MACON, Ga. – Recipients of the Honorary State FFA Degree were recognized at the 96^th State FFA Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

The Honorary State FFA Degree is given to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to agricultural education and the National FFA Organization. 

Honorary State FFA Degrees were awarded to 14 individuals for their outstanding service and commitment to agricultural education and Georgia FFA. Recipients included Mr. Grant Belden, Mr. Kent Benson, Mr. Richie Farrow, Mrs. Beth Golden, Mr. Jeff Hammock, Mr. Matt Jones, Mrs. Shara Lynn Kylie, Mr. Byron Lee, Dr. Krista Morris, Mr. James Oliver, Mr. Kelly Owen, Mr. Howl Roe, Mrs. Anna Watkins, Dr. Gena Wilson. 

Honorary State FFA Degrees were also awarded to the parents of State Star finalists for their efforts in supporting their child’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and the parents of the State FFA Officer team also received the Honorary State FFA Degree for encouraging and supporting their child during their year of service to the Georgia FFA Association.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. There are nearly 940,000 FFA members nationwide. The Georgia Association has more than 80,000 members, making it the third largest Association in the nation. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through agricultural education. 

###

Media Contact: Katibeth Wise, (229) 254-4811, [email protected]