CDE’s
MIDWINTER, SPRING, AND SLC
What Are CDE’s?
 Career Development Events (CDEs) help students
develop the abilities to think, communicate, and
work effectively in a competitive job market.
 There are 40 CDEs, covering job skills in everything
from communications to mechanics. Some events
allow students to compete as individuals, while
others allow them to compete in teams.
State Leadership Conference
The State FFA Leadership Conference is the largest
event put on by the Arizona Association and has grown
to be a gathering of FFA members from across the
state for a weekend full of learning, awards
recognition, and fun at the University of Arizona in
Tucson. It is at this annual event that the new Arizona
FFA State Officers are elected, members receive their
State FFA Degrees, ten different Career Development
Events have their state finals, workshops are put on by
National FFA Officers, and so much more!
Ag Issues CDE
 The purpose of the agricultural issues event is to
allow students to study an issue in their community.
Through the presentation of the event, students learn
the importance of research and their presentation skills.
 Number of People: 3-7
 Components:
This CDE begins by developing a 15 minute presentation
about an agricultural issue, based on criteria outlined in the CDE
handbook.
 Develop a portfolio and deliver a presentation that stresses both
pros and cons of an agricultural issue.
 Use verbal skills and presentation abilities to defend your findings and answer judges’ questions.

 Topic must be chosen from the following topics: Environmental Issues, Agricultural
Technology Issues, Animal Issues, Agricultural Career Issues, Economy and Trade Issues,
Agricultural Policy Issues, Food Safety Issues.
Agriculture Education CDE
 The purpose of the Agricultural Education
Career Development Event is to provide
individuals with basic skills necessary for a
career as an agricultural educator.
 Number of People: 1
 Components:

Prior to the event, students will develop and teach a lesson
pertaining to an area of agriculture of their interest. You must
submit a video, a lesson plan, and a reflective essay.

Laboratory Instruction- in front of a judge, teach a laboratory lesson (At Event)

SAE Supervision- Write a letter to either the student or parent about SAE’s (At Event)

FFA Advisor- Plan an FFA activity/retreat (At Event)
Agriscience Fair CDE
 The purpose of the State FFA Agriscience
Fair CDE is to recognize high school and
middle school students who display agriscience
projects that are extensions of
their agriscience classes.
 Number of People: 1-2
 Components:
Develop an Agriscience project, and create a visual
presentation on a tri-fold poster board.
 Create a Lab Report
 Project must be in one of the six categories: Biochemistry / Microbiology / Food Science,
Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Botany, Engineering, Social Sciences

 Divisions




Division 1- 7, 8, 9 Individuals
Division 2- 10, 11, 12 Individuals
Division 3- 7, 8, 9 Pairs
Division 4- 10, 11, 12 Pairs
Chapter Display CDE
 This Career Development Event allows
chapters to work together to showcase what
their chapter has done in the past year. By
working together as a chapter to construct a
display board which represents their chapter.
 Number of People: Chapter Contest
 Components:


Create Display
Present the Display at SLC
 Winning Chapter will receive one State FFA Camp Scholarship
Conduct of Meetings CDE
 This Career Development Event is designed for
Greenhand FFA Members seeking knowledge and
experience with parliamentary procedure. The
team demonstrates their knowledge by presenting
opening ceremonies and a mock meeting. This
will prepare students to properly run effective
business meetings and correctly handle motions.
 Number of People: 7
 Components:



Written Test
Presentation
Oral Questions
Extemporaneous Speaking CDE
 In this CDE, you deliver a speech on one of
three agricultural topics, after 30 minutes of
preparation. After each speech, judges may ask
related questions.
 Number of people: 1
 Practicums:




Online Exam
30 minutes in holding room to prepare speech
Give speech to Judges
Answer Judges Questions
Internet CDE
 Chapters participating in the
Internet CDE will demonstrate abilities
in designing and publishing a web site
for their chapter. A variety of criteria
will be used in evaluating the website
including photos, overall look/design
of the site and the use of links within
the document.
 Number of People: Chapter Contest
 Practicums:
Submit URL for Chapter Website to Arizona FFA
office by May 15

Newsletter CDE
 Chapters participating in this CDE will
demonstrate skill in preparing a
Monthly or Weekly newsletter to the public
highlighting the activities of the chapter.
Newsletters will be judged on the overall
design of the document as well as how
effective the chapter is in telling the story
of their chapter and the organization.
 Number of People: Chapter Contest
 Components:
Each chapter is eligible to submit one entry. An entry may include all
publications throughout the year.
 Newsletters must be mailed by May 15 to Arizona FFA Office

Reporter CDE
 Students participating in the Reporter
CDE will demonstrate knowledge in
writing and public relations skills. This
CDE gives the chapter reporter an
opportunity to display and receive
recognition for news stories, news
releases, articles, and photographs they
have prepared.
 Number of People: 1 (Reporter, with help of
Chapter)
 Components:

Create “Scrapbook” of all Publicity for Chapter.
Parliamentary Procedure CDE
 Choose this CDE if you want to learn
and polish parliamentary skills. At the
competition, members complete a
written exam. Teams then conduct a
mock chapter meeting to demonstrate
knowledge of basic parliamentary law
and the use of correct parliamentary
procedures.
 Parliamentary Procedure uses Robert
Rules of Order to conduct a meeting.
 Number of People: 6 plus 1 alternate
 Practicums:



Oral Questions
Presentation
Presentation Minutes
Prepared Public Speaking CDE
 The State FFA Prepared Public
Speaking Career Development Event
is designed to develop agricultural
leadership by providing member
participation in agricultural public
speaking activities and sparking
interest in leadership and citizenship.
 Number of People: 1
 Components:


Write and deliver a 6-8 minute speech about a current agricultural subject.
Answer Judges questions
Scrapbook CDE
 The purpose of the State FFA
Scrapbook is for the chapter to learn
how to create a scrapbook containing
historical documents and published
articles. The scrapbooks will be
judged on quality, and number of
newspaper photos, individual photos
and inches published.
 Number of People: Chapter Contest
 Components:
As a Chapter Prepare a Scrapbook and bring to SLC to be
judged.

Mid-Winter CDE Conference
This conference is a great opportunity for students to
participate in a state level event early in the school
year. Designed with both younger and older FFA
members in mind, this conference holds a variety of
Career Development Events (CDEs) for students in
grades 9-12 as well as a few specialized CDEs for
students in grades 7-9.
Agriculture Sales CDE
In this CDE, you demonstrate the professional
sales process, including customer relations,
advertising and promotion, telephone skills and
product display. As a part of the event, members
complete a 50-question exam, present a project
summary and make a sales presentation for an
agricultural product. They also complete one of
four practical problems and cooperatively solve a
market analysis problem.
 Number of people: 4
 Components:






Sales Presentation
Project Summary
Customer Relations
Order Taking/Customer Service
Prospecting for New Customers
Creed Speaking CDE
 This CDE is the first national event
specifically for FFA members in grades 7, 8
and 9. It’s your chance to prove your ability
to present the FFA Creed from memory and
to answer questions about its meaning and
purpose. The event is just one way to boost
self-confidence, earn recognition and develop
your ability to communicate in a powerful,
organized and professional manner.
 Number of People:1
 Components:


Memorize and Present FFA Creed
Answer Judges Questions
Floriculture CDE
 This CDE builds your knowledge and skills in
arranging, propagation and merchandising
flowers and foliage. The competition includes
plant identification, judging of arrangements
and problem solving. Members also demonstrate
their skills in flower arranging, propagation,
preparation of floral and foliage products for sale.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:







Plant and Tool ID
Problem Solving/ Decision Making
Floral Arrangement
Make and Package a Corsage or Boutonniere
Identify and Controlling Plant Disorders
Handling a Customer Complaint or Handling a Hazardous Situation
Floriculture Display
Food Science and Technology CDE
 In this CDE, you will complete a variety
of learning activities related to food science
and technology in the food industry. The
competition covers product development
and presentation, along with food safety
issues and identification. Participants use
their sensory skills to evaluate and solve
problems while applying sound principles
in a decision making process.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:




Food Market Plan
Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety/Sanitation
Sensory Evaluation
Information CDE
 Greenhand FFA members are first year agricultural
education students well on their way to becoming great
leaders of our organization. The FFA information
contest challenges students by testing their knowledge
of FFA and its rich history.
 Number of People: 1
 Components:
Review “The New FFA Questions and Answers.”
 Similar to Spelling Bee, answer questions one at a time until one
winner remains.

Marketing Plan CDE
 Participate in this CDE to develop
practical skills in the marketing process by
developing and presenting a marketing
plan. The plan promotes a current or
proposed agricultural product, supply or
service. In competition, your team
presents its plan and answers judges’
questions.
 Number of People: 3
 Components:


Develop and Present Market Plan
Submit Written Plan
Novice Extemporaneous CDE
 In this CDE, you deliver a speech on
an agricultural topic after 30 minutes of
preparation. It’s great practice to learn
how to think on your feet and make your
case quickly and persuasively. After each
speech, judges may ask related questions.
 Number of People: 1
 Components:
At the Contest, prepare speech, and present to
Judges.
 Answer Judges Questions

Novice Prepared Public Speaking CDE
 In this CDE, you write and deliver a four- to
six-minute speech about a current agricultural
subject. The experience will help you excel in
school, community and career settings.
Participants are rated based on the written
speech, speech delivery and their answers to
judges’ questions.
 Number of People: 1
 Components:




Prepare Speech
Submit prior to contest by deadline
Present Speech to Judges
Answer Judges Questions
Parliamentary Procedure Invitational CDE
 Choose this CDE if you want to learn
and polish parliamentary skills. At the
competition, members complete a
Written exam. Teams then conduct a
mock chapter meeting to demonstrate
knowledge of basic parliamentary law
and the use of correct parliamentary
procedures.
 Number of People: 6 members and one Alternate
 Components:


Presentation
Judges Questions
Veterinary Medicine CDE
 Get involved in this CDE to improve your skills and
knowledge in the veterinary assistance area. At the
competition, members complete a written exam, a
breed identification exam and four skill procedures
that simulate what happens in the field.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:




Animal Breed Identification
Parasite Identification
Equipment and Instrument Identification
Team Activity
Wildlife CDE
 This event will assess student knowledge
and skills in areas of wildlife and habitat
management. Skills in navigating wildlife
habitat will be measured using GPS, maps,
and or compass activities. A group activity
will test ability of the students to work as a
team to complete a task in specified amount
of time.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:


Problem Solving/Skill Activity
Group Problem Solving/Skill Activity
Spring Conference
 Over 1,000 FFA members gathered on the University of
Arizona Campus for the Arizona FFA annual Spring
Conference to participate in developing their future
through participating in Career Development Events
(CDEs). Throughout the high school careers of many
students will ask their teachers, "When will I ever use this
in the real world?" Students enrolled in Agricultural
Education have discovered that CDEs are the answer. Since
1928, FFA has worked to create CDEs that demonstrate the
meaningful connections between classroom instruction and
real-life scenarios CDEs build on what is learned in
agricultural classes and the FFA.
Ag Business CDE
 Choose this CDE if you want to
build overall management skills and
apply economic principles to agriculture
and agribusiness. At the competition,
members complete a written exam and
solve farm analysis problems.
 Number of People: 4
 Components








Develop and analyze a budget.
Develop and analyze a business agreement.
Keep production and work experience records.
Analyze business records.
Prepare and analyze a financial statement.
Develop a summary and analysis of crop or livestock enterprise.
Analyze supply and demand forces at the market level.
Understand key institutional arrangements in agriculture
Ag Mechanics CDE
This CDE tests both technical and
agricultural mechanics skills and your ability to
work with others while solving problems. The
event takes a “systems” approach with various
components in each “system”.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:

Machinery and Equipment Systems-Metal Fabrication,
maintenance and repair

Industry and Marketing Systems -Customer Relations.
Accounting, communication, reading and understanding labels,
regulations

Energy Systems-Mechanical, electrical, chemical, solar, water, and wind power

Structural Systems-Concrete, plumbing, heating ventilation, air conditioning, metal and wood construction

Environmental/Natural Resource Systems- water quality, material compatibility, soil and water conservation, handling
of waste, recycling.

Agronomy CDE
 Choose this CDE to build and prove your skills in
agronomic sciences. The purpose of this CDE is to
create interest and promote an understanding in
agronomy by providing opportunities for recognition
through the demonstration of skills and proficiencies.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:




50 Question Exam
Identify Seeds, Insects, Soils, and Crops
Demonstrate Knowledge of Agronomic Management
Solve Problems
Aquaculture CDE
 The Aquaculture Career Development Event
allows students to compete in various activities
involved in the aquaculture industry This career
development event is a prime example of the
growing diversity in agriculture.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:




Fish Identification
Proper Feeding
Filleting Techniques
Building Water Systems
Entomology CDE
 The event consists of a two part trial to assess
knowledge about identification of many of our
common arthropods in Arizona, and secondly to
show competencies in knowledge about general
insect morphology, physiology, behaviors and
roles within the ecosystem.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:



Written Exam
Identify common insects and arthropods of Arizona
Identify by order, common name, type of mouthpart, and type of metamorphosis.
Forestry CDE
 Participate in this CDE to grow your skills in forestry
management. The purpose of this CDE is to spark
student interest in the forestry industry, and to provide
recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and
competencies as a result of forestry instruction.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:




Written Exam
Identify trees and forestry equipment
Interview on forestry issues
Skills in forest disorders, forest management, and inventory
Horse Evaluation CDE
 In this CDE, you evaluate and rank horses
on breed characteristics, conformation and
performance. Team members cooperatively
complete problems related to equine
selection, management, nutrition and
production.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:
Evaluate and rank horses on breed and characteristics
 Give oral reasons
 As a team solve problems involving equine selection,
management, nutrition and production.

Job Interview CDE
 Choose this event to polish your skills in
landing a job and launching your career.
Participants submit a resume and cover
letter, complete a job application and
participate in a telephone interview and
one‐on‐one interview.
 Number of People: 1
 Components:




Submit a resume and cover letter
Complete a job application
Phone interview
One-on-one interview
Livestock Evaluation and Selection CDE
 This CDE helps you learn to evaluate beef
cattle, sheep and swine and defend your
decisions. The purpose of this CDE is to
stimulate the study of, and interest in,
livestock selection management and
Production.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:



Written Exam
Determine classes for market and breeding purposes
Oral reasons
Meats Evaluation CDE
 In this CDE, you develop skills for careers in the
meat animal industry. The purpose of this CDE to
encourage members to gain knowledge in the
management and evaluation of the meat process.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:
Written Exam
 Evaluate beef carcasses for quality and yield grade
 Identify various meat cuts
 Place carcasses
 As a team fulfill customer order, and complete a meat formulation
problem

Range Management CDE
 The purpose of the State FFA Range Management
CDE is to develop the student’s skills and knowledge in
range plants, management and evaluation. Students
involved in this event identify range plants
from a given list using plant mounts.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:
Identify range plants
 figure current use of range sites and determine best management
practices for these sites
 Test on history and practices of range management

Nursery/Landscape CDE
 This CDE focuses your skills in all aspects of
producing, marketing, using and maintaining
landscape plants and related products, equipment
and services, including landscape design. The
purpose of this CDE is to stimulate career interest,
encourage proficiency development and recognize
excellence in students of nursery practices and
landscaping
 Number of People: 4
 Components:





Written Exam
Identify plant materials and equipment
Interpret landscape plans
Skills in sales, management, merchandising, and plant materials
Tools Identification
Soils CDE
 The Soils CDE consists of judging land, a written test
and identifying soil textures. Students engaged in this
event work as a team to learn how soils are used for
plant production and land classification. They
understand the process by which soils can be modified
to better suit its purpose.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:



Judge soil profiles
Soil texture identification
As a team determine how soil will be sued for plant production
Even more opportunities to compete!
 Just because we think there are NEVER enough
opportunities to compete…we’ve added a couple more to
the calendar! Held in conjunction with the Gila Southern
District CDE day in February, we are proud to host the state
Dairy CDE. And, in conjunction with the Yuma District
CDE day in April, you can compete in the state Poultry,
Dairy Foods or Agriculture Communications CDE
Dairy Management CDE
 Get involved in this CDE to improve your
skills in dairy cattle selection and herd
management. The purpose of this CDE is to
emphasizing skills in dairy cattle selection
and dairy herd management.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:




Written Exam
Evaluate dairy cattle and physical characteristics
Give oral reasons
Cooperate as a team to analyze a herd record
Poultry CDE
 The National FFA Poultry Evaluation
Career Development Event encourages
learning through activities relative to
production and management, processing,
marketing and food safety and quality of
poultry products.
Number of People: 4
 Components






Judge Poultry
Judge Ready to Cook Poultry
Judge Egg Shells
Quality Factors for Processed Poultry
Written Exam
Team Activity
Dairy Foods CDE
 The National Dairy Foods Career
Development Event is a competitive
activity where participants must
evaluate milk samples for flavor
and quality, identify cheeses,
evaluate milker parts for defects
and distinguish dairy and non-dairy
products.
 Number of People: 4
 Components




Evaluate Dairy Samples
Written Exam
Evaluate Milker Parts
Distinguish Products
Agriculture Communications CDE
 The purpose of the Agricultural
Communications CDE is to provide
individuals with basic communications skills
necessary to take advantage of career
opportunities in the agriculture industry.
 Number of People: 4
 Components:
Communications Project Proposal and Presentations –
 Each team will prepare a communications project proposal that
will explain ways to publicize an event.
 Test
 Organizing and writing news story
 Organizing and writing a press release
Divided between
 Developing and carrying out a broadcast
Team Members
 Preparing a graphic and photo editing for a news story
 Developing a website
