Fager national runner up in FFA proficiencies

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Justin J. Fager of Wauseon FFA Chapter was named a national finalist runner up in the Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems - Entrepreneurship / Placement Proficiency award program. The finalist from California took national honors. The four finalists competed during the 82nd National FFA Convention, October 21-24, held in Indianapolis.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excelled as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience. Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems - Entrepreneurship / Placement is one of 47 FFA proficiency award categories offered at local, state and national levels. Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems - Entrepreneurship / Placement proficiency award program is sponsored by Association of Equipment Manufacturers and New Holland, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and $500. The national winner of the Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems - Entrepreneurship / Placement will receive an additional $500 during a special ceremony at the national FFA convention.

Fager of Wauseon, has learned a lot about farm machinery through restoring tractors in his home shop, with his dad, the late Paul Fager. Those skills helped the Wauseon FFA chapter member as he began working for Kahrs Tractor Sales, Inc. There, he was able to learn about electrical and hydraulic repairs as well as learning about wiring. The shop that he currently works in affords him the ability to service farm machinery such as sprayers, tractors and combines. He is supported by his mom, Sue Ann Fager as well as his FFA advisor Eric Richer and Leah Amstutz.

"Justin is the fourth national runner up in the history of the Wauseon FFA Chapter," said Eric Richer, chapter advisor. "His is a significant accomplishment and we are very proud of his achievement and recognition by the National FFA."