Case IH has donated tractors to North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, N.D; and Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown, S.D., for use in their diesel technology training programs. Each received one tractor.

“A donation like this is huge for our program,” says Darrel Woolery, agriculture department supervisor at Lake Area Technical Institute, of the Optum 300 tractor. “Our students are excited about it, and it serves as a great recruitment tool. Because new equipment is changing rapidly, the more familiar they are with new technology, the better prepared they are.”

"Our students are anxious to start working on the Optum tractor,” says Michael Redding, program coordinator at NDSCS. “Anything new and different like this, they're excited to learn about how it operates."

Partnerships with tech schools help Case IH dealers hire well-trained technicians, says J.E. Cadle, Case IH marketing manager for Maxxum, Puma and Optum tractors.

“There is always a demand for technicians, and we are excited to take this opportunity to supply future generations with important firsthand learning opportunities and experience,” he says.

New FFA Foundation executive director

Tommy Winders is the new executive director of the North Dakota FFA Foundation.

Winders joined the North Dakota FFA Foundation in August 2019 and served as the sponsor and program coordinator. Winders was appointed to be the executive director by the nonprofit's board of directors.

The North Dakota FFA Foundation develops partnerships with industry, schools, government, and other foundations and individuals to support FFA scholarships, programs and activities.