Brandon Anding was named the National winner of the
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance-Placement Proficiency award program
at the 89th national FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis, IN.
(Contributed photo)

Brandon Anding, 20, of Granton FFA Chapter was named the national winner of the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement Proficiency award program Convention & Expo Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis, IN.

The Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement Award is one of 47 proficiency program areas FFA members can participate in to develop valuable experience and leadership skills at the local, state and national levels.  Brandon won the state competition in June to advance to semi-finals and then was selected as one of four national finalists in August.  Of those four, he was selected at the winner.  This award program is sponsored by the Tractor Supply Company as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Brandon began his Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) in the seventh grade by helping his father with garage door repairs and installations.  At first, he wasn’t allowed to work with any power tools and merely helped with holding things in place.  Now, he can install an entire door.  He expanded his mechanics program to include restoration of old antique tractors and completely restored two of them so far, actually completing in the Chevron DELO Tractor Restoration Competition.  He was named a national finalist in that competition last year.  He has completely rebuilt engines and redone the body work of the tractors, along with many other projects in between.

As a senior in high school, Brandon wanted to expand his SAE to help him better develop the skills needed to be an agricultural machinery technician and was given the opportunity by Chili Implement to participate in a Supervised Work Experience placement.  After graduation, he maintained his employment at the implement dealership and is still working there while obtaining his further education at North Central Technical College (NCTC) in Wausau.  He received his agricultural machinery technician certification this past spring from NCTC and is currently pursuing welding certification.  He plans a career as a full-time mechanic and repair technician.

Brandon was also selected as one of several students in the nation to attend an international agricultural exchange program to Ireland next June.  All four national finalists in the 47 areas are allowed to apply for the experience and only one from each area is selected.  Brandon was chosen as the winner in his division.  Brandon is supported by his parents, Chris and Curt Anding, and his FFA advisors, Cheryl Steinbach and Katie Chapman.

Upon returning home from the convention, Brandon was greeted by friend and family, which began with an inspirational escorted ride into town on a firetruck.

 

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