MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Specialty Crop Production Proficiency were recognized at the 95^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 27-29, 2023. 

Ella Dainel of Tift County placed first in the proficiency competition, followed by Wyatt Carter of Newton CCA finishing second and third, and Jack Carter of Metter.

Proficiency awards are granted to FFA members who have excelled in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Specialty Crop Production includes programs where students’ SAEs involve management practices to produce and market crops covered by none of the existing award categories. This includes sugar beets, dry edible beans, gourds, tobacco, popcorn, Indian and other specialty corns, grass seed, herbs, spices, mushrooms, sugar cane, hops, sorghum cane, confectionary sunflowers, and crop seed.

The Specialty Crop Production Proficiency was sponsored at the state level by Legar and Son, Incorporated.

All winners received a plaque and a cash award. State winners receive $100, as well as $500 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. Additionally, the advisor of the state winner received $100 cash. Second place winners received $50 and third place winners received $25. 

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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