer with his mechanics projects.
For high school senior Josh Spencer, tractors aren’t just machines — they’re a lifelong passion and a path toward a future in agriculture.
His love for mechanics began early as he learned from his father, a former auto mechanic. “Growing up, I was always helping him with whatever vehicle we had,” Spencer says.
It wasn’t until the COVID-19 shutdown during his eighth grade year, however, that he really dove into his interest. With plenty of free time and access to old equipment, he began working on lawn mowers and tractors, learning through hands-on trial and error.
Spencer’s favorite machines to work on are older diesel tractor engines. “They’re simple and mechanical, not loaded with electronics,” he says. “They just make sense.”
That deep understanding helped him win the Florida FFA Tractor Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event (CDE). His real-world experience with tractors — especially his grandfather’s old Kubota — gave him an advantage, allowing him to focus on performance and precision during competition.
Spencer is presented with the state champion CDE Award for tractor operations and mechanics.
Since his win, Spencer has returned to the event as a coach. “Being able to back up my coaching with experience is something I’m proud of,” he says. “It’s an honor to help the next generation of FFA members grow.”
As a three-year officer in the West Orange FFA Chapter, Spencer has worked to show others that agriculture goes beyond plants and animals. “Mechanics and machinery are just as important,” he says. “Most people don’t realize how much of our world is built and maintained by equipment like tractors and trucks.”
Spencer drives the West Orange FFA tractor during a winter parade.
FFA has also helped Spencer develop into a strong speaker and leader. He credits the organization with building his confidence and giving him the tools to lead with pride. Now, he plans to pursue a career in agricultural education.
“I want to be an agricultural mechanics teacher,” he says. “It’s the perfect way to combine my passion for mechanics with my love for teaching. I love FFA so much that when I found out I had to graduate, I figured I’d just come back as an advisor.”
Spencer’s journey showcases how the results are powerful and lasting when passion, knowledge and leadership come together.
