Ag Mechanics Build Off Gives Over $7,000 in Prizes to Competitors


First place team, Timpson ISD’s #1 team, with prize sponsor J.B. Raymond

March 4, 2023 (Photo Album) - The Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation held their first annual Build Off contest at the Shelby County Expo on Friday, March 3rd with a Timpson ISD team taking highest honors and more than $4,350 in prizes. All together $4,800 in prize money was given out in addition to $2,250 in scholarships for a total of over $7,000.

Fourteen teams consisting of FFA students competed by building a custom gate made out of 14-gauge square tubing ranging from 12 foot to 16 foot. The foundation provided the materials for the gates and each team worked together to complete their project by a 2pm deadline. Judges examined the projects giving builders suggestions as well as words of encouragement before declaring the winners. Participating schools were Bremond ISD, Center ISD, Central ISD, Joaquin ISD, Newton ISD, North Hopkins ISD, San Augustine ISD, Shelbyville ISD, and Timpson ISD.

The projects were judged on completion, fit-up or fabrication, workmanship and attention to detail, weld quality, and readiness for paint. Judges observed teams working on their gates noticing whether or not they worked together as a team as well as their work area safety.

The first place team was Timpson ISD’s #1 team. Each team member received $700, a custom Grand Champion belt buckle, and a $750 scholarship from Panola College. First place was sponsored by JB Raymond, Panola College, and the Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation.


Second place - Newton ISD team

Second place was won by Newton ISD’s team. Each team member received $375 and a custom Reserve Champion belt buckle. Second place was sponsored by Jacob Hutchins and the Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation.


Third place - Bremond ISD's #2 team

Bremond ISD’s #2 team won third place. Each team member received $175 and a custom 3rd place belt buckle. Third place was sponsored by San Hill Wrecker - Larry Joe Eaves and Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation.

Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation representative Taylor Buster spoke to all the contestants, “First off I want to thank you for the hard work that you put into today.” Buster encouraged the teams to learn from today and not to be discouraged. This event is about team work and learning to work together to get things done. “We appreciate and hope y’all had fun today. We hope that y’all will come back and see us again.”

Jacob Hutchins donated $500 towards prizes for FFA students participating. The money was divided into five $100 prizes and given away along with additional door prizes for the competitors.


$100 prize money winners. Prize money donated by Jacob Hutchins.

We would like to thank the Shelby County community, and our sponsors for your continued support of our students. As we are building in their future. Sponsors are Trail’s End Grocery and RV, Southern Fluid Solutions, Hammer Equipment, JML Management, Sand Hill Wrecker, K & L Contractors, High Roller Group, Center Glass, Covington Lumber and Building Materials, Raymond Construction, LOC International, Center Motor Company, Ray Jones Chevrolet, Farmers State Bank, Gen 2 Properties, Home Town Marine, Hopkins Wrecker Service, Mettauer Law Firm, LOS Enterprises, McAdams Propane, OMNI Enviromental-CHI-RTI, Few Ready Mix, Ultra Shade Plus, Automotive Collision Specialist, Boles Feed, Center Power Sports, David’s Auto Diesel Repair, Despino’s Tire Service, 4C Electric, General Shelters of Texas LTD, Law Office of April Prince, Linda K. Russell - Attorney at Law, R & D Distributors, Steel Building Supply, Spartan Structures, Toledo Automotive, and Wright Chrysler Dodge.

The Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation was founded in 2021 by Taylor Buster, Jamie Hagler, and James Raymond. The foundation became a 501C organization in 2022. It was formed to help Shelby County Ag Mechanics students have a place to show their project to the community, provide a friendly competition between schools by judging their projects, and to provide scholarships to students.