Feb. 3 2021 09:56 AM

Qualifying students could receive tires to help them complete their project

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Titan International, Inc. (Titan) is now accepting applications for its annual antique tractor restoration program. National FFA and 4-H student members can register online to qualify for a set of Titan or Goodyear® Farm Tire branded antique tractor tires.

Titan has awarded thousands of free tires to student-led tractor restoration projects since 1996. With the cancelations of many fairs and festivals in 2020, there were limited opportunities to showcase student restoration projects, but that didn’t stop FFA and 4-H students from successfully completing their restorations with the help of Titan. 17-year old Kelli Wicks of Hubbard, Iowa is one shining example of that.

A family heirloom restored

Kelli Wicks took a family heirloom and gave it a new life with the antique tractor restoration program. Kelli’s great grandfather purchased the tractor in 1962 for various farming operation uses. It was Kelli’s turn to give back and get the family tractor restored to its former glory.

“Since my grandfather retired from farming – the machine wasn’t used much and had not been fired up for years,” said Wicks. “The factory paint had worn off and was a rusty color. After getting some fresh gas, and a new battery she fired right up. Getting the set of Titan tires for this project was a huge advantage and helped make the tractor look brand new. I would highly recommend the Titan program to anyone wanting to restore a part of our rural American history and heritage.”

“We are honored to support the many 4-H and FFA students dedicated to these restoration projects,” said Scott Sloan, ag product manager/global LSW for Titan. “Restoring an antique tractor requires a lot of time and meticulous work. It is rewarding to see their finished projects.”

How to apply

Applications and new guidelines for the 2021 program can be found online at titan-intl.com/antique-tractor-restoration. Qualified projects will be accepted while allocated supplies last. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI) is a leading global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tires, assemblies and undercarriage products. Headquartered in Illinois, the company produces a broad range of products to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer markets. In the United States, the company produces two distinct tire brands — Goodyear® Farm Tires and Titan Tires.

About 4-H

4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 669,989 student members as part of 8,630 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.