FFA Builds Handmade Trailer for Contest
Junior Madison Thaler uses a machine to help build the trailer. Photo contributed by Fairfield FFA Chapter
October 31, 2019
The clang of metal against the concrete, the hiss of the welding gun, and the sweat dripping down a dirty forehead are evidence of a project coming together piece by piece. As the project grows, so does the excitement.
Students enrolled in ag mechanics are building a trailer to enter in mechanic competitions across the state. Five students, with the help of their ag mechanic teacher Clay Sherman, will complete the trailer by December.
“We are excited to complete this project,” senior Lex Thompson said. “We’ve worked hard enough to get at least a month ahead of schedule which will allow us to get more practice in before early and spring shows.”
Seniors Hayden Hardwick and Thompson along with juniors Madison Thaler, Brighton Bulger, and Colton Grandberry began building over a month ago.
“Anytime I get to help and teach students I enjoy it,” Sherman said. “ The students come in whenever they have time off and have shown great work ethic.”
Parent Tracy Thompson made the request to build the trailer. He and the students will take it to Houston, San Antonio, along with either Fort Worth or San Angelo for shows.
“We’ll be competing against other projects in categories like showmanship, knowledge of our project, and craftsmanship,” Lex Thompson said. “We also could possibly win prizes.”
The trailer is made out of mild steel and parts bought from Sherman’s vendors. The metal will be welded to complete the 28-foot gooseneck, triple axle stock trailer.
“This had been a learning experience for everyone,” Thaler said. “Mr. Sherman has never built a cattle trailer so it’s a trial and error process that has been really interesting to figure out.”
