2024 Ag Tech Invitational

Western Equipment, your John Deere dealer, is committed to growing and developing the youth of our country. Holding to this, WE recently hosted one of the largest High School Ag Mechanics competitions in the U.S.

The 2024 Ag Tech Invitational in Plainview, Texas, was a huge success and highlighted the importance of specialized technology in agriculture, with participants undergoing mechanical evaluations and written exams centered on John Deere equipment. The tests covered electrical systems, tool and part identification, problem-solving, and overall mechanical aptitude.

There were $45,000 in prizes and $75,000 in scholarships awarded to the top performers in each category and outstanding overall.  The scholarships will be used for the students to attend the John Deere Ag Tech college program and will guarantee the students a job with WE after graduation.

The scholarship recipients were:

• Nicholas Bussard of Follett ISD in Follett, Texas, who won $20,000.
• Cutter Dobbles from Blanchard High School in Blanchard, Okla., who won $15,000.
• Jake Delamatter from Colcord High School in Colcord, Okla., who won $10,000.
• Isaiah Mitchell from Sharon-Mutual High School in Woodward, Okla.
• Pearson Ferguson from River Road High School in Amarillo, Texas, both won $7,500.
• Rowdy Koch from Kit Carson High School in Kit Carson, Colo., who won $4,000.
• Dawson Michel from Merritt High School in Elk City, Okla., who won $3,500.
• Miles Mathews from Spearman ISD in Spearman, Texas, who won $3,000.
• Jack Canada from Canyon High School in Canyon, Texas, who won $2,500.
• Kyle Shackelford from New Deal High School in New Deal, Texas, who won $2,000.

The event also included a career show and various entertainment activities, providing students, ag teachers, counselors, vocational technology instructors, parents, and guests with insights into career opportunities at Western Equipment and emphasizing the company's role in educating the next generation of agricultural technology professionals.