LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The University of Northwestern Ohio hosted the 2026 Ohio FFA State Finals in agricultural power diagnostics.
Fifteen schools, including Allen East High School, participated in the event Friday. Students rotated through five stations featuring various tractors and other farming equipment intentionally riddled with mechanical issues. They were tasked with diagnosing and correcting the problems within a set time limit.
The contest carries significant rewards, with more than $75,000 in UNOH tuition scholarships up for grabs. University officials say the competition could help address a growing shortage of skilled technicians in the agricultural industry.
"There is a shortage on technicians that are highly trained with this skill set, so we try to encourage it as much as we can. That's why we stay involved in these competitions with the FFA, and we get excited when we get a chance to get the best in the state. So, that's why we offer scholarships here at UNOH, and hopefully, they will choose to continue their education here. And we'll make world professionals out of them," says Jon Cottrell, UNOH Admissions Representative.
First-place team members each receive $10,000 scholarships, second-place winners receive $6,000 each, and third- and fourth-place finishers earn $5,000 each.
