Dominic Agresti-Assali, a member of the Turlock High FFA Chapter, was one of four national finalists in the Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication and Proficiency competition at the 84th National FFA Convention last month in Indianapolis.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excelled as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience. The category is one of 47 FFA proficiency categories offered at local, state and national levels.

Agresti-Assali grew up watching his grandfather build and repair agricultural equipment. It didn’t take long for him to stop watching and start doing. He began by learning the proper safety procedures and the basics of welding and fabrication. Within a few years he made a set of bottom dump trailers and a set of manure spreaders, both of which won Best of Show at the California State Fair. He is supported by his parents Mike Assali and Debbi Agresti and his FFA advisors Joseph DeGrazia, Chad Russell, Rande Prada and Robin Bailey.

In recognition of being a finalist Agresti-Assali received a plaque and $500.