Effingham County High School FFA member Dalton Shelton recently placed second in the Area IV FFA Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event, held at the Toombs County Agri-Center in Lyons.

The second-place finish qualifies Shelton to participate in the State Career Development Event in December at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.

Shelton is a junior at ECHS. He is the son of Deb and Mark Shelton of Springfield.

The Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event allows students to demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a tractor safely and efficiently. Participants in the event take a written exam and answer problem-solving questions related to tractor servicing, safe operation, care and maintenance. Participants also drive a tractor and are tested on tractor operations.

FFA is a national organization of more than 449,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools.