For current 2022 CDE and LDE information, visit the Event Status Tracker.
Through Career and Leadership Development Events, participating FFA members in grades 7 to 12 are challenged to develop critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. CDE and LDE events occur at the local, state and national levels.
National FFA Career & Leadership Development Events
Agricultural Communications
Students interested in journalism, broadcasting, web design and more learn to communicate effectively while advocating for agriculture.
Agricultural Issues Forum
Participants research the pros and cons of an agricultural issue and present their findings to a panel of judges.
Agricultural Sales
Students work as a team to collaboratively build a sales plan and demonstrate skills in customer relations.
Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Students develop technical knowledge and an ability to work with others to solve complex agricultural problems.
Conduct of Chapter Meetings
FFA members in Grades 7-9 are introduced to parliamentary procedure and effective meetings.
Creed Speaking
FFA members recite the National FFA Creed to develop public speaking skills and self-confidence.
Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Students develop skills important to dairy cattle selection and herd management via this team-based event.
Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity
Handlers earn recognition for their ability to present dairy animals during the Dairy Cattle Management and Evaluation CDE.
Employment Skills
Participants in the National FFA Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE) get a leg up on their future careers by developing 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.
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.
Horse Evaluation
Students who participate in the National FFA Horse Evaluation CDE gain new insights into equine science.
Livestock Evaluation
Participants in the Livestock Evaluation CDE cooperatively classify livestock as “keep” or “cull” for market and breeding purposes.
Marketing Plan
Participants in the Marketing Plan CDE present a marketing plan for an agricultural product, supply or service.
Meats Evaluation & Technology
In the Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE, students develop the skills needed for careers in the meat animal industry.
Milk Quality & Products
Participants in the Milk Quality and Products CDE 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
During the Parliamentary Procedure LDE, 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 test students’ skills in the production, processing, and marketing of chickens, turkeys, processed poultry products and eggs.
Prepared Public Speaking
During the Prepared Public Speaking LDE, students present a speech on an agriculture-related topic.
Veterinary Science
The Veterinary Science CDE provides opportunities for participants to develop technical knowledge and demonstrate practical skills in the field of veterinary science.
