Agricultural Mechanics

Ray V. Herren has been actively involved in agriculture for most of his life. He grew up on a diversified farm, where he played a major role in the production of livestock. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in agricultural education from Auburn University, a master's degree in agribusiness education from Alabama A & M, and a Doctorate in Vocational Education (with an emphasis in agricultural education) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Herren has taught at Virginia Tech, Oregon State University, and the University of Georgia in Athens, where he recently retired as head of the Department of Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communication. In addition to serving as a national leader in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) alumni organization, he has served on numerous committees from the local to international level, including a national task force to develop FFA programs for middle school and the national committee for career development events. His prolific scholarly activity includes 26 journal articles, 51 invited or refereed presentations, and 12 books and manuals. He has also earned several awards for his commitment to service, as well as UGA's prestigious College of Education Outstanding Teaching Award.

Part I: EXPLORING CAREERS IN AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS.
1. Mechanics in the World of Agriculture.
2. Career Options in Agricultural Mechanics.
Part II: USING THE AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS SHOP.
3. Shop Orientation and Procedures.
4. Personal Safety in Agricultural Mechanics.
5. Reducing Hazards in Agricultural Mechanics.
6. Shop Cleanup and Organization.
Part III: HAND WOODWORKING AND METAL WORKING.
7. Hand Tools, Fasteners, and Hardware.
8. Layout Tools and Procedures.
9. Selecting, Cutting, and Shaping Wood.
10. Fastening Wood.
11. Finishing Wood.
12. Identifying, Marking, Cutting, and Bending Metal.
13. Fastening Metal.
Part IV: POWER TOOLS IN THE AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS SHOP.
14. Portable Power Tools.
15. Woodworking with Power Machines.
16. Adjusting and Maintaining Power Woodworking Equipment.
17. Metalworking with Power Machines.
Part V: PROJECT PLANNING.
18. Sketching and Drawing Projects.
19. Figuring a Bill of Materials.
20. Selecting, Planning, and Building a Project.
Part VI: TOOL FITTING.
21. Repairing and Reconditioning Tools.
22. Sharpening Tools.
Part VII: GAS HEATING, CUTTING, BRAZING, AND WELDING.
23. Using Gas Welding Equipment.
24. Cutting with Oxyfuels and Other Gases.
25. Brazing and Welding with Oxyacetylene.
Part VIII: ARC WELDING.
26. Selecting and Using Arc Welding Equipment.
27. Arc Welding Mild Steel and GMAW/GTAW Welding.
Part IX: PAINTING.
28. Preparing Wood and Metal for Painting.
29. Selecting and Applying Painting Materials.
Part X: POWER MECHANICS.
30. Fundamentals of Small Engines.
31. Small Engine Maintenance and Repair.
32. Diesel Engines and Tractor Maintenance.
Part XI: ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRONICS.
33. Electrical Principles and Wiring Materials.
34. Installing Branch Circuits.
35. Electronics in Agriculture.
36. Electric Motors, Drives, and Controls.
Part XII: PLUMBING, HYDRAULIC, AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS.
37. Plumbing.
38. Irrigation Technology.
39. Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Robotic Power.
Part XIII: CONCRETE AND MASONRY.
40. Concrete and Masonry.
Part XIV: AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES.
41. Planning and Constructing Agricultural Structures.
42. Aquaculture, Greenhouse, and Hydroponics Structures.
43. Fence Design and Construction.
Appendix A: Projects.
Appendix B: Data Tables.