Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems  
Home » Participate » Career Development Events (CDE) » Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
 
     
Overview      

This event tests both technical and agricultural mechanics skills. A team of three or four members must demonstrate their ability to work with others while solving problems. During the event, members complete a written exam and demonstrate problem-solving and hands-on performance skills. The event takes a “systems” approach and emphasizes machinery and equipment systems, related industry and marketing systems, energy systems, structural systems and environmental/natural resource systems.
 
State winning team advances to the national competition that is held during the National FFA Convention in late October.

Genuine Judging Card Scan sheet #105481 is required for this contest! 



2026 ATMS Skill Areas      

Team Activity

Structures - Wood Structures

  • Read and interpret a building plan or elevation drawing to determine dimensions and materials needed

  • Accurately measure, mark, and cut lumber for framing 

  • Assemble a wall section using appropriate fasteners 

  • Install door or window framing to plan specifications

  • Demonstrate proper spacing and installation of studs or trusses

  • Identify and use construction hardware (e.g., joist hangers, hurricane ties) correctly

  • Complete a material estimate and cutting list based on the assigned structure

Electrical - AC Branch Circuitry

  • Interpret a residential wiring diagram for a branch circuit with multiple components

  • Wire a functioning AC circuit that may include switches, outlets, and light fixtures

  • Demonstrate correct use of electrical tools 

  • Follow NEC color coding and wire sizing for circuit conductors (e.g., black, white, bare/green)

  • Properly install and secure devices (e.g., outlets, switches) in a single-gang or double-gang box

  • Test the completed circuit using a multimeter to verify installation

Individual Activities

Environmental and Natural Resources

  • Legal Land Descriptions and Topographic Map Interpretation

    • Interpret a legal land description using the Public Land Survey System 

    • Locate and a specified parcel of land on a PLSS-based township and range map

    • Identify elevation lines and determine elevation change between two points on a topographic map

    • Determine the direction of water flow using contour lines and elevation markings

    • Calculate slope percentage between two marked points using rise and run data

    • Identify landscape features such as ridges, valleys, depressions, or saddles from topographic contour patterns

Small Gas Engines - Service Advisor Roles and Estimation

  • Review a customer work order and identify key service concerns 

  • Identify necessary replacement parts and fluids from a parts manual or reference sheet

  • Prepare a parts and labor cost estimate, including shop fees, using provided pricing information

  • Recommend preventive maintenance services based on observed engine condition 

  • Interpret service interval charts and warranty information to determine what services are due or covered

  • Complete a mock customer service report or invoice that includes engine model number, service performed, and estimated costs

Machinery and Equipment - Zero Turn Mower (Gas Powered)

  • Perform a pre-operation safety inspection

  • Identify and explain the function of key components 

  • Demonstrate proper startup and shutdown procedures following safety protocols

  • Use an operator’s manual or reference chart to identify maintenance intervals 

  • Diagnose basic performance issues 

  • Safely raise the mower deck and inspect blades for wear, damage, or balance concerns

  • Complete a maintenance log or service checklist based on findings from the inspection





IMS Materials      
NameDate AddedSize
2015 Area III & IX Qualifying ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 163 KB
2015 Karate Label 10/9/2024 65 KB
2015 State ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 130 KB
2015 State GPS Skill Area 10/9/2024 149 KB
2015 TAMU ATMS CDE Clinic Exam 10/9/2024 197 KB
2015 WTAMU Invitational ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 156 KB
2015StateFinal 10/9/2024 81 KB
2016 Area ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 175 KB
2016 PR_CattleSystems 10/9/2024 5287 KB
2016 State ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 176 KB
2016 WTAMU ATMS CDE Written Exam 10/9/2024 122 KB
2016_wf_mkx_series_brochure 10/9/2024 10618 KB
2017 Aggiefest AG Mech CDE - Concrete Skills 10/9/2024 176 KB
2017 Aggiefest AG Mech CDE - Concrete Skills KEY 10/9/2024 257 KB
2017 Area ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 72 KB
2017 ATMS Clinic CDE Exam 10/9/2024 149 KB
2017 ATMS State CDE Exam 10/9/2024 141 KB
2017 Briggs Engine Identi 10/9/2024 47 KB
2017 mkx100_30908_r2usermanualauger 10/9/2024 7516 KB
2017 TAMU ATMS Clinic Small Engine Activity 10/9/2024 442 KB
2017 TX State Univ ATMS CDE Test 10/9/2024 70 KB
2017 WTAMU ATMS CDE Test 10/9/2024 70 KB
2018 Aggiefest AG Mech CDE - Concrete 10/9/2024 501 KB
2018 Aggiefest AG Mech CDE - DC Wiring 10/9/2024 121 KB
2018 Aggiefest AG Mech CDE - Gooseneck Stock Trailer 10/9/2024 510 KB
2018 Aggiefest AG Mech CDE - Welding 10/9/2024 729 KB
2018 AggieFest ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 212 KB
2018 Area Unified ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 69 KB
2018 TX FFA State ATMS CDE Written Exam 10/9/2024 253 KB
2018 TX State Invitational ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 64 KB
2018 WTAMU ATMS CDE Exam 10/9/2024 72 KB
AgMech Handbook 1998 10/9/2024 3197 KB
AgMech Handbook 1999 10/9/2024 28565 KB
AgMech Handbook 2000 10/9/2024 5547 KB
AgMech Handbook 2001 10/9/2024 579 KB
AgMech Handbook 2002 10/9/2024 950 KB
AgMech Handbook 2003 10/9/2024 222 KB
AgMech Handbook 2004 10/9/2024 950 KB
AgMech Handbook 2005 10/9/2024 395 KB
Hyd Chute - PEARSON 10/9/2024 21713 KB
Hyd Chute Powder River 10/9/2024 1075 KB

   
 
  Corporate Sponsors
     
  Justin Boots  
   

  2026 State Event
     

Date: April 24

Location: Sam Houston State University

Superintendent: Dr. Randy Lund, TAMU

Assistant Superintendent: Dr. Chad Reynolds, SHSU

 
   

     
     
 
Contact Texas FFA Association About    |   Participate    |   Students    |   Teachers    |   Officers    |   Media
 
     
 
614 East 12th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 480-8045
Fax: (512) 476-2894
TxFFA@TexasFFA.org
Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  YouTube  Email

© 2025 Texas FFA Association. All Rights Reserved.
Website designed by: Wieghat Graphics, Inc.