FFA Competition Teaches Better Business Skills

The Farm and Agribusiness Management Career Development Event (CDE) gives FFA members the opportunity to strengthen their analytical skills while learning how to make sound financial decisions. The competition helps students understand the practices needed to manage successful agricultural businesses.

Richard Joerger, the event’s superintendent and a former high school agriculture teacher, says financial literacy is important for people of all ages.

“We have that opportunity in our schools and other organizations for all ages to learn about financial literacy because it does impact them directly or indirectly,” Joerger says. “As an educator, I think it is so important at all levels that we continue to improve our education because it’s for the good of everybody else.”

Financial management is especially important for family farms looking to continue across generations. Event assistant superintendent Jacob Vazquez says strong financial practices help farmers maintain successful operations and prepare for the future.

“Without sound financial practices, these farms aren’t going to last very long into the future,” Vazquez says. “Having a strong financial background is going to be critical for them to have a successful operation.”

The skills students gain through the competition can also prepare them for college and future careers. Kellen Liebsch, associate director of the Kansas Farm Management Association, says the event gives students a chance to apply their knowledge and explain their decisions.

“They get to put it together and kind of complete what I term as a miniature practicum that sets them up for success in the future,” Liebsch says.

Beyond agriculture, these lessons can help students become more informed consumers and responsible business professionals. Understanding how financial decisions fit together is valuable both in business and in everyday life.