CDE & LDE Teams

Parliamentary Procedure

Students participating in the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event (LDE) are evaluated on their ability to conduct an orderly and efficient meeting using parliamentary procedure.

Participants are judged on their knowledge of parliamentary law and their ability to present logical, realistic and convincing debate and motions.

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.

Extemporaneous

Students participating in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event showcase their agricultural knowledge and ability to think on their feet by giving a speech and answering questions with limited prep time.

During this event, participants draw from 18 agricultural topics then select three of interest. From those three, a student selects the topic of their speech and has 30 minutes to prepare using five resources. Participants then present a four to six-minute speech on their topic to a panel of judges. After their speech, students answer five minutes worth of questions on the topic they just presented.

This event challenges students to practice their presentation skills, articulation, and logical thinking and advocate for agriculture and agricultural education. 

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.

Prepared 

During the Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE), students write and deliver a six to eight-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic.

Students research a topic of interest and then put together a creative, informative speech. The speech is then presented to a panel of judges, who score the student based on the speech’s content, composition and delivery.

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.

Job Interview

Participants in the National FFA Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE) get a leg up on their future careers by developing the skills needed to seek employment in the industry of agriculture.

This LDE simulates real-world activities used by employers and tests students’ ability to perform effectively throughout the employment process. Students submit a cover letter and resume; complete an application and a telephone interview; and participate in a preliminary face–to–face interview.  Students also experience a networking activity that could include an elevator pitch, a meal function or participating at a trade show event and receive a telephone offer where they negotiate for their job opportunity.

In this LDE, students will use many leadership skills including active listening, problem–solving and decision making as well as improve their written and oral communication skills. This event also helps students in their current search for jobs, internships, and part-time and full-time employment in any career field.

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.

Impromtu

The purpose of the Impromptu Public Speaking Career Development Event is to foster and develop the speaking abilities of FFA members as well as develop their self-confidence and contribute to their advancement in inter-personal skill attainment and leadership development.

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.

Creed

“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds…” The National FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) recognizes outstanding FFA members in seventh through ninth grades for their ability to present the National FFA Creed from memory and answer three questions related to it.

The FFA Creed outlines the organization’s values and beliefs regarding the industry of agriculture, FFA membership, and citizenship and patriotism. Students participating in the Creed Speaking LDE learn to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner and build self-confidence. 

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.

Forestry

The Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) requires students to demonstrate their skills in diagnosing forest disorders, managing forests and forest inventory and applying approved silviculture practices. Participation in the event offers students experience relevant to a career choice in forestry and natural resources.

A team event for four students, this CDE provides recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies resulting from forestry instruction in the agricultural education classroom. The team portion of the event calls on students respond to a forest industry scenario with problem solving using forestry skills and tools. The team also provides a presentation about a national or regional forestry issue. Team members contribute individually by completing a general forestry knowledge exam, rounds of tree identification and measurement, and individual practicums.

Skills learned from this event range from forestry equipment identification to calculating a forest business management problem and prepare students for a variety of careers in forestry and natural resources.

The curricular code for the contest can be found here.