MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Natural Resource Systems Middle School Record Book Competition were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

The Area 1 winner was Memphis Howard of Central Middle. Marleigh Compton of Youth Middle took honors in Area 2. Bryson Bledsoe of Gray Station Middle was the winner in Area 3. The Area 4 winner was Bradley Perez-Perez of Toombs County Middle. Wade Collins of Shiver Middle was the winner in Area 5. Jackson Ray of Berrien County Middle took honors in Area 6. Bryson Bledsoe of Gray Station Middle was the state winner in the competition.

The Middle School Record Book award program encourages students to begin and maintain a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project and keep accurate, detailed records. In the area of Natural Resource Systems, students own their own business, work for someone, or do research involving practices available to conserve or increase the economic value of a forest or forest products through such practices as thinning, pruning, weeding, reforestation, insect and disease control, planting, harvesting, Christmas tree farming, making and selling cedar shakes and firewood, and wood chips/mulch. This may also include improving the availability of fish and wildlife through practices such as land and water habitat improvement, development of new land and water habitat, trapping, Fish & Wildlife departments, or the stocking of fish and wild game. 

Each area winner received a plaque and a $50 cash award. The state winner received a plaque and an additional $100 cash award. The advisor of the state winner also received a $100 cash award.

The Natural Resource Systems Middle School Record Book Award in the area of was sponsored by Southern Vaneer Products.

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.