Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational needs of middle grade (grade 7-8) students who enroll in Agricultural Education classes in Georgia. McClelland=s motivational needs theory served as the framework for the study. The data determined that agricultural students had a higher need for achievement than for affiliating or power and that no differences existed between FFA members and non FFA members. The study also determined that female agricultural education students had a higher need for affiliation and power than male students. No differences were found in the need for achievement, affiliation or power when students were grouped by grade or geographic location. African-American students had a higher need for achievement and power than students in all other ethnic categories