Competitive Events
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Since 1928, FFA has worked to create Career Development Events (CDE) & Leadership Development Events (LDE) that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios. CDEs & LDE's build on what is learned in agricultural classes and the FFA. 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
Students interested in journalism, broadcasting, web design and more learn to communicate effectively while advocating for agriculture. Learn More
Agricultural Issues Forum
This team LDE challenges students to investigate a variety of current local, state, national and international issues facing agriculture through classroom instruction.
Agricultural Sales
Students work as a team to collaboratively build a sales plan and demonstrate skills in customer relations. Learn More
Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Students develop technical knowledge and an ability to work with others to solve complex agricultural problems.
Agronomy
Students understand & demonstrate the many ways that science & technology collaborate to grow the world's major food crops.
Aquatics
FFA members have the opportunity to grow their skills in aquatic resource management.
Conduct of Chapter Meetings
FFA members in seventh, eighth and ninth grade are introduced to parliamentary procedure while learning how to conduct efficient meetings & build communication skills.
Creed Speaking
FFA members recite the National FFA Creed to develop public speaking skills and self-confidence.
Dairy Cattle Handlers
Handlers earn recognition for their ability to present dairy animals during the Dairy Cattle Management and Evaluation CDE.
Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Students develop skills important to dairy cattle selection & herd management via this team-based event.
Employment Skills
Students develop the skills needed to seek employment in the industry of agriculture.
Environmental & Natural Resources
Provides competing students an opportunity to gain awareness and demonstrate knowledge in areas that affect our air, soil and water.
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Students showcase their agricultural knowledge and ability to think on their feet in front of a panel of judges.
Farm & Agribusiness Management
Students learn business skills and apply economic principles to agricultural businesses.
FFA Knowledge
FFA members in 7th, 8th or 9th grade test their knowledge about FFA.
Floriculture
Students identify plants, judge flower arrangements and solve problems using skills important to horticulture and floral careers.
Food Science & Technology
Students display an in-depth understanding of food product development, food presentation and food safety issues.
Forestry
Students demonstrate their skills in diagnosing forest disorders, managing forests and forest inventory and applying approved silviculture practices.
Horse Evaluation
Students who participate in the National FFA Horse Evaluation CDE gain new insights into equine science.
Land Use & Management
FFA members show their skills while evaluating features of the land and soil.
Livestock Evaluation
Participants in the Livestock Evaluation CDE cooperatively classify livestock as “keep” or “cull” for market and breeding purposes.
New! Maple Syrup CDE
FFA members have the opportunity to test their knowledge of Pennsylvania's maple syrup industry through hands-on activities including, tool identification, syrup grading, sap evaluation, product development, production processes, and market analysis.
Marketing Plan
Participants in the Marketing Plan CDE present a marketing plan for an agricultural product, supply or service.
Meats Evaluation & Technology
Students develop the skills needed for careers in the meat animal industry.
Milk Quality & Products
Students demonstrate their knowledge about the quality production, processing, distribution, promotion and marketing of milk and dairy foods.
Nursery/Landscape
The Nursery⁄Landscape CDE tests students' skills in horticultural principles, from landscape design to nursery propagation.
Parliamentary Procedure
Teams conduct a mock chapter meeting to demonstrate their knowledge of basic parliamentary law and the correct use of parliamentary procedures.
Poultry Evaluation
The Poultry Evaluation CDE tests students’ skills in the production, processing, and marketing of chickens, turkeys, processed poultry products and eggs.
Prepared (Conservation) Public Speaking: Senior and Junior
During the Prepared Public Speaking LDE, students present a speech on an agriculture-related topic.
Safe Tractor/Equipment Driving
FFA members showcase their ability to practice and utilize their equipment operation skills.
Scrapbook
Students present their chapter scrapbook to be judged at the state level.
Small Gas Engines
Students will test their knowledge to complete a small gas engine repair.
Talent Competition
Students showcase their talent to a panel of judges and then perhaps on stage in front of over 1,500 audience members!
Turf Grass Management
This Career Development Event includes all aspects of the industry in producing, marketing, utilizing, and maintaining turfgrass.
Veterinary Science
The Veterinary Science CDE provides opportunities for participants to develop technical knowledge and demonstrate practical skills in the field of veterinary science.
Wildlife
Students in 9th - 12th interest in wildlife of Pennsylvania complete a written test, multiple wildlife identification tests, and will also be asked to look at signs and do a habitat evaluation.