Members from across the country gathered during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo to showcase their knowledge and skills in the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE). This competition is designed to test participants’ understanding of forest management, tree identification and environmental conservation.
The CDE also challenges members to apply real-world forestry concepts through a variety of hands-on activities. Competitors identify tree species, measure tree diameters, calculate board feet and answer questions about forest health and sustainability. The goal of the competition is to help members gain practical experiences that connect classroom learning to future career opportunities in natural resources.
Skills Take Root
National FFA Forestry CDE Superintendent Aaron Babers says this is more than just a competition — it’s a learning experience that encourages problem-solving and precision.
“It has concepts, such as tree identification, timber measurement, silviculture disorders and equipment, that foresters would use,” Babers says. ”Some of these skills are more identification-based, while some are more scenario-based, where students are having to make decisions based on a set of criteria.”
Competitors find the event rewarding because it pushes them to think critically and work collaboratively. Broken Bow FFA member Cameron Cooke, for example, says participating helped him grow personally and professionally.
“I’ve spent the last four years prepping for this,” Cooke says. “Before I came out here and started doing this CDE, I couldn’t tell you what any tree in the woods was. Now, especially back home [in Oklahoma], I pretty well know all of them. I’ve definitely developed lots of skills doing this.”
As the competition day wrapped up, members left the grounds with more than just scores — they carried new knowledge, stronger friendships and a greater respect for the role forestry plays in everyday life. This CDE continues to serve as a reminder that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it grows from experiences that challenge students to think, lead and conserve with the future in mind.
