Career Development Events (CDE)
Career Development Events are competitive events that mirror real-world career skills. They offer FFA members the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, creative and critical thinking, and leadership skills. Winners for each Career Development Event are announced at the annual National and State Conventions. FFA members can participate in the following CDE’s:
Soil Judging
This contest is designed to teach youth skills necessary in soil science and land use. Youth will evaluate a soil’s properties and make land use recommendations for production agriculture and home site development.
Livestock Judging
This contest requires students work within teams to rank breeding and market classes of beef, sheep, and swine and give oral reasons to back up their decisions. They will make accurate and logical observations of livestock, and decide on the desirable traits in marketing and breeding livestock.
Vet Science
This requires students to work in teams to demonstrate their technical competency with small and large animals by completing a written exam, critical-thinking scenario questions, identifications and hands-on practicums.
Horse Judging
This contest requires students to gain new insights into equine science by evaluating and ranking horses based on breed characteristics, conformation, and performance. Participants defend their decisions through oral reasons in front of a panel of judges.
Small Engines
This contest interests and prepares high school students for rewarding careers in the mechanic’s service field, we feel that all involved with the event should continue to place emphasis on the importance of high quality workmanship.
Welding
This contest evaluates the contestant’s manipulative skills, general knowledge, and professional presentation as these correlate to his/her preparation for employment in the broad field of welding (agricultural, industrial, or other).
Entomology
This contest requires students to identify and learn the classification, type of metamorphosis, and mouthpart structure of important beneficial and destructive insects. As well as understand insect biology, behavior, and collection techniques and understand how to safely use pesticides to control destructive insects.
Wildlife
This contest requires students to apply the information gained through enrollment in the agricultural science wildlife management course to demonstrate and identify plant species, proper habitat management practices, safety procedures, game laws, management techniques as well as compass and pacing skills.
Forestry
This contest 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 an experience relevant to a career choice in forestry and natural resources.
