MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Agricultural Technology & Mechanics Systems Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

Luke Johnson of Banks County was the state high individual. Placing second was Grayson McPhaul of Ware County, and Braton Jaworski of Banks County was the third-place individual. In the team competition, the state winner was Banks County, followed by Colquitt County in second place and Oglethorpe in third.

CDE and LDE awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth and career success in a variety of competitions. The Agricultural Mechanics CDE is a competitive activity that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Activities included in the event are a written exam, demonstration of problem-solving skills, and hands-on performance activities.

The Agricultural Technology & Mechanics Systems Career Development Event was sponsored at the state level by AGCO Corporation. 

All individual and team winners received a plaque and a cash award. Individual winners received $100. The second-place individual received $50, and the third-place individual received $25. The winning team was awarded $2,000 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. Additionally, the advisor of the state winning team received a $100 cash award. 

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.