Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement Proficiency – Logan Wood

Logan Wood works as a mechanic for Sherwood Inc., a company that harvests nearly 10,000 acres of almonds and pistachios annually. Wood maintains the company’s equipment and diagnoses issues, as well as performs engine, hydraulic and electrical repairs. Wood has also shadowed his employer to learn more about the business responsibilities of billing, payroll, and customer and vendor relationships. Wood is a member of the Fresno-Central FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Taree Downs, Jessica Fahey, June Bettencourt and Chris Williams. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Joseph Michael Robinson began his project by changing engine and hydraulic oils, coolant, fuel filters, air filters, cabin air filters, and greasing all machines at A and R Farms. Robinson also runs his own business, where he repairs and restores parts and agricultural machinery, sometimes reselling parts for profit. Through his Supervised Agricultural Experience, Robinson has gained knowledge in billing and finance, time management, and entrepreneurial adaptability. Robinson is a member of the Mineral Point FFA Chapter in Wisconsin and FFA advisor is Mike Robinson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Jack Walters designs, manufactures, and markets swine scales for his Supervised Agricultural Experience. After conquering time management challenges, developing more efficient manufacturing, receiving several certifications and gaining sales abilities, Walters’s business and his professional network have grown. Walters plans to have a career as an agriculture equipment sales representative. Walters is a member of the Brock FFA Chapter in Texas and his FFA advisors are Mark Sullivan, Laura Horner, Brock Burch and Jack Pritchard. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Sophie Bradshaw has a Supervised Agricultural Experience working at her family’s wildlife ranch. Bradshaw has a range of jobs on the ranch that span both business management and operational tasks. During her time at the ranch, she has successfully implemented anti-poaching measures, learned about wildlife conservation, and leveraged social media to achieve customer growth.  Bradshaw is a member of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas and her FFA advisors are Jeff Klose and Jennifer Barton. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Matthew Anderson began helping with waterfowl hunting trips in 2019. By 2023, his role has grown to be a guide for the trips and his responsibilities include studying migration reports and scheduling hunts, maintaining fowl calls, firearm safety, and more.  Anderson is a member of the Banks County FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors Christopher Crump and Kipp Jackson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

David  Pinnell has a business where he rakes, bales, and sells pine straw as landscaping mulch. Through this Supervised Agricultural Experience, he has not only gained skills in sustainable practices and operating equipment, but he has also learned to promote his enterprise and manage finances. Pinnell is a member of the  Henderson FFA Chapter in Texas and his FFA advisors are Michael Perry, Maurisio Elizondo, Travis Driver and Kathryn Prior. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Riley McDermott has learned about all the components of vegetable production through her business Tilled to Table. McDermott reaches customers through a roadside stand and as a permanent vendor at the county farmer’s market. In addition to selling 13 types of vegetables from her 4,300-square-foot garden, she is also in charge of maintaining profitability, setting prices, evaluating business practices, and building customer rapport. McDermott is a member of the Waterloo FFA Chapter in Illinois and her FFA advisors are Tim McDermott, Marissa Battin, Colton Henry and Elaine Rudolphi. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).  

Reagan Long runs Valley Lawn Care for his Supervised Agricultural Experience, which started out as a lawn mowing business. In 2023, Long had a total of 35 properties and four employees, and provides additional services such as weed control, fertilizer application and irrigation treatment. Long is a member of the Shields Valley FFA Chapter in Montana and his FFA advisor is J.R. Pierce. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).