• Article Photo. Members Pictured (Left-to-Right): Leif Allen, Cole Birker, Andrew Allsup, Braedon Hepker, Kaden Nesler, and Carter Smith.
    Members Pictured (Left-to-Right): Leif Allen, Cole Birker, Andrew Allsup, Braedon Hepker, Kaden Nesler, and Carter Smith.


By Co-Reporter, Raine Wheeler


On Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter brought six members to Calmar to compete in the NE District Agricultural Mechanics CDE. The purpose of this competition is to encourage students to apply their knowledge in the areas of electricity, natural resources, machinery and equipment, metals and welding, and structures. Additionally, it gives FFA members the opportunity to develop hands-on skills in the field of agricultural mechanics. VS 1 team consisted of Carter Smith, Andrew Allsup, and Braedon Hepker and VS 2 team was represented by Cole Birker, Kaden Nesler, and Leif Allen. Both teams performed well, with the VS 1 team placing 11th Gold and the VS 2 team earning 12th Gold. Alongside the team results, senior Andrew Allsup placed 5th individually. While this was not the first rodeo for many of these high school students, it was an insightful experience for those competing in the event for the first time. When asked about the contest, junior Leif Allen said he was “grateful for the opportunity to grow his skills in ag mechanics through hands-on work and real-world experience.” Congratulations to all six Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members for their hard work and dedication!