MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Poultry Evaluation 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, Isabelle Williams of Madison County was the high scoring individual, followed by Vrit Patel of ECCA and Colter Steinkamp of North Oconee placing second and third respectively. The senior team state winner was Madison County, followed by North Oconee in second place and Effingham College and Career Academy in third. 

The junior division high individual was Alexa Martinez of Oconee County Middle, followed by John Oliver of Gilmer County in second place and Joshua Woelfl of Oconee County Middle in third place. The junior team state winner was Oconee County Middle, with second place going to Gilmer County and third place to Southeast Whitfield.

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. Poultry Judging teams participate in a set of comprehensive events related to judging, placing, grading and identifying live birds, carcasses, eggs, poultry parts, chicken patties, nuggets or tenders. Participants presented oral reasons, participated in a team activity, and were given a management test.  

The Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event was sponsored on the state level by the Georgia Poultry Federation.

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. The winning team was awarded $2,000 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. 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. 

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