Effingham County High School FFA member Jesse Edwards recently won the Georgia State Future Farmers of America Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety, Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event.  

The state event was held at the Georgia National Fair in Perry on Oct. 9.

Edwards, a junior at Effingham County High School, became eligible to compete in the state event after winning the Area IV Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety, Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event on Sept. 8 at Metter High School.  

The Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety, Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event allows students to demonstrate the skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate a tractor.  

Participants in the event take a written exam and answer problem solving questions related to tractor servicing, safe operation, care and maintenance. Participants also drive a tractor and are tested on tractor operations.

FFA is a national organization of over 449,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.  
FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools.  The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Edwards is the son of Marty and Susanne Edwards of Springfield. Dr. Freddie Waltz, C.J. Satterfield, and Meredith Carey are FFA advisors at ECHS.

The FFA Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety, Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event is sponsored by the Georgia FFA Foundation.