Theme

The 2001 event theme is Animal Production Systems.  The Area V &VI Contest will revolve primarily around beef, dairy, horse, and poultry operations.

Written Exam

The written exam will consist of 100 multiple choice and true false questions over all of the systems of agricultural mechanization.  Although most questions will follow the theme, some questions may be applicable to productions systems other than animals.

Skill and/or Problem Solving

There will three skill/problem-solving activities.  The following systems and topics will be used for this portion of the CDE.

 Structural Systems

 Activity may include any of the following:

  -oxyfuel cutting, welding, brazing, or soldering
  -livestock and poultry feeding and watering systems
  -livestock fencing

 Machine and Equipment Systems

 Activity may include equipment or machinery (or components) used to:

  -mix feed
  -grind feed
  -transport feed

 Energy Systems

 Activity may include identification, selection, installation, and or adjustment of:

  -electric or electronic controls (switches, thermostats, humidistats, etc.)
  -sensing devices
  -ventilation equipment
  -electric motors
  -alternative energy sources (generators, solar chargers, etc.)

 The team activity will focus on the following systems:

 Industry and Marketing

 Teams should be able to perform any of the following:

  -interpret operator's or owner's manuals
  -utilize the WWW to obtain cost estimates for machinery
  -utilize the WWW to obtain information from Nebraska Tractor Tests
  -interpret soil test reports
  -interpret nutrient analysis of fertilizers or composted materials
  -compose professional correspondence (thank you letter)

 Environment & Natural Resource

 Teams should be able to perform any of the following:

  -select machinery/equipment used in land application of livestock waste
  -recognize best management practices for land application of manure
  -match tractor and application machinery/equipment
  -solve mathematical problems related to waste storage and application

Team members should provide their own scan sheet, #2 pencils, safety glasses, goggles for oxyacetylene operations, welding gloves, calculator, and clipboard.

An orientation session will be held in room AG 149 at 9:20 a.m.  Advisors are welcome to attend.  Advisors may view the contest set-up and materials between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.  A copy of contest materials may be picked up at this time.  No materials will be mailed.

The team activity will be held first for both Areas unless the number of teams exceeds sixteen.  If there are more than sixteen teams, Area V will complete the team activity during the first hour and Area VI will complete the written exam activities during the first hour.

The Agricultural Mechanics CDE is a team event.  Individuals, who are not part of a team, will not be allowed to compete.  However, individuals may view contest set-up and obtain a copy of contest materials during the viewing period.  A team may consist of three or four members.  All members of the team will participate in all facets of the contest.