Wondering what contest is best for you?
1st- Determine if you want to do a CDE or LDE, OR BOTH!
Career Development Events (CDE):
These are competitions that helps members develop skills for real-world careers. These events focus on different areas like agriculture, mechanics, public speaking, livestock judging, and more. CDEs give members hands-on experience, help them learn teamwork, and prepare them for future jobs in agriculture and beyond!
These are competitions that helps members build leadership and communication skills. These events focus on things like public speaking, job interviews, parliamentary procedure, and presenting. LDEs help members grow their confidence, work as a team, and prepare for future careers by improving their speaking and leadership abilities!
CDE is best for you? Check out below!
Tests knowledge of genetics, lab techniques, and biotech applications in agriculture. Competitors complete a written exam, hands-on practicums, and problem-solving scenarios. This event helps students develop skills for careers in agricultural science and research.
This CDE tests skills in journalism, broadcasting, and public relations related to agriculture. Competitors develop communication strategies, write articles, and create media content.
This event focuses on mechanical skills such as welding, electrical systems, and equipment repair. Students demonstrate problem-solving and hands-on technical abilities in agricultural mechanics.
Competitors develop skills in customer relations, sales presentations, and marketing agricultural products. The event includes role-playing sales scenarios and written exams on sales techniques.
This event tests knowledge of crops, weeds, soils, and pest management. Participants analyze plant specimens and recommend best agricultural practices.
This CDE focuses on conservation, ecology, and sustainability in agriculture. Students complete tests, field assessments, and team problem-solving activities.
Competitors analyze farm financial records, budgeting, and risk management strategies. The event helps develop decision-making skills for running a successful agricultural business.
This competition tests knowledge of plant identification, floral design, and greenhouse management. Students complete hands-on tasks like making floral arrangements and diagnosing plant disorders.
Participants evaluate food products, analyze food safety issues, and develop product solutions. The event includes sensory evaluation, food quality tests, and problem-solving exercises.
Competitors judge horse conformation, movement, and performance in various disciplines. The event also includes oral reasons to justify placements.
This event involves judging cattle, sheep, goats, and swine based on industry standards. Participants give oral reasons and analyze breeding and market classes.
Teams create and present a marketing strategy for an agricultural product or business. They conduct market research, develop advertising strategies, and present their plan to judges.
Competitors identify meat cuts, evaluate carcass quality, and learn about meat processing. The event focuses on food safety, grading, and industry standards.
This event tests knowledge of dairy products, milk grading, and industry standards. Participants evaluate milk samples, cheese identification, and quality control processes.
Students demonstrate skills in plant identification, landscape design, and nursery management. The event includes hands-on tasks and a written exam on horticultural practices.
Competitors assess live poultry, carcasses, eggs, and processed products for quality. They apply USDA grading standards and evaluate factors like meat yield and defects.
This CDE focuses on soil classification, land use, and conservation practices. Participants analyze soil texture, structure, and drainage to make land management recommendations.
Competitors demonstrate animal care, clinical procedures, and veterinary terminology. The event includes written exams, hands-on practicums, and problem-solving scenarios.
This competition tests knowledge of tree identification, timber cruising, and forest management. Participants complete field assessments, equipment identification, and problem-solving exercises.
LDE sounds better? Check these out!
Competitors deliver a radio-style agricultural news report. The event tests speaking skills, news writing, and the ability to present information clearly.
Teams analyze agricultural-related crime scenarios and present their findings. The event develops skills in forensics, problem-solving, and investigative techniques.
Participants engage in a moderated discussion on agricultural topics. The event focuses on problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Competitors present projects that address local agricultural issues and their solutions. The event emphasizes leadership, research, and community service.
eams research a current agricultural issue and present both sides to a panel of judges. The event develops critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Competitors demonstrate their ability to sell an agricultural product. The event includes a sales presentation, customer interaction, and problem-solving scenarios.
Teams create a visual exhibit showcasing their chapter’s achievements. Displays are judged on creativity, organization, and effectiveness in communicating FFA’s mission.
This event evaluates a chapter’s annual plan of activities and goals. Participants present their program to judges, highlighting community impact and member involvement.
Chapters are judged on the design, content, and functionality of their official website. The competition encourages effective online communication and outreach.
First-year FFA members demonstrate their ability to run a chapter meeting. The event focuses on parliamentary procedure and leadership development.
This event focuses on leadership and team-building activities. Participants engage in hands-on learning to develop communication and decision-making skills.
Competitors draw an agricultural topic and prepare a speech within a limited time. They are judged on speech organization, delivery, and ability to think on their feet.
First-year FFA members recite the FFA Creed from memory and answer questions about its meaning. The event helps build confidence in public speaking and leadership.
Participants submit resumes, complete job applications, and go through a mock interview. The event helps develop real-world career readiness skills.
These quizzes test students' knowledge of FFA history, agriculture, and parliamentary procedure. Competitors answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions in a timed format.
Teams demonstrate their ability to conduct an effective and orderly meeting. The event tests knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order and leadership skills.
Competitors deliver prepared speeches on agricultural topics. They are judged on content, delivery, and their ability to answer questions
This event recognizes the best collection of photos, news clippings, and chapter events. Participants create a well-organized scrapbook that highlights chapter achievements and activities
Competitors showcase their ability to document chapter meetings, activities, and correspondence. The event assesses the accuracy, completeness, and organization of the secretary’s records.
This competition evaluates a chapter treasurer’s ability to maintain accurate financial records. Participants submit a well-organized and detailed record of chapter transactions.