Every year, the Hill District Grandstand (HDGS) draws the best and brightest in agricultural mechanics from across the state. In 2025, we’re proud to introduce the following judges for the area of Ag Mechanics.

Adren Pilger

Meet Adren Pilger, one of this year’s Ag Mechanics judges at the 2025 Hill District Grandstand Show. With a BS in Agricultural Education (1983) and an MS in Educational Administration (2004) from Texas A&M University, Adren has built a remarkable career grounded in academia and dedication to the agricultural community.

His extensive judging experience spans local, county, and prestigious events in San Antonio and Houston, including a coveted role judging Champions in Houston in 2024.

Adren’s passion for judging stems from his desire to witness the effort and passion exhibitors invest in their projects, offering valuable feedback for their growth. He encourages exhibitors with Casey Kasem’s words, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”

Outside of the judging arena, Adren enjoys hunting and fishing, sharing these adventures with his wife, Susan, their three children, and five grandchildren.

Sy Mitchell

In 2025, we’re proud to introduce Sy Mitchell as one of our esteemed HDGS Ag Mechanics judges. With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and education, Sy brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for innovation to this highly anticipated event.

Hailing from Caddo, TX, Sy’s background includes a Master’s degree in Education from Tarleton State University and a decade spent inspiring students as an Agriculture Teacher.

His extensive judging experience at various local and state Ag Mechanic shows has given him a unique perspective on the dedication and creativity of young minds. “Judging these shows allows me to see firsthand the ingenuity and dedication that young people put into their work,” Sy says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and development as they tackle complex projects.”

Sy Mitchell embodies the technical knowledge, fairness, and genuine appreciation necessary to evaluate projects at HDGS, making him an invaluable asset to the show.

Dustin Gillum

We are pleased to have Dustin Gillum as the Ag Mechanics Tractor Judge at the 2025 Hill District Grandstand Show.

Hailing from Harper, TX, Dustin brings a wealth of expertise to the table with his associate’s degree in diesel technology and a certificate in off-highway equipment.

With six years of judging experience at events like Kerrville Ag Mech, Medina County Ag Mech, and San Antonio Ag Mech, he’s well-versed in what it takes to judge top-notch agricultural machinery.

Beyond his professional credentials, Dustin enjoys hunting, traveling, and growing his business. Agricultural enthusiasts and Ag Mechanics alike will appreciate the keen eye and dedication Dustin brings to this year’s show.

Dr. Marlin Priddy, Ed.D.

Marlin Priddy, who hails from De Leon and resides in Stephenville, brings an impressive academic background to the 2025 Hill District Grandstand as an Ag Mechanics judge. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, a Master of Science in Agricultural Education, and a Doctorate of Education in Agricultural Education.

Dr. Priddy’s extensive judging experience spans various prestigious shows, including:

• County Build Off’s
• County Ag Mechanics shows
• Heart ‘O Texas Fair (several times)
• San Antonio Junior Ag Mechanics shows
• Houston Ag Mechanics shows

“I have been blessed to have many mentors in my life. Working with our youth is an excellent opportunity to pay it forward,” says Dr. Priddy. His dedication to guiding the next generation of agriculture enthusiasts is evident in his approach to judging.

For all exhibitors, Dr. Priddy shares this motivating quote: “Every day we have the chance to help others, make a difference today.”

Dr. Priddy enjoys a rich family life with his wife, Laura Ann, two daughters, one son, and three grandchildren. Outside of his professional commitments, he loves gardening, traveling, and barbecuing.

Whether you’re a livestock exhibitor or an agriculture enthusiast, Dr. Priddy’s wealth of experience and dedication to the field make him an inspiring figure at the 2025 Hill District Grandstand.

The Importance of Ag Mechanics

Ag Mechanics is a crucial discipline within the agricultural community. It encompasses designing, constructing, and maintaining machinery and equipment used in farming and ranching. Competitions like the HDGS Ag Mechanics event showcase the skills and ingenuity of participants, fostering a spirit of innovation and craftsmanship.

Join Us at the 2025 HDGS

We invite all livestock exhibitors, agriculture enthusiasts, and Ag Mechanics fans to join us at the 2025 Hill District Grandstand. With the 2025 lineup of Ag Mechanics judges, we are confident this year’s competition will be more exciting and inspiring than ever. This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.  Agricultural Mechanics Show at Hill Country Youth Event Center.

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to witness the extraordinary talent and dedication that define the Ag Mechanics community.