Spring Judging Career Development Events

Agronomy-  Test: Agronomic sciences through scenarios, ID seeds, insects, soil, crops and other management practices

Ag Mechanics-  Written test, team activity, and hands on tasks with energy environmental, machinery, and structural systems

Farm Business Management-  Written test covering topics in agribusiness, economics, record analysis, and risk management, with a team activity

Food Science-  Covers knowledge of food science, safety, sanitation, written test, practicum, and team activity

Horticulture-  Identify vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, diseases (indoor/ outdoor plants) and evaluate vegetables and fruits

Meat Evaluation-  Students compete in a written test, practicums- identify meat cuts, quality, and grading

Milk Quality-  Written exam on milk production/ marketing, evaluating milk samples, cheeses, equipment, and non-dairy products

Nursery/ Landscape-  Test in nursery practices and landscaping, team activity, practicum on plant ID, pathogens, and problem solving activities

State Convention Career Development Events

Agricultural Communication-  A team of 3 present their marketing plan, submit a portfolio prior to event. Each member will complete a practicum within agriculture communications.

Agricultural Issues-  A team of 3-7 students present their views on a current agricultural issue. A portfolio must be submitted prior to the event demonstrating community presentations.

Agricultural Knowledge Bowl-  This is a quiz bowl to test competing teams knowledge of agriculture, using buzzers. 

Agricultural Sales-  Students will conduct a team presentation, individual sales call, and written test.

Creed Speaking-  First year member, 7-9th grade, recite the FFA Creed, answer critial thinking questions

Environmental Natural Resources-  Students will perform decision making and problem solving skills in the areas of   environment and natural resources, written test, team activity, and practicums.

Extemporaneous Public Speaking-  Students select 1, from three agriculturally relate topics, write a 4-6 minute speech, given 30 min. to prepare, answer questions, top 4 advance to final round.

FFA Knowledge-  Students will take a written exam on the FFA organization, policies, history,  parliamentary procedure, and current topics, then solve a team activity.

Floriculture-  Students will complete a written test, plant and equipment ID, practicums floral arrangements, job resume;, and a team activity within the floral industry.

Forestry-  Tree & equipment identification,timber cruising, compass/pacing, chainsaw operation,  general knowledge exam, and a team activity to a forestry issue.

Horticulture Knowledge Bowl-  This is a quiz bowl to test competing teams knowledge of horticulture, using buzzers.

Job Interview- Students will be interviewed by judges, submit an application, cover letter and resume.

Marketing Plan-  A team of 3 present their marketing plan for an existing or start up agribusiness and  answer questions from the judges. A portfolio must be submitted prior to the event

Parliamentary Procedure-  Conduct  10 minute meeting using designated motions, answer questions, written test

Prepared Public Speaking-  Students present a 6-8 minute speech on a topic of their choice related to agriculture and answer questions related to their topic, top 4 advance to the final round

Talent-  Individuals or groups may perform on stage, based on originality, stage  presence, power of expression, general effect, and appropriateness for audience

Veterinary Science-  Students compete in  a written test, practicums in ID of equipment, clinical procedures, handling and restraint within the veterinary industry 

Single Day Career Development Events

Land Judging- Cecil County- Evaluate soil sites and profiles, recommend proper use, management of soils.

Agriscience Fair- UMCP- ANSC Build.- Conduct scientific research projects in 6 categories with 4 Divisions in grades 7-12, and present findings with a display and report.

Horse Evaluation- UMCP- Evaluate the conformation and performance of horses,with a team activity, and 2 sets of oral reasons.

Dairy Handling- Wash. Co. Ag Expo- Students demonstrate their skills in properly handling dairy animals during the Dairy Evaluation CDE.

Dairy Evaluation- Wash. Co. Ag Expo- Evaluate the conformation of various breeds of dairy cattle, with a team activity, and 3 to 4 sets of oral reasons.

Livestock Evaluation- Wash. Co. Ag Expo- Evaluate the conformation of Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Goats with a team activity, and 3 to 4 sets of oral reasons.

Poultry Evaluation- Wash. Co. Ag Expo- Identify quality and grading of poultry products, evaluate live birds, 2 sets of reasons and a written test.

Tractor Operators- - Students demonstrate their skills in driving a tractor through a 2 and 4 wheel course, and a troubleshooting practicum.