MACON, Ga. – 2022 national competition winners were recognized at the 95^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 27-29, 2023 for their exemplary performance in various competitions at the 95^th National FFA Convention October 26-29, 2022. Georgia was proud to celebrate 15 national winners at National Convention this year. 

In order to compete nationally, FFA students must first win on the local, area, and state levels. From there, many students must compete for a limited number of spots at nationals in their award areas such as proficiencies or the agriscience fair. Finally, they showcase their talents at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana with the hope of being named the winner.

Winning a national competition takes dedication, punctuated by long hours of preparation, skill, and passion, and this year Georgia saw much success on the national stage. The Georgia FFA is excited to present the following FFA members and chapters who received this honor.

Georgia had two American Star winners. The American Star in Agribusiness was Kaitlyn Hart of Colquitt County and the American Star in Agriscience was Marin Lonnee of Oconee County.

In the area of CDEs and LDEs, Georgia celebrated winning national teams in the Agricultural Mechanics CDE, Agricultural Communications CDE, Forestry CDE and the Employment Skills LDE.

There were 5 National Proficiency Award winners. In the area of Diversified Crop Production Placement, the national winner was Logan Bennett of Colquitt County. In the area of Equine Science Placement, the national winner was Ellie Williams of Northwest Whitfield. In the area of Grain Production, the national winner was Joan Tover-Martinez of Sumter County. In the area of Nursery Operations, the national winner was Devin Boyer of Franklin County. In the area of Swine Production Entrepreneurship, the national winner was Dallas Sills of White County. 

The National Outstanding Middle School was Franklin County Middle. 

There were 3 Agriscience Fair project winners: Carah Pulliam and Chloe Pulliam of Franklin County, Madeline Glaze and Aaliyah Turk of Youth Middle, and Katie Spizey and Fraser Knapek of Perry. 

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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