Georgia Forestry Foundation Congratulates Brantley County FFA on National Forestry Title

Win extends Georgia's streak to five years as national champions

FORSYTH, Ga., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brantley County High School FFA won the 2026 National FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE). This is the fifth year in a row that a Georgia school has brought home the title. The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) is proud to sponsor Forestry CDE state competition winners to participate on the national stage.

The team was recognized Oct. 22 at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Brantley County competed against 40 state champion teams and 176 students.

Brantley County has had a tough year. In April, the Highway 82 fire was one of the most destructive wildfires for Georgia residents. GFF and the forestry community responded by launching the Forest Wildfire Recovery Fund and presented Brantley County Family Connection with $85,000 to help in the recovery effort. The Foundation is also supporting efforts with other community leaders to provide long-term housing for residents who lost homes to the wildfire earlier this year.

"These students really gave their whole community something to celebrate," said Tim Lowrimore, president and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association. "Georgia is the number one forestry state in the nation and five straight national titles show that our students are ready to carry that forward."

The Forestry CDE tests students on real-world skills like identifying trees, estimating timber volume, reading maps and solving forest management problems.

"With forestry being a powerful economic engine in the state of Georgia, it is imperative that young people understand the importance of the forestry industry," said Katrina Jones, GA FFA Foundation Executive Director. "Forestry and forestry related jobs are vital across the state, and we are thankful for the Georgia Forestry Foundation for providing opportunities for FFA members to experience real-world forestry scenarios to better prepare them for a successful future in the forestry sector."

The team earned its trip to nationals by winning the Georgia FFA state Forestry CDE in April.

"We're grateful to the Georgia Forestry Foundation and its support of our students," said Dr. Chad Crews, FFA advisor at Brantley County High School. "These four students put in countless hours learning trees, running numbers and practicing in the woods. Georgia's forestry teams have set a high bar at the national level, and Brantley County met it."

Brantley County joins a strong line of Georgia winners. Banks County High School won National Forestry CDE in 2022 and 2023. Mary Persons High School also had back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025. GFF has sponsored these teams for the last five years, contributing a total of $32,550 towards the strengthening of Georgia's future forestry workforce.

About the Georgia Forestry Foundation
The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), established in 1990, is a 501(c)(3) organization that acts as the educational arm of the Georgia Forestry Association. Its mission is to sustain Georgia's forests through funding and support of leadership development, policy studies, and education to enhance the economic, environmental, and community value of working forests for Georgia. For more information, visit www.gfagrow.org.

Media Contact:
Glo Camacho
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SOURCE Georgia Forestry Foundation