NASHVILLE, TN – Bedford County FFA took home first place honors in the Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Agricultural Mechanics competition May 2nd on the Tennessee State University campus. Five FFA chapters, finalists from each of the three regions, participated. 

Bedford County FFA of Shelbyville Central High School was represented by team members: Dylan Ely, Jordin Hockaday, Hunter Lemmon, and Jackson Smith. The chapter’s advisor is Tommy Green. Bedford County will represent Tennessee at the National FFA Convention in Louisville this October. The team will compete against other state winning teams for the national title. 

The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development Event recognize students with agricultural technology and mechanical systems competencies important to the modern workforce. Competitors are critiqued on their operation of modern equipment, the application of new management strategies and the mastering of advanced technologies. 

The winner of the Western Region was the Munford FFA Chapter and the winner of the Eastern Region was the William Blount FFA Chapter, which placed second overall. 

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Nationally, there are 610,240 FFA members, aged 12-21. The Tennessee FFA Association is comprised of more than 13,000 members from 214 high school chapters, seven middle school chapters, and eight collegiate chapters across the state of Tennessee.

Photo caption: Bedford County FFA members excited after winning the State Agricultural Mechanics competition. (L-R) Jackson Smith, Jordin Hockaday, Dylan Ely, and Hunter Lemmon