A Unique Project at the Angelina County Fair
LUFKIN, Texas – Among the many students preparing for this year’s county fair is Augustus “Gus” Wankan, a member of the Hudson FFA chapter. Gus and his team have taken on an impressive challenge by building a 20-foot gooseneck livestock trailer from the ground up. This project stands out as a testament to the skills and dedication of the students involved.
Gus is the son of Dwayne and Laura Wankan of Hudson. He serves as the student advisor in the Hudson FFA chapter. Gus has been competing in the county fair since his sophomore year, making this his third and final year before graduation. His involvement in the fair highlights the importance of agricultural education programs in developing practical skills.
Hudson FFA traditionally sends one of the largest delegations to the Angelina County Fair. Projects like Gus’s trailer serve as a reminder of the valuable skills students gain through these programs. The team working on the trailer includes Mario Del Toro, Adam Sanches, Gunner Cloudy, and Jaden Lockhart. They have been working since late October to design and construct the trailer, which will compete in the agricultural mechanics division at the fair. Once completed, the trailer will be sold to buyer Ty Thornton.
The agricultural mechanics division includes several categories: agricultural machinery and equipment; livestock and poultry equipment; tractor restoration; home and recreational equipment; and trailers — the division where the Hudson students will compete. Entries in this division are judged on several criteria, including craftsmanship, safety components, functionality, documentation of the build, and even an oral examination where students must explain the design and construction of their project.
Except for the axles, every part of the trailer has been custom built by the students. They bent and shaped the pipe and tubing themselves and reinforced the frame so it will be strong enough to haul cattle for years. Gus said that the team used heavy channel iron and 3-inch-by-3-inch-by-1/4-inch angle iron to support the floor structure. The flooring will be finished with treated 2-by-6 lumber. The trailer will also be fully wired with lighting that meets highway safety regulations.
To make the trailer practical for livestock use, the students added three gates: an escape gate at the front, a middle gate to divide animals during transport, and a rear gate that can either swing open or slide to the side depending on loading conditions. Their agricultural science teacher, Cody Berry at Hudson High School, has guided the students through the project.
Berry said his goal is simple. “I want them to know basic skills so they can work on their own equipment and machinery,” he said. “I don’t chase big shows. I want our students to learn how to fix and build things they already use around here — and learn to do it on a budget.” Berry estimates the Hudson agriculture department will bring nearly 40 students to compete in the agricultural mechanics division this year.
For Gus, the project has been a chance to develop welding and fabrication skills while learning how to build something both durable and functional. After high school, Gus plans to earn his commercial driver’s license and begin driving professionally. But he also hopes to continue welding and fabricating whenever he has the opportunity.
“I definitely want to keep doing fabrication whenever I have time,” he said.
The agricultural mechanics entries will move into place at the Angelina County Fair on Tuesday, March 24, from 5-7 p.m., with judging scheduled for Wednesday morning. These projects are always a crowd favorite, and the public will be able to view them beginning late Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday and Friday.
Cary Sims is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Angelina County. His email address is [email protected].
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