INFORMATION FOR 2009:

The Theme for the 2009 Ag Mechanics Contest is PLANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. All items below were taken from the National FFA Ag Mechanics handbook, found at: http://www.ffa.org/documents/cde_agmech.pdf.

Machinery and Equipment Systems:

Select lubricants for machinery and equipment
Identify and compute harvest losses
Adjust and/or calibrate chemical application, seeding, fertilizing, harvesting, processing, and materials handling machinery

Marketing/Information Systems:

Compare costs of ownership, lease, rental, and custom agreements
Use of operator’s manuals
Demonstrate interaction with customer/fellow employee

Energy Systems

Select fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids and coolants for proper operation
Identify and use OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and/or Nebraska Tractor Test results
Identify the characteristics of single and three-phase circuits
Interpret power (horsepower, kilowatt), power factor, torque and other motor selection criteria
Match tractors to implements

Environmental/Natural Resource Systems:

Read and interpret maps including conservation, land use, soils, topographic, aerial and remote sensing and geological surveys

Read legal land descriptions
Calculate soil loss using universal equations, and determine effects of the components of the equations
Determine power requirements and pump size for specific applications
Calculate irrigation system requirements
Take rod readings
Measure crop residue on the land

Structural Systems

Select and evaluate building sites
Determine the size, specifications and layout of building
Select appropriate framing, siding, roofing, insulation and vapor barrier materials
Identify materials and techniques to reinforce concrete and masonry construction
Lay out a building foundation
Specify and plan windbreak structures for livestock protection and reduction of snow accumulation in feedlot and farmsted drive areas

NOTE:  The test each contestant will take will cover all of these areas. The team activity will focus on the Marketing/Information Systems.

Safety glasses are required for each individual event and will not be provided! Students must bring their own Safety glasses or they will not be allowed to compete. Students should bring calculators, pencils, and clipboards; one of each for each student. Official Dress is not required for this contest, as per National FFA guidelines.