MACON, Ga. – 2023 national competition winners were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024 for their exemplary performance in various competitions at the 96^th National FFA Convention November 1st-3rd, 2023. 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.

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

There were 5 National Proficiency Award winners. In the area of Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship is Joseph Ledford. In the area of Agriculture Communications was Jack Lingenfelter of Coffee County. In the area of Service Learning, the national winner was Adam Stone of Bowdon. In the area of Wildlife Production, the national winner was Thomas Dehoff. In the area of Fruit Production, the national winner was Jamin Miles of Appling County.

There were 3 Agriscience Fair project winners: Erin Keith of Franklin County Middle, Emi Walker and Hazel Brubaker of Malcom Bridge Middle, and Makena Blalock of Sonoraville. 

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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Media Contact: Katibeth Wise, (229) 254-4811, [email protected]