MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Small/Specialty Animals 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 Mika Gardner of LaFayette Middle. Caitlyn Cramer of Malcom Bridge Middle took honors in Area 2. Ryleigh Bucher of Gray Station Middle was the winner in Area 3. The Area 4 winner was Stella McBride of Screven Middle. Caroline Hunter of C.A. Gray Middle was the winner in Area 5. Harper Graham of Hahira Middle took honors in Area 6. Mika Gardner of LaFayette 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 Small/Specialty Animals, students own their own business, work for someone, or do research on efficiently producing and marketing small animals or specialty animals. Specialty animals can include the following: aquaculture, bees, mules, donkeys, bison, oxen, mink, worms, ostriches, pigeons, emus, alpacas or llamas. Small animals include all rabbits, cats, dogs, mice, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, lizards, small birds (such as canaries, cockatiels, cockatoos, parakeets, parrots, etc.) and programs that typically provide a service in caring for the well-being of pets. Programs could include working at a pet shop, as a groomer, as a dog trainer, providing pet sitting services, working at a kennel, or preparing guide and assistance animals. Also includes animals not covered in any of the existing award categories. 

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 Middle School Record Book Award in the area of Small/Specialty Animals was sponsored by the Support Georgia Agriculture.

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.