The Madison FFA Chapter would like to congratulate member and recent graduate Brian Sitts on placing first in the annual New York State FFA Driving Career Development Event! This event was held at Western New York’s Pioneer High School, and featured competitors from 14 to 18 years of age.
The statewide contest featured five events designed to test competitors on their knowledge of the equipment, understanding of safety procedures, and operating skills in the field.
The first two events included tractor parts identification, and a multiple choice written test.
From there, it was time to get behind the wheel for three more rigorous and challenging events.
Brian and his competitors tackled two tractor events that replicated working conditions in the farm setting. They had to maneuver through a course and complete various tasks while towing two different implements: a two-wheeled straight axle wagon, and a four-wheeled wagon.
For this year’s competition, the New York State FFA also contested a skid steer competition. Contestants were tasked with maneuvering the skid steer through a specially-designed course while also carrying a pallet load of material.
With his victory, Brian advances onto the next phase of competition, held at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Massachusetts. Known as the “Big E”, the Eastern States Exposition is the largest annual agriculture event held on the Eastern Seaboard. It runs from mid-September to early October.
Brian is a 2022 graduate of Madison Central School, and an alumnus of the Madison-Oneida BOCES CTE Heavy Equipment Operation program. He also serves our community as a volunteer firefighter.
Best of luck in the next round!