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Illinois senior a finalist in Tractor Restoration Competition

Collin Jones, a senior at Jacksonville High School in Illinois, has loved antique tractors for as long as he can remember.  Last year he purchased a 1952 Farmall M tractor that he’s now fully restored.  After Jones completed the restoration Steve Woodrum, a former FFA state president (and from whom Jones purchased the tractor) urged him to enter the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition.  “When I purchased the tractor – I did not even know what the possibilities were and where I would be right now,” he says.

Jones is one of the final 36 nationwide contestants competing for a spot in the Top 12.  “The 12 contestants will be in a nationwide calendar for Chevron Delo,” he says.  “If I make it to the Top 12 – I will give a 15-20 minute presentation in Louisville, Kentucky where the National FFA Convention will be held.”

He tells Brownfield this project has provided a lot of lessons.  “I’ve really learned a lot about this project, not only from the tractor but about myself,” he says.  “There is patience that has to go with this.  We had to wait for parts for a week or two and it was tough.  It’s not just about turning wrenches, I’ve learned a lot about myself and have grown as a person.”

The Top 12 will be announced Monday, September 16^th at 6:00pm Eastern.  They will then give a presentation during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

First, second, and third prize winners will be announced following the presentations and awarded scholarships.

AUDIO: Collin Jones, Delo Tractor Restoration Competition (14:30mp3)