MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Tractor and Machinery 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. 

Grayson McPhaul of Ware County placed first in the individual CDE competition. Placing second was Carter Thompson of Colquitt County, and Mycal Yeargin of Hart County was the third place individual. 

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 Tractor and Machinery Operations and Maintenance CDE helps students develop skills in operating tractors and other machinery in a safe manner, while also teaching students to maintain tractors and other machinery properly. 

The Tractor and Machinery Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event was sponsored at the state level by John Deere. 

All individual winners received a plaque and a cash award. The first place individual received $100. The second place individual received $50, while the third place individual received $25. The advisor of the state winner 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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