Andy Miller places first in tractor competition
Local boy takes top state honor
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Thirteen-year-old Andy Miller of Holton, doesn't know if he'll make a living out of farming, but he does know he likes to drive a tractor and has proven he does that well, taking first place in the State Fair Tractor Operator Contest recently.

Miller, who is an eighth grader at South Ripley Jr. Sr. High School, has devoted a lot of time this past year to honing his tractor driving skills and all that hard work paid off.

"I placed third last year at state, and was determined I would win this year," noted Miller from his Holton home.

Miller described what it takes to win the Junior Division Tractor Operator Contest. There are three phases of the contest. First, you have a written test. On this there are many questions some having to do with operating a tractor in a safe manner. Then you have to pass a parts identification quiz, where you'd better know what a ball bearing or say a valve core looks like! The final test is the actual physical part where the "rubber meets the road" through the obstacle course set up by state fair officials. In the obstacle course Miller says if you bump a stake - you're not going to win.

He noted that the tractor used for the competition is provided by the fair officials and the contestants have to pull a trailer behind it. You even have to back it up.

"We set up an obstacle course at my parent's and he practiced there this summer," noted his father, Ron.

Admitting he had spent a lot of time at his grandparents farm, just up the road from his own home, Miller said he practiced intently and it paid off.

Miller took first place at the Ripley County 4-H Fair, first at the area competition held in Seymour and then on to state in Indianapolis on August 21.

He's been at this for three years, placing fifth in 2002, third in 2003, and reaching his goal of first this year, running through the obstacle course in two minutes and 27 seconds.

Miller is a five-year 4-H member and is a member of the Friendly 4-H'ers Club under the leadership of Karen Sieverding and Brenda Strimple. He says he enjoys 4-H and along with his tractor competitions, shows cattle.

It's a second-generation win for Miller, as he explained that his father, Ron, had won in the same contest when he was in 4-H. Ron admitted he won third place in the senior division at the state level, which qualified him to travel to Richmond, VA, and participate in the nationals where he took top honors that year.
"I was a senior in high school," he noted.

Actually, 4-H participation is a family affair for the Millers, with Stephanie, Andy's 16-year-old sister, bringing home a blue ribbon for her consumer clothing entry at the state fair this year. She is a seven-year 4-H member.

Miller's mother, Lana, noted that she too participated in 4-H as a child. She noted that 4-H brings the family together, letting the children learn things they wouldn't otherwise. "It's not all about winning," she laughed, "but, it's fun to win!"

Miller has the revolving trophy in his home now to prove he's the only person from Ripley County who has won the tractor contest since 1967. He also is sporting a nearly three foot tall trophy with a tractor prominently displayed at the top that is his to keep.

It's been an exciting summer for the Millers, who say they enjoy the fair and activities very much. On to the next goal for Miller, who says he'll be able to compete in the senior division now and look out!

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Andy Miller, 13, of Holton, shows the tropies he recently was awarded after winning the State Fair Tractor Operator Contest.