Welding in agriculture strengthens Central Plains youth

Amy Hadachek
Feb 10, 2022
Feb 10, 2022 Updated Apr 26, 2022

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Wade Dode of the Oshkosh FFA chapter practices gas tungsten metal arc welding.

Submitted photo

The state qualifying welding team at Garden County High School FFA in Oshkosh, Neb., is Gunner Roberson in oxyacetylene fusion welding, left, Carter Dormann in gas metal arc welding, Kenzee Moffat in shield metal arc welding, and Wade Dode in gas tungsten metal arc welding.

Submitted photo

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Amy Hadachek

Welding classes are leading to practical careers for today’s students, and they are attracting burgeoning interest in high schools in Nebraska and Kansas.

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FFA Ag Careers (3).jpg — Gunner Roberson practices oxyacetylene fusion welding.
Submitted photo

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FFA Ag Careers (4).jpg — Kenzee Moffat takes a break during shield metal arc welding practice.
Submitted photo

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FFA Ag Careers (5).jpg — The STEM projects at the 2021 Kansas State Fair pique the interest of young and old, including welding and architectural creations made from Legos.
Submitted photo

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FFA Ag Careers (6).jpg — Visitors at the 2021 Kansas State Fair were treated to many 4-H welding projects including several stools, a fire pit and model semi.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Amy Hadachek is a two-time Emmy Award winning meteorologist and a storm chaser who earned her NWA and AMS Broadcast Meteorology Seals of Approval. She and her husband live on a diversified farm in Kansas. Reach her at amy.hadachek@midwestmessenger.com.