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

In the senior division, Conner Paulk of Irwin County was the high scoring individual, followed by Haley Clark of Irwin County and Trent Butler of Wheeler County placing second and third respectively. The senior team state winner was Banks County, followed by Berrien County in second place and Wheeler County in third. 

The junior division high individual was Christopher Marlow of Mary Persons, followed by Liam Parks of Mary Persons in second place and Emily Griffin of Berrien County. The junior team state winner was Mary Persons, with second place going to Pierce County Middle and third place to Central Middle.

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 Land Evaluation CDE helps students learn skills to determine agricultural land use and treatment practices. Additionally, the CDE provides the opportunity to learn about soil and water conservation, while using land in its most efficient capacity. 

The senior and junior Land Evaluation Career Development Events were sponsored at the state level by the Georgia Ag Tag Sales and Georgia Association of Conservation Districts. 

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. Additionally, the advisor of the state winning team received a $100 cash award. The first place team will also receive $2,000 in travel money to go to the national competition held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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.