Special Report

FFA Star finalist interested in ‘how equipment works’

Riley Schwader, FFA

Through the FFA, Riley Schwader not only helped is father grow corn and soybeans on their Howard, South Dakota farm, but he became involved with taking care of farm equipment.

“Working on a farm, I became interested in understanding how that equipment works, so I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan where I began to become more involved with research dealing with exhaust gas recirculation coolers,” Schwader told Brownfield Ag News during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.

Schwader’s research involves improving tractor engine efficiency. He put those skills to use as a design engineer for John Deere and built up his communication chops through offices he held at the Howard FFA Chapter. It resulted in him earning a Star finalist spot in Agriculture Placement. One of four finalists nationally for that Star, he didn’t win, but he looks forward to his next step.

“Upon graduation I hope to gain a job as an engineer at an agricultural equipment manufacturer and possibly eventually return to the family farm,” said Schwader.

Graduation from the University of Michigan is in May. Schwader plans to marry in June.

AUDIO: Riley Schwader (3 min. MP3)

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