MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at the 95^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 27-29, 2023. 

In the senior division, Garrison Fowler of Banks County was the high scoring individual, followed by Eric Ashworth of Banks County and Eason Farmer of Mary Persons placing second and third respectively. The senior team state winner was Banks County followed by Mary Persons in second place and Echols County in third. 

The junior division high individual was Josie Herren of Berrien County, followed by Sam Chesser of Pierce County Middle in second place and Levi Layton of Central of Carroll. The junior team state winner was Berrien County, with second place going to Central of Carroll and third place to Banks County.

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. In the Forestry Career Development Event, students who participate in this CDE demonstrate their skills in diagnosing forest disorders, managing forests and forest inventory and applying approved silviculture practices.  

The Forestry Career Development Event was sponsored on the state level by The Harley Langdale Jr., Foundation and Georgia Forestry Foundation.

All individual and team winners received a plaque and a cash award. Individual winners received $100. Second place individuals received $50, and third place individuals 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 860,000 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. 

###