Judson FFA Ag Mechanics Build Off Team competed in the two day build off event hosted by the San Antonio Ag Mechanics Division this past weekend. Each four-member team was given a pallet of material and two days to fabricate an open fire grill. The finished project had a cooking grate, a griddle plate, slotted side shelves and a rolling base.

Scoring covers far more than the finished project. Before welding begins, each team completes a Job Safety Analysis. Throughout the build, judges conduct hourly safety checks at each worksite and evaluate every team on communication and teamwork. Teams are also scored on showmanship, which covers how they carry themselves and interact with the judges and with other teams. Judges ask students to explain their fabrication process, safety practices and decisions. The finished project is scored on fit, finish and weld quality, and on whether it was built true to the plans.

The format reflects what employers look for in the skilled finished product. Congratulations to Leobardo Granados, Kevin Garcia, Anna Martinez, Lucas Desjean.