Supply problems delay ag project

Supply problems prevented Albany FFA member Jake Hale from entering an ag mechanics project in contests at major shows this year.

The good news is he has a nearly complete project to use for next year.

A year ago, Hale picked up blue ribbons at the Fort Worth and San Angelo shows with a six-foot-by-10-foot deer blind he built on a trailer frame. This year’s project was a little more involved.

This year, Hale built a 42-foot gooseneck hydraulic- dump hay trailer. Plans totakeittotheSanAntonio Stock Show were scrubbed becausehewasstillwaiting on a hydraulic connector.

“It’s completely different from last year,” Hale said. “I definitely underestimated the project, but I’m enjoying learning more about the stuff to do it. It’s moretime-consumingthan the deer blind ever was.”

Hale didn’t begin work on this year’s project until the last week of January, in part because of delays in procuring all the components. He expected to finish in time for the San Antonio contest, scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Feb. 24-25.

Hale said he hopes to recoup his expenses from the project.

“The plan is to put the trailer up for sale after I take it to the shows,” he said. “The rack is 40 feet. It should fit nine big bales, maybe squeeze 10 smaller bales on it. It should be able to carry 14,000 pounds.”