Competitive Events
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Since 1928, FFA has developed Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs) to showcase the critical connections between classroom learning and real-world application. These events build on the knowledge gained in agricultural education courses and through FFA experiences, allowing students to apply their skills in meaningful, competitive settings. Designed to prepare students for success in agriculture and a wide range of careers, CDEs and LDEs bring classroom instruction to life. They challenge both individuals and teams to demonstrate their abilities across key areas of agricultural education, reinforcing the leadership, technical, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. APPLY TO BE A CDE/LDE CHAIR HERE: PA FFA Competitive Events Chair Application (beginning June 2025) |
Resources
- 2025 CDE/LDE Chairs
- 2025 Activities Week Packet
- 2024 National FFA Planning Guide
- For more information, visit National FFA CDE/LDE website!
Deadlines/Important Updates
- Ag Ed CDE Lesson Plan-PDF due June 1 to chairs Doug Masser ([email protected]) and Amanda Gagne ([email protected]).
- Ag Issues Portfolio Deadline PDF emailed to Dianna Jarema [email protected] - December 15th
- Ag Sales - There will be a product information review meeting, held via Zoom, on Monday 5/19 at 3PM for all interested students and advisors. Please contact STEPHEN GEIB - [email protected] to request the Zoom Link prior to the meeting.
- State Officer Applications - May 1 to Mike Brammer - [email protected]
- Link: https://form.jotform.com/250547144815154
- Dairy Showmanship Entry Forms - May 1 to Darla Romberger - [email protected]
- Selection decisions will be made no later than May 2 so you can plan accordingly for registration purposes. Students are expected to have prior experience showing dairy heifers and/or cows through 4-H or FFA. Only 24 students can participate in the contest (hence the reason for an application process). We haven't had a full contest the past few years (even prior to COVID), so please encourage your students to participate! **Note for 2025** - There is no Dairy Showmanship contest at National FFA Convention. The top 4 individuals in the contest will represent PA FFA at the Big E contest in September.
- Marketing Plan - May 1 to Lyndsay Wilcox - [email protected]
- Speaking Manuscript - May 1 to Speaking Chairs (See LDE tile for chair & e-mail listings)
- Safe Tractor Operations Entry Form - May 1 to Curt Turner - [email protected]
- Talent Entry Forms - May 1 to Myken Poorman - [email protected]
- Employment Skills - Resume, Cover Letter, and Job Application - June 1 to Katie Ranck - [email protected] and Sarahbeth Alderfer - [email protected]
- Delegate Forms - May 15 to Mike Brammer - [email protected] (2025 Delegate Form - You must still register them through PSU.)
New! Agriculture Education CDE
Experience what it’s like to be an agricultural teacher by designing, planning, and teaching a lesson related to agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Agricultural Communications
Like journalism, broadcasting, or design? Put your skills to the test while sharing the story of agriculture.
Agricultural Issues Forum
Work with your team to tackle real ag issues—local to global—and share your solutions.
Agricultural Sales
Build a sales strategy with your team and put your people skills to the test.
Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Test your knowledge of tools, machinery, and systems in real-world scenarios.
Agronomy
Explore how science and technology work together to grow the world’s food.
Aquatics
Explore fish, water, and ecosystems while building real-world management skills.
Conduct of Chapter Meetings
If you’re in 7th–9th grade, step up and discover how to lead meetings with confidence and teamwork while diving into parliamentary procedure.
Creed Speaking
Show your voice and confidence—deliver the FFA Creed and develop real public speaking skills.
Dairy Cattle Handlers
Show off your skills in the ring—earn recognition for presenting dairy cattle with confidence.
Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Team up to evaluate cattle, make decisions, and grow your dairy knowledge.
Employment Skills
Practice landing your dream job by building real interview and employment skills.
Environmental & Natural Resources
Test your skills in protecting air, soil, and water while learning about natural resources.
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Think fast, speak confidently—show your ag knowledge in front of the judges.
Farm & Agribusiness Management
Learn how to make smart financial decisions that keep ag businesses running strong.
FFA Knowledge
If you’re in 7th–9th grade, put your FFA knowledge to the test in this fun challenge.
Floriculture
Test your eye for flowers and plants while learning skills used in the floral industry.
Food Science & Technology
Create, evaluate, and present food products while solving real-world food industry challenges.
Forestry
Show your knowledge of forest management, tree ID, and silviculture practices.
Horse Evaluation
Step into the arena and grow your knowledge of horses through hands-on evaluation.
Land Use & Management
Get your hands dirty—evaluate soil and land to show your ag science skills.
Livestock Evaluation
Step into the role of a livestock evaluator—classify animals and defend your choices.
New! Maple Syrup CDE
Test your knowledge of PA's maple syrup industry through hands-on activities including, tool identification, syrup grading, sap evaluation, product development, production processes, and market analysis.
Marketing Plan
Show your creativity and business skills by pitching a real ag marketing plan.
Meats Evaluation & Technology
Step into the meat lab to practice real-world evaluation and processing skills.
Milk Quality & Products
From production to promotion, show what you know about the dairy industry.
Nursery/Landscape
Design, plan, and grow—test your knowledge of horticulture and landscaping.
Parliamentary Procedure
Put your knowledge of parliamentary law to the test in a real meeting setting.
Poultry Evaluation
Show your skills in evaluating chickens, turkeys, eggs, and poultry products.
Prepared (Conservation) Public Speaking: Senior and Junior
Research, write, and deliver a speech on an ag topic you’re passionate about.
Safe Tractor/Equipment Driving
Climb into the driver’s seat and show your agriculture equipment operation skills.
Scrapbook
Bring your chapter’s memories to life with a scrapbook that competes at state.
Small Gas Engines
Put your mechanical skills to the test by diagnosing and repairing a small gas engine.
Talent Competition
Share your talent with the judges—and maybe even perform on stage for 1,500 people.
Turfgrass Management
Step into turf management and prove your skills in production, use, and upkeep.
Veterinary Science
Show your passion for animal care through practical and technical vet science challenges.
Wildlife
If you’re in 9th–12th grade and love wildlife, test your skills with ID, habitat evaluation, and more.