2026 Western Equipment Ag Tech Invitational
The 2026 Western Equipment Ag Tech Invitational is a wrap! New champions were crowned and $82,500 in scholarships and over $35,000 in prizes were awarded! Check back soon for full details on our winners and must-see footage from this year's event. Thank you to all of the students, parents, teachers, and advisors that made this year one to remember!
If you're interested in sharpening your skills and learning more about the life of a Western Equipment Ag Tech, applications are NOW OPEN for our 2026 Summer High School Shop Internship.
About the Contest
With so much uncertainty surrounding many career paths these days, being a technician in the agriculture industry is one you can be sure of. The goal of this contest is both to celebrate the skills needed to perform such a job, as well as expose students to the opportunities available within the field of agricultural mechanization, specifically within Western Equipment. Students will apply mechanical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and interact with industry professionals.
Students will compete as individuals - this is not a team event. High school juniors and seniors are invited to participate.
Any necessary tools will be provided for event participants.
Rules & Regulations
1. Eligible participants must be in their junior or senior year of high school. No participation in specific clubs or organizations is required.
2. Awards, prizes, and scholarships are provided by Western Equipment.*
3. The contest will be judged by Western Equipment, John Deere corporate representatives, Garden City Community College, as well as other industry professionals. During the contest, students may be evaluated for potential future job opportunities within the industry.
4. The use of phones is prohibited. All students must turn over their phones to their guardian(s) or leave them in a secure safe provided by Western Equipment during the event.
5. Only the judges and the supervising attendants will be permitted in the immediate vicinity while the contest is taking place. However, any parents or guardian are encouraged to attend the event.
6. Decisions of the judges will be final. If a participant does not follow rules, they will forfeit their ability to win prizes and scholarships.
Event Format
Written Test
The written test will be comprised of general mechanical questions, comprised of true/false and multiple choice. Multiple-choice questions may have one or more correct answers.
Mechanical Aptitude Evaluation & Tests
John Deere mowers, Gators, tractors, harvesting equipment, and related parts may be considered for equipment evaluation and testing. Basic understanding and use of electrical systems, tools and multi-meters will be an advantage.
Tentative Schedule
Check back later this year for the date of our 2027 Western Equipment Ag Tech Invitational. You don't want to miss out on the Best Saturday in January!
For more information about this contest, contact Jenni Winegarner at jwinegarner@west-equip.com or 806.683.4634.
*Scholarships awarded will only be applicable to the John Deere Ag Tech Program through Western Equipment. Previous year winners cannot win combined scholarship over $30,000, but are eligible to win all other prizes.
