Stephenville FFA Member Finds Passion Through Hands-On Design and Fabrication Experience
Thursday, August 15, 2024 | Author: Texas FFA News
Multiple opportunities to participate in hands-on agricultural mechanics design and fabrication experience provided Peyton Vanden Berge with insight into a lifelong passion.
The Stephenville FFA member's SAE included working for H4 Construction and his involvement with his chapter's ag mechanics program.
These dual experiences allowed for a variety of learning opportunities. Through his position at H4, he was responsible for building anything from whole trailers to implementing jacks or facing buckets.
"I take the material, like plate steel, for instance, and turn it into parts that will be used on machinery or implements," said Vanden Berge. "Seeing my parts be utilized in agricultural operations is amazing."
During his senior year, he completed his biggest project to date alongside his fellow classmates. This effort allowed him to learn more about welding and the processes involved in custom requests from clients.
"We built a 36-foot sliding axle trailer where the axles slid forward, allowing the trailer tail to come to the ground, giving you an eight-degree load angle," said Vanden Berge. "This trailer was huge, and there are no manufactured trailers like this on the market today."
Vanden Berge and his fellow members had to draw all of the designs to meet the client's specifications, as there were no current examples on the market.
"Today, I am able to meet with a client, record specifications, and meet their expectations," said Vanden Berge. "I can completely design and fabricate trailers or other equipment from blueprints, wiring, painting, and welding."
His experience in ag education and FFA gave him the confidence he needs to continue improving his abilities and produce quality work in the agricultural mechanics design and fabrication industry.
"Through my SAE, I have found a passion for fabrication throughout my experiences and work," said Vanden Berge.
Vanden Berge's successful SAE project was recognized as the 2023 First Place National FFA Proficiency in Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication.
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