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Celebrating The Champions Of Georgia NASEF Farmcraft® 2025
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The Georgia NASEF Farmcraft® 2025 season has concluded, marking another successful year of integrating agriculture, technology, and education through the immersive world of Minecraft. Over 3,000 students across the state showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills, tackling real-world agricultural challenges in a virtual environment.
"Watching these students bring Georgia’s agricultural story to life has been truly inspiring. Their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving show just how powerful hands-on, game-based learning can be," said GPB VP of Education Laura Evans. "At GPB, we’re proud to champion innovative approaches that make learning both meaningful and fun."
This season featured three main challenges, each focusing on critical aspects of sustainable agriculture. Here are the top-performing teams in each category:
Challenge #1: Designing a Sustainable Georgia Farm
This challenge invited students to investigate sustainable agriculture practices, focusing on soil and water conservation techniques. They researched methods such as cover cropping, efficient irrigation, and erosion prevention, tailoring their findings to Georgia's unique climate and environment. Using their knowledge, students constructed a farm in Minecraft that reflects Georgia's native conditions, incorporating solutions that are compatible for this area.
Junior Division Winners (Ages 8–13)
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🥇 Bestie Bunch (Layla Fakhori, Vivian Kopsch-Sanchez, and Zoe Abanikanda) – Lovinggood Middle School, Powder Springs, GA
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🥈 Team GA Green (Rory Wojcikiewicz and Claire Wojcikiewicz) – Marietta, GA
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🥉 Boss Babies (Landon Thompson and Shyla Patel) – Lovinggood Middle School, Powder Springs, GA
Senior Division Winners (Ages 13–18)
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🥇 The Milking it Masters (Reily Ledford and Claire Saxon) – Fannin High School, Blue Ridge, GA
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🥈 The Field Geeks (Londyn Hobson, Olivia Little and Tanner Verrit) – Fannin High School, Blue Ridge, GA
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🥉 Creeper Team – Arnold Magnet Academy, Columbus, GA
Challenge #2: Exploring Georgia’s Soil and Crops
In the second challenge, students "dug into" the diverse soil types across Georgia and explored the specific needs of crops commonly grown in the state. They researched factors like pH requirements, nutrient needs, and soil compatibility crops. After labeling Georgia's agricultural regions and soil types, students used Minecraft to design a 3-D farm that combines these crops. Their model included key features for caring for the crops, such as irrigation systems, soil amendments, and crop rotation strategies, showcasing their ability to create a thriving, sustainable farm.
Junior Division Winners (Ages 8–13)
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🥇 LK Ford (Sabrina Weaver, Harlie Irvin, Taylor Minion, and Jace Welch) – LK Moss Elementary, Buena Vista, GA
Senior Division Winners (Ages 13–18)
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🥇 Baaa-rilliant Team (Amberly Patterson, Bailey Gaddy, Addison Graham, and Saige Turner) – Fannin High School, Blue Ridge, GA
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🥈 Rootin Tootin (Bentlee Jackson and Ayla Walton, and Miles Bowen) – Fannin High School, Blue Ridge, GA
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🥉 The Hay Bale (Devon Hasker) – Fannin High School, Blue Ridge, GA (not pictured)
Challenge #3: Understanding Georgia’s Working Forests
With help from education partner Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), the third challenge was designed around Georgia's timber industry and its contributions to the economy. Students researched working forests, sustainable forestry practices, and the wide range of products derived from Georgia's pulp and timber. Using Minecraft, they designed a 3-D display table or interactive exhibit featuring the various commodities produced from Georgia's wood resources.
"Partnering with GPB on this year’s Farmcraft® competition was a fantastic opportunity to help students connect with the real-world skills at the heart of Georgia’s forestry industry. Forestry is a hands-on, team-oriented field rooted in problem-solving and building with purpose. Watching students tackle challenges together in Minecraft reflects the very same spirit we value in our industry," said GFF Senior Vice President, Matt Hestad.
Junior Division Winners (Ages 8–13)
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🥇 The Golden Trio (Connor Ruffner, Annie Flynn, and Caroline Henderson) – Lovinggood Middle School, Powder Springs, GA
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🥈 Superior Stanleys (Cordelia Gardner, Nina Brady, Sara Gresham, and Felicity Hays) – Lovinggood Middle School, Powder Springs, GA
Senior Division Winners (Ages 13–18)
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🥇 4C The Tree Growers (Marlon Rosas, Henry Tran, Khayle Mallillin) – Archer High School, Lawrenceville, GA
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🥈 The Evergreens – Brookwood High School, Snellville, GA
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🥉 5H The Bedrock Baddies (Nyla Keitt, Melissa Moon) – Archer High School, Lawrenceville, GA
If you missed the live awards ceremony event, you can watch the full awards ceremony here:
Georgia NASEF Farmcraft® 2025 Awards Ceremony
About Georgia NASEF Farmcraft®
Georgia NASEF Farmcraft® is a collaborative initiative between Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) and the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). The program leverages Minecraft Education to teach students aged 8-18 about the complexities of agriculture, sustainability, and food systems. Through engaging challenges and interactive gameplay, students gain a deeper understanding of agricultural practices and the importance of sustainable farming.
"NASEF specializes in blending play and learning. With Georgia Farmcraft, the lessons are beneficial because they are focus on regional crops and markets, inspiring youth to consider local agriculture systems and careers. NASEF is proud to partner with GPB to equip educators and engage youth in this series of challenges. Congratulations to all participants, and particularly to the winning teams!" Said Claire LeBeaux, NASEF Chief Advancement Officer.
Educator Resources
Educators interested in incorporating Farmcraft® into their curriculum can access a wealth of Georgia standards-aligned resources, including lesson plans and challenge guides, at gpb.org/education/georgia-farmcraft.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to the next season, we encourage all students and educators to continue exploring the intersection of agriculture and technology. Stay tuned for updates on future challenges and opportunities to participate in Georgia NASEF Farmcraft®. Your passion and innovation are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture! 🌾🎮
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