New Caterpillar engine-powered Dixie Chopper diesel unit was a hit with FFA visitors from Nebraska

With some 55,000 FFA members and advisers from across the U.S. making their annual pilgrimage to the national convention in Indianapolis recently, seven Nebraska chapters took the opportunity to visit Coatesville and spend a morning at Dixie Chopper.

With the Dixie Chopper national headquarters at Coatesville only 35 miles from downtown Indianapolis, the facility has become a regular destination for the blue-jacketed FFA groups over the past 10 years.

Laser cutter operator Khamnung Thongphay hoists up the giant FFA key chain he cut out in honor of the visitors

The latest FFA chapters to visit the west-central Indiana plant during the 82nd National FFA Convention Oct. 21-24 included 55 members and advisers from Nebraska chapters in McCool Junction, Osceola, Henderson, Pawnee City, Falls City, Palmyra and Nebraska City.

The teenagers and their advisers witnessed Dixie Chopper mowers coming to life along the assembly line, got a glimpse of the newest Dixie products (including the innovative Eco-Eagle compressed natural gas-powered unit and the new diesel model with a 36-hp Caterpillar engine) and were captivated watching the laser cutter work its metal magic.

Visiting FFA members hear Dixie Chopper Sales Analyst Luke Hutcheson (maroon shirt) explain aspects of the mowers

In fact, Dixie Chopper Manufacturing Manager Rick Judy arranged for Steve Fields and Khamnung Thongphay (aka “KT”) to use the laser to cut out FFA key chains as souvenirs for the visiting Nebraskans.

After passing around cameras and cell phones to take photos of each other sitting on one of the new Dixie Chopper mowers, the FFA members boarded their buses for a return trip to Indianapolis.

Part of the visiting Nebraska FFA contingent poses with the giant, laser-cut keychain at the Dixie Chopper plant

The three-day National FFA convention reportedly means about a  $40 million annual boost to the central Indiana economy. FFA members attend workshops that focus on agricultural careers, leadership and educational opportunities in sessions at the Indiana Convention Center, Conseco Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium.

FFA dollars will continue to pour into Indianapolis through 2012. After that, the convention moves to Louisville for three years before returning to Indy in 2016.