Career Development Events
*Information taken from Texas FFA website*
CDEs build on what is learned in agricultural classes and encourage members to put their knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help a member prepare for the future by testing and challenging the student's technical, leadership, critical thinking, decision making, interpersonal and teamwork skills as well as their knowledge of the subject matter. ***Many are qualifying events for the National competition and/or offer scholarship opportunities.
Dairy Cattle
During this event, team members complete a written exam, evaluate dairy cattle on physical characteristics and analyze cows based on pedigree and herd record.
Dairy Foods
Members develop a greater understanding of quality production, processing, distribution, promotion, marketing and consumption of dairy products. Team members complete a written exam, evaluate milk samples, identify cheeses and distinguish real and artificial dairy foods.
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Entomology
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Students apply the fundamentals of entomology and develop skills in identifying common insects and their significance to people and agriculture.
Nursery/Landscape
This CDE encourages members to apply their landscaping, marketing and service skills as they complete a written exam, identify various landscaping plant materials and evaluate plant materials and landscape plans.
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Livestock Evaluation
Beef cattle, sheep and swine are evaluated for market values and desirable physical traits. Team members also rank livestock for breeding purposes, using observed physical characteristics and performance data.
Poultry Evaluation
Students apply classroom knowledge to evaluate production, processing, marketing and consumption of chickens, turkeys, processed products and eggs. Participants complete a written exam, solve a management problem, evaluate animals and products, as well as identify various poultry products.
Range Plant ID
Contestants identify samples of grasses, forbs, legumes, and woody plants and for each indicate length of life, season of growth, origin, and the economic values of the species on wildlife and grazing.