The Rugby FFA Chapter hosted the District 3 FFA Tractor Driving contest July 14.

The contest was held in the parking lot of Rugby Livestock. Gooseneck Implement provided a tractor and trailer for the contest. The contestants were divided into two groups, according to age and driving experience.

The basic division was for all students who are in 10th-grade and below, providing they had not previously qualified for state competition. The advanced division was for all students in 11th-grade or 12th-grade or any younger student who had been a previous state qualifier.

The contestants first took a written test on tractor safety and basic operations. After completing the test the members drove the tractor with the trailer attached through a pre-designed course.

The object was to drive safely without hitting any of the stakes outlining the course.

The competition was timed and completing the course in the least amount of time yet remaining safe at all times without hitting the stakes was the goal of each driver.

After proceeding through the course the members had to then back the trailer into a staked-out area signifying a garage.

– Rugby FFA