Central Arizona College Hosts 2025 Dean Merrell Field Day, Showcasing Agricultural Excellence

By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

The Central Arizona College Skilled Trades Division proudly hosted the 2025 Dean Merrell Field Day, welcoming over 250 students from the South-Central District to compete in a variety of agricultural career development events. This annual event honors the legacy of Dean Merrell, a pioneer in agricultural education at CAC, and his commitment to fostering excellence in industry.

Dean Merrell, for whom this event is named, is widely recognized as the founding father of agricultural education at CAC. As the first Professor of Agriculture in 1969, he played a crucial role in shaping the program. His extensive contributions to the industry include his work as a pest control adviser, owner and operator of Hacienda Ag Labs, and leadership roles in the Farm Bureau, Pinal County Fair Board, and Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. Dean also served as an academic advisor, livestock committee chairman, and the CAC Rodeo Club advisor.

Reflecting on his life’s work, Dean once said, “A belief in the dignity of people, a passion for teaching and learning, and a drive to make the world a better place.”

The 2025 Dean Merrell Field Day continues to honor this vision, inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals. CAC remains committed to providing opportunities for students to develop their skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for successful careers in the industry.

A highlight of this year’s event was the presentation of the 2025 Dean Merrell Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Suor, a distinguished welder, educator, and mentor whose impact on the industry has been profound.

Born in Chicago in 1945, Suor built a life defined by hard work, passion, and devotion to his family. In 1970, he took a leap of faith and started his own business, Bob’s Welding, establishing himself as a skilled and dedicated welder.

In 1975, Suor and his family moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, where they planted roots and made it home. He continued running Bob’s Welding, earning a reputation for his craftsmanship and integrity. In the early 1990s, he began sharing his expertise as a part-time welding professor at Central Arizona College. His dedication to teaching led him to a full-time position in 1999, where he helped shape the careers of many aspiring welders until his retirement in 2012. Even after retiring, he continued to operate Bob’s Welding for years, proving that his work ethic never wavered.

Outside of work, Suor embraces life to the fullest. He enjoys traveling, racing, camping, and—most importantly—spending time with his family. A true character, there’s never a dull moment with him. Known for his generosity and unwavering support, Bob would do anything for his family and friends. Those who know him best understand that his greatest priority has always been the people he loves.

Bob Suor’s life is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the importance of family – a legacy that continues to inspire everyone who knows him.

Students demonstrated their skills and knowledge in multiple contests, including:

• Agricultural Business Plan
• Agricultural Sales
• Agricultural Mechanics
• Dairy Evaluation
• Floriculture
• Food Science
• Milk Quality
• Horse Evaluation
• Veterinary Science
• Employment Skills
• Meats

Each competition tested students’ technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and industry knowledge. The top three individuals and teams in each event were recognized for their outstanding performances.

Agricultural Business Plan

Individual

1^st – Frank Hernand, Rio Rico

Agricultural Sales

Individual

1^st – Grace DePuit, Cienega

2^nd – AJ Munoz, Cienega

3^rd – Thomas Hartman, Casa Grande FFA

Team

1^st – Casa Grande FFA

2^nd – Cienega

3^rd – Imagine Prep Team A

Agricultural Mechanics

Individual

1^st – Aiden Schwark, Tanque Verde A

2^nd – Douglas Sheppard, Tanque Verde A

3^rd – Hailey Tobler, Tanque Verde A

Team

1^st – Tanque Verde Team A

2^nd – Marana Team A

3^rd – Tanque Verde Team C

Dairy Evaluation

Individual

1^st – Lacey Benge, Casa Grande FFA

2^nd – Lyla Shaw, Casa Grande FFA

3^rd – Rannyn Shuman, Casa Grande FFA

Team

1^st – Casa Grande FFA

2^nd – Imagine Prep Team A

3^rd – Rio Rico Team A

Floriculture

Individual

1^st – Alaree White, Tanque Verde

2^nd – Amaris Valdez, Desert View

3^rd – Braelyn Sheppard, Tanque Verde

Team

1^st – Desert Sunrise Team A

2^nd – Desert View FFA  Team A

3^rd – Desert View FFA Team B

Food Science

Individual

1^st – Caleb Pipes, Desert Sunrise

2^nd – Isabella Strough, Cienega

3^rd – Garrett Harding, Amphitheater

Team

1^st – Coolidge

2^nd – Cienega

3^rd – Desert Sunrise

Milk Quality

Individual

1^st – Cade Baird, Cienega

2^nd – Matthew De La Cruz, Cienega

3^rd – Manny Muliett, Cienega

Team

1^st – Cienega

2^nd – Flowing Wells

3^rd – Coolidge

Horse Evaluation

Individual

1^st – Rebecca Knauer, Cienega

2^nd – Kaidynce Norwood, Marana

3^rd  -Lily Colegrove, Tanque Verde

Team

1^st -Tanque Verde Team A

2^nd– Cienega Team A

3^rd– Tanque Verde Team B

Vet Science

Individual

1^st – Sydney Nieto, Cienega A

2^nd – Chalyn Anderson, Cienega A

3^rd – Kadence McMinn, Marana A

Team

1^st – Marana Team  A

2^nd – Tanque Verde Team A

3^rd – Cienega Team A

Employment Skills

Individual

1^st – Shyann Torres, Tanque Verde FFA

2^nd – Isabella Garcia, Coolidge

3^rd – Deztyni Carrilo, Casa Grande Union

Meats

Individual

1^st – Ian Wilkie, Casa Grande FFA

2^nd – Talon McClure-Wright, Tanque Verde

3^rd – Danica Vimmerstedt, Tanque Verde

Team

1^st – Tanque Verde FFA

2^nd – Casa Grande FFA Team A

3^rd – Casa Grande FFA Team B