Maplesville High School’s J.E. Norris plans to be a farmer working with cows and livestock in the future.

On Friday, Norris had the opportunity to participate in a safe tractor driving exercise at the Central District of Alabama’s FFA Eliminations program held at Jefferson State Community College and the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.

Students who advanced in Friday’s competitions will head to state competitions in Montgomery in June.

“I really enjoyed the event because I got to meet a lot of people not only from around Chilton County but the state,” Norris said.

Norris participated in the safe tractor driving exercise that tests individuals on their ability to drive a tractor with a trailer, a skill that Norris will one day put to use in his future career.

Norris was one of more than 1,000 students who came to Chilton County from schools in the district, which includes counties such as Pickens, St. Clair, Calhoun, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Russell, Macon, Lee, Chilton, Elmore and many others.

Andy Chamness, Central District Specialist, said the top competitors in the 17 different events would advance to the state competition.

Some of the categories ranged from poultry, forestry, prepared public speaking, agricultural mechanics and floriculture.

“It has been great to be able to have this event in Chilton County, which has always been a big agricultural area,” Chamness said. “We previously held the event in Montevallo, but were really excited to be able to have it this year in Chilton County.”

State FFA Secretary from the Reeltown Chapter Lacey Newman said she has been attending the event since she was in seventh grade.

“I look forward to being able to come and interact with others who share similar interests in agriculture,” Newman said. “I have been able to make a lot of new friends, and look forward to this each year.”

Newman said the purpose of the program on Friday was to essentially narrow the search for the best candidates to advance to the state competitions.

“It is really important that the best candidates in each category advance to state, which increases the chance of someone in our district winning,” Newman said.

Maplesville’s Tyler Hand spent his morning taking a test on agricultural construction, but said he enjoyed how the event allowed him to meet new friends.

“I have been farming for a long time, but it was nice getting to meet new people,” Hand said.

John Schoener and Drew Smith, both of Maplesville, agreed with Norris and Hand that the day allowed them to meet new friends and interact with fellow FFA members.

“It is neat to talk to people who all like to do the same thing,” Smith said.