The Davie High School FFA now has a 1946 9N tractor, thanks to the Piedmont Antique Power Association (PAPA).

Donated by late PAPA member James Dietrich, FFA advisor Jesse Ledbetter said the tractor will serve several purposes.

It will be used in parades and other events by the FFA, and give them an idea of how farm machinery from the past works, he said.

“Jesse had talked about students needing a tractor for hands-on experience,” said PAPA member, Arthur Bostick. “It made more sense for them to have it than us.”

Bostick is serious about agriculture promotion, and said PAPA is working toward opening a farm history museum where students can go and learn where there food comes from, as well as a bit about history.

Ledbetter said that while Sink Farm loans a new Kubota to help teach students, the older tractor helps teach history and draw interest.

“A lot of times we forget how important agriculture students are,” Bostick said. “Those students are just as important or more important than any other student.”

Agriculture, he said, built the town of Mocksville, and he was disappointed no school or county officials attended the FFA’s annual awards banquet. PAPA presents two annual scholarships to students pursuing an agriculture-related field.