MACON, Ga. – 2025 national competition winners were recognized at the 98^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 23-25, 2026 for their exemplary performance in various competitions at the 98^th National FFA Convention on October 29th-November 1st, 2026. Georgia was proud to celebrate 6 national winners at the National Convention this year. 

In order to compete nationally, FFA members 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.

Two Georgia chapters earned 1st place finishes in national Career and Leadership Development Events: Makena Blalock of Sonoraville (Employment Skills LDE) and Ryan Bertram, Liam Parks, Joseph Thompson, and Carter Johnson of Mary Persons (Forestry CDE).

There were 4 National Proficiency Award winners. In the area of Equine Science – Entrepreneurship is Brooklyn Parlor of Jeff Davis. In the area of Environmental Science & Natural Resources Management is Olivia Hogg of LaGrange. In the area of Forest Management & Products is Elizabeth Griner of Pierce County.

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 over 1 Million 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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