Texas Agricultural Mechanics Committee

Texas Agricultural Mechanics Committee

Spring Meeting Agenda

May 2, 2003

Welcome and Introductions

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Nominees for: Blue & Gold Awards

Honorary LSF Degree

Distinguished Service Awards

Comments and Suggestions for 2003 CDE

Dates for Summer Workshops

PD Conference Ag Mechanics Workshops Update and Planning

General Discussion

Caps and other Incentives

Other Items of Business

Dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse

Members present: Dr. Billy Harrell (SHSU), Marlin Priddy (TSU), Dr. Kyle McGregor (TSU), Charles E. Nichols (IX), Jerome Tymrak (TAMU-Kingsville), Dr. Randall Williams (TAMU-Kingsville), Terry Phillips (TEA), Tom Maynard (TX FFA), Dr. Joe Muller (SHSU), Dr. Glen Shinn (TAMU), Dr. Chester Darcey (TAMU), Dr. Lon Shell (SWT), Kirk Edney (IMS).

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Introductions were made. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as received.

Awards Report – Kirk Edney reported that the Prates had received Honorary Lone Star FFA Non-teacher degrees in July 2002. Dr. Harrell moved and Dr. Muller seconded the nomination of Karl; Russell for the FFA’s Distinguished Service Award. The motion passed. Mr. Phillips pointed out that this nomination should be submitted to the Texas FFA Association at the State Degree Check in June. Dyke Rasco of Mustang Equipment and Aline Rice of Holt Equipment were nominated for the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree Non-teacher Awards. Kirk Edney will submit these applications through the District and Area levels. Dr. Harrell will provide addresses and any further material needed.

Reviewing the 2003 Area CDE

Charles Nichols said that he was glad the TAKS was over, and that his team was here “to play” in the state event. The IMS web site will have a new look after the first of June, and Ag Mech. information should be easy to locate. Dr. Shell is considering doing a resource article for ASAE due to the use of his web site and ASAE specification information. 31 teams were originally entered, but Pilot Point (V) and Coldspring-Oakhurst (IX) have withdrawn. Each student in the CDE will use an Ag Mech. Scantron to answer to written exam. Clay Ewell is providing each student an additional scantron “scoring aid” for use with the individual skills and team event. This will provide for faster scoring and tabulation. After the 2002, it was felt that an easier method might be developed. Dr. Shell came up with the concept of using 2 scantrons.

Planning for the 2004 CDE Theme: Plant Production Systems

Dr. Muller says he will continue the Texas trend that this CDE be a curriculum event, and will promote this aspect in his tenure as national superintendent. He echoes the committee’s belief in “teach the curriculum, not the CDE.” Updated event information is available at the national FFA Ag Mech. CDE website http://www.missouri.edu/~pavt0689/natcon.html.

A discussion followed regarding the use of graphing calculators in the CDE. High school students are familiar with graphing calculators, and these are used on the TAKS statewide assessment. Texas Instruments will provide 10 – 15 TI 83+ calculators for use in this year’s CDE. It was seen that the incorporation of graphing calculators and continued emphasis on real-world applications would enhance the value of our CDE.

Year	2003	2004	2005	2006
System	Processing	Plant Production	Integrated Pest Management	Animal Production
Skill Area	Machinery & Equipment	Machinery & Equipment	Machinery & Equipment	Machinery & Equipment
Skill Area	Energy	Industry & Marketing	Energy	Environmental & Natural Resources
Skill Area	Structural	Structural	Environmental & Natural Resources	Structural
Machinery focus	Skid-steer loader	Grain drill	Sprayer	Grinder-mixer

Caps & Fees

Dr. Muller has caps available for the state CDE, and they cost $10 each. The SHSU Ag Mech. Club maintains the funds of the Texas Agricultural Mechanics Committee, and invites any interested parties to “audit” these funds and expenditure records at any time. Cap payment can be made at the same time as entry fees. “Collector item” caps from 2002 are still available. An audit shows that the Committee has $109.54 in the general account and $121.70 in carryover cap funds. Dr. Muller serves as treasurer of the Committee’s funds.

A discussion of the financial situation followed. Dr. Shell moved that the account be moved to the VATAT Credit Union, to allow the committee to access the tax-exempt status of the Texas FFA Association. Tax-exempt status and the avoidance of monthly maintenance fees are a concern to the committee, and that is the reason why SHSU has agreed to maintain the account for many years. Marlin Priddy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

A discussion followed regarding the use of contest fees. The CDE may at some future time have expenses above and beyond what the $10 fee will cover. At the March 2003 meeting, the committee decided to charge an additional lab fee for consumable supplies starting with the 2004 CDE. Dr. McGregor will carry this issue to the State CDE Committee at their 2003 meeting. The additional fee will total $30.00

Mr. Maynard said that CDE’s are conducted through a memorandum of Understanding between the Texas FFA and the Agricultural Consortium of Texas. He stressed the fact that event superintendents are volunteers, and the FFA values the efforts of all volunteers. He would like to begin the rules revision process after the National FFA completes its revision process in February 2004.

Professional Development Conference Overview

A discussion was held on the use of graphing calculators. TI is interested and willing to provide workshops for a fee. The length can be modified to suit particular needs. A 2-day startup workshop for Ag teachers might be useful. Ag-related examples would be nice, and the 7^th grade math textbook is said to contain many math examples related to Ag. A joint workshop with Math teachers and Ag teachers would be ideal. TSU is interested in developing an analysis course, using ag-related examples. A graphing calculator usage survey will be administered to students as they take the written exam.

There are 9 teachers currently registered for the Ag Mech. Certification workshop. Contact Dr. Harrell if you are interested. Mr. Phillips indicated that funds for this workshop might not be available in the future, so take advantage of this opportunity. (This would mean that a sizeable fee could be charged to recover the costs of the workshop, if the universities chose to continue them.) The gooseneck trailer workshop in Abernathy had a $50 fee, and the workshop is full.

The June mini-workshop coordinated by TAMU and conducted at Brazos High School on June 18 - 20 will the Tractor Technician CDE, Plumbing Skills, and Using and Applying the TI 83+ graphing calculator. Kirk Edney will provide more information later by e-mail and letter.

The Teacher’s Swap Shop will be held 2 – 4 p.m. on Monday July 28, 2003. Kirk Edney will draft 5 – 6 teachers to present information about Tractor Restoration.

Wednesday workshops will be held on July 30, 2003. This year’s workshops will be:

DPS regulations, TxDOT Inspections, CDE Update & Safety considerations

Dr. Harrell, Dr. Shell, John Kearney

County-level Ag Mech. Shows – how to conduct, judges insights, etc.

Don Henson, Dr. Shell, Dr. Harrell, Rusk County, Banquete, John Kearney

Painting procedures & processes – B&I rep from PPG or somewhere

Kirk Edney, Jeff Kelley

“Always Wanted to Train an Ag Mech. Team? Here’s How.” Focus on 2004 Ag Mech. CDE

Science & math applications – Dr. McGregor, Dr. Muller, Rick Ford, Kirk Edney (#4508)

Dr. Harrell moved and Dr. McGregor seconded a motion to replace the welding workshop with a graphing calculator demonstration. Kirk Edney will coordinate this workshop, and will try to develop an extended day workshop for next summer. Pat Real of Judson might be a good contact for this workshop, and a 3-teacher nucleus would be helpful. Mary Jane Smith of TI will attend the CDE on Saturday. TI provided 60 graphing calculators for use in the team portion of the event. TI will provide a canvas bag for each team advisor at the State CDE.

Other Items of Business

A general discussion of project shows was help. Dr. Harrell pointed out that the scorecard allocates 10 points for general appearance, and that this can be based on first impressions. Consideration should be given to practicality or practical eye appeal. The concept of “intelligent design” should be used in the project development phase. Plan first, and build the project second. San Antonio may increase the emphasis on documentation. TxDOT can be contacted for permits for over-wide vehicles.

Painting projects continues to be a concern. The committee suggests that if proper facilities are not available, do NOT paint in your laboratory. The best solution would be to go to a local business and arrange to paint in their facility. Do NOT have the business do the painting for you. The concept of “recondition vs. restore” was discussed.

Mr. Phillips talked about the statewide articulation meeting that will be held on Monday of the PD Conference. This deals with a course that is numbered 442, or 42T, and shows 11 students articulated statewide. He stressed the importance of articulation and advanced measures. Information about the Level I Survey Technician was distributed at last year’s PD Conference.

Mr. Phillips stated that the House version of the Finance Bill has language that says the Ed Commissioner will identify courses where weighted funding is necessary. He submitted a list that contained ALL Ag courses. He talked about the Pitts amendment. Phillips said that weighted funding could be especially important for Ag Mech. Courses. Additional funding justification could be based on extension of the school day, SAE, real-world applications, etc.

Upcoming Agricultural Mechanics activities

Date	Activity	Location
June 2 – 5	Teaching Metal Fabrication Skills through Gooseneck Trailer Fabrication	Abernathy, TX
June	Managing laboratory instruction in Agricultural Mechanics – 6 successive Fridays	Commerce, TX
June 12 – 13	State FFA Degree Check for Work-based Learning, Agricultural Industry, and Proficiency Awards related to Agricultural Mechanics	Stephenville, TX
June 9 – 27	Agricultural Mechanics certification workshop Make reservations through Dr. Harrell	SHSU Agricultural Mechanization center
June 18 – 20	Agricultural Mechanics mini-workshop – Tractor Tech CDE, plumbing skills, graphing calculators, using levels & transits	Brazos HS, Wallis, TX
June 23 - 25	Basic AutoCAD Workshop; features AutoDesk 2000	Stephenville, TX
June 25 – 27	Basic Project Workshop focusing on skills & projects common to 101, 102, 221 courses; factory representatives from Enerpac, SW Machine, Iron Worker & Scotchman	Stephenville, TX
July 28	Agricultural Mechanics Swap Shop	Wichita Falls, TX
July 28	Texas Agricultural Mechanics Committee meeting	Wichita Falls, TX
July 30	Agricultural Mechanics Workshops	Wichita Falls, TX
July 31	Graphing Calculator Demonstration	Wichita Falls, TX
Aug 4 – 8	Kohler Level 1 Factory School & Small Engine Certification - contact “shannon.severson@kohler.com” or by phone at 920.457-4441	Kohler, WI
December	Lincoln Welding School #2 (tentative)	Huntsville, TX

Agricultural Mechanics CDE Service Providers

Assignment	Individual	Term
CDE Superintendent	Dr. Kyle McGregor	2004-2005
Facilities Superintendent	Dr. Chester Darcey	c-darcey@tamu.edu
Secretary/Treasurer	Dr. David Lawver	July, 2000 – July 2002
Immediate past superintendent	Mr. Kirk Edney	2002 – 2003
Past superintendent	Dr. Joe Muller	2000 – 2001
Past superintendent	Dr. Lon Shell	1998 – 1999

Texas Agricultural Mechanics Committee Teachers – 2002/2003

Area	Name	School	Address	City, State Zip	Telephone &E-mail
I	David Howell	Cotton Center HS	PO Box 300	Cotton Center, TX 79021	806/879-2160 dhowell@esc17.net
I	Tom Hickerson	Boys Ranch High School	PO Box 89	Boys Ranch, TX 79020	806/534-2221 thickerson@boysranch.isd.tenet.edu
II	Warren Beard	Snyder High School	2901 37^th Street	Snyder, TX 79549-5226	915/574-6046 wbeard@snyder.esc14.net
II	James Bevel	Area II Coordinator	1104 N. Ave. G	Haskell, TX 79521	940/864-3239 JHBhaskell@aol.com
III	Joe Hanke	Yoe High School	PO Box 712	Cameron, TX 76520-0712	254/697-2352 joehanke@cameronisd.net
III	Freddie Engelbrecht	Brazos High School	PO Box 458	Wallis, TX 77485	979/478-6832 engel@intertex.com
IV	Mike Jackson	Bellevue High School	PO Box 38	Bellevue, TX 76228-0038	940/928-2104 mike_jackson@esc9.net
IV	Alan Reed	Iowa Park High School	1513 W Highway	Iowa Park, TX 76367	940/592-9052 mr_areed@hotmail.com
V	Rick Elmore	Decatur High School	1201 W. Thompson	Decatur, TX 76234	940/627-2038 R_elmore@yahoo.com
V	Monty Moeller	Bowie High School	800 N. Mill Street	Bowie, TX 76230	940/872-3991 monty_moeller@esc9.net
VI	Steve Belyeu	Linden-Kildare HS	205 Kildare Road	Linden, TX 75563-0840	903/756-7513 x4 sbelyeu@lkisd.esc8.net
VI	Mike Teague	Saltillo High School	PO Box 269	Saltillo, TX 75478	903/537-2386 mike@neto.com
VII	Pat Real	Judson High School	9142 FM 78	Converse, TX 78109	210/658-6251 realfarm@swbell.net
VII	Don Henson	Goldthwaite High School	PO Box 608	Goldthwaite, TX 76844	915/648-2718 possum_74@yahoo.com
VIII	Herb Casey	Teague High School	800 Main	Teague, TX 75860	254/739-2532 hcasyjr@yahoo.com
VIII	Barry Choate	Athens High School	6345 FM 2494	Athens, TX 75751	903/677-6920 bchoate@athensisd.net
IX	Charles Nichols	West Hardin High School	39227 Hwy 105	Saratoga, TX 77585	409/274-5061, x 118 enichols@esc5.net
IX	Andy Gresham	Douglass High School	PO Box 38	Douglass, TX 75943	936/569-9804 andygresham@hotmail.com
X	Rick Ford	Calallen High School	4001 Wildcat Drive	Corpus Christi, TX 78410	512/242-5642 rford@calallen.k12.tx.us
X	Michelle Davis	Tuloso-Midway HS	PO Box 10900	Corpus Christi, TX 78410-0900	361/241-4253 mdavis@tmisd.esc2.net

The next meeting will be Monday July 28, 2003 at 4:00 pm at the Multi Purpose Event Center in Wichita Falls, TX. The Swap Shop will be on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Dr. Muller moved to adjourn, and the vote was in the affirmative. The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.