MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Discussion Meet Leadership Development Event (LDE) were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

John Haven Stalvey of Berrien County placed first in the individual CDE competition. Other finalists were Harrison Russ of Citizens Christian Academy, Anna Grace Hunter of Colquitt County and Sriniketh Edupuganti of Denmark. 

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 Discussion Meet LDE is designed to teach the three fundamental bases of discussion: constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication. The role of the contestants is to exchange ideas and information to solve a problem. The Discussion Meet is patterned after the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer Discussion Meet. Students discuss topics to foster constructive ideas and problem solve.

The Discussion Meet Leadership Development Event was sponsored by the Georgia Farm Bureau.

The state winner received a $250 savings bond. Each finalist received a $100 savings bond.  

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.