MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Lawnmower Operations and Maintenance 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, Will Railey of Berrien County placed first in the individual CDE competition. Timothy Holder of Locust Grove placed second, followed by David Adams of Banks County finishing third. 

In the middle school division, Luke Wheatley of Banks County Middle placed first in the individual CDE competition. Sam Chesser of Pierce County Middle placed second, and Christopher Green of South Effingham Middle finished third. 

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 Lawnmower Operations and Maintenance CDE helps students develop skills in operating commercial lawnmowers and various pieces of machinery safely. 

The Lawnmower Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event was sponsored by Blalock Machinery and Exmark.

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 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.