Walk into any high school ag shop and you’ll likely find a kid or two horsing around as teens are prone to doing when bored. But then there’s always that one student, easily overlooked in the background because he’s bent over a work bench, wholly immersed in a project.
Nathan Rippe started making freestanding panels in shop class at high school. He now welds a variety of livestock equipment and custom builds cattle working facilities through his business NFR Metalworks.
Southwest FFA Chapter alumnus Nathan Rippe is giving back to the FFA program by offering metal welding kits statewide.
Nathan Rippe has improved his welding skills through years of practice.
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Included with each welding project are the blueprints with instructions and the terminology needed to complete the work.
All metal for the precut welding kits is provided. Projects range from basic introductory practice pieces to American flags and from feed bunks to small trailers.
Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.
Kristen Sindelar
Agriculture Reporter
