Career Development Events

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Team competitions and classroom instruction come alive as students use their skills in a competitive setting. Career Development Events (CDEs) help develop technical knowledge, judgment, reasoning and sportsmanship.

Ten CDEs are held at the state level, testing the skills and knowledge of individuals or teams in the major areas of agricultural instruction and leadership. The following CDEs are held in Wyoming, and winning teams go on to compete at the National FFA Convention each November.

Agricultural Issues Forum
Participation begins by developing presentation, based on the outlined criteria in the CDE Handbook, at the local level. From the grassroots start, the team is then challenged to develop a portfolio and deliver a presentation that stresses both pros and cons of the issue. Utilizing verbal skills as well as presentation abilities, the group is asked to defend their findings through a series of questions.

Agricultural Mechanics
Members complete a written exam, demonstrate problem-solving and hands-on performance skills. Systems of emphasis include machinery and equipment, industry and marketing, energy, structural and environmental/natural resources. 

Agricultural Sales
Participants complete a fifty-question test and make a sales presentation of an agricultural product including a project summary. The participants also complete one of four practicums. The topics include customer relations, advertising and promotion, telephone skills and product display and market analysis.

Agronomy
Students identify weeds, plants, seeds, soils, and insects found in Wyoming, complete a written exam, and participate in a team activity. 

Creed Speaking
This is the first National event for 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grade FFA members. The event is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to present the FFA Creed from memory and answer questions on the meaning and purpose of the FFA Creed. The event is just one way FFA members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner, boost their self-confidence and earn recognition.

Dairy Judging
Members complete a written exam relating to the dairy industry, evaluate dairy cattle on physical characteristics using linear classification and pedigrees, and give oral reasons explaining their placing of a class. Team members cooperatively analyze a herd record.   Dairy judging is held in conjunction with the Wyoming State Fair each summer.

Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Members are required to deliver a speech on one of three agricultural topics, after they are given 30 minutes to prepare. At the conclusion of the speech, the judges may ask the participant question's related to their speech.

Farm Business Management
Members demonstrate knowledge and abilities in applying economic principles to agriculture and agribusiness by completing a written test and solving farm analysis problems.  

Horse Judging
Members evaluate and rank horses on breed characteristics, conformation and performance, and explain their placings in three oral reasons classes. 

Livestock Judging
Members evaluate beef cattle, sheep and swine on physical characteristics and records for market and breeding usage. Members give oral reasons explaining their placing of certain classes.

Meats Evaluation
Members judge quality, yield and grade of beef carcasses; and evaluate and place beef, lamb and pork carcasses. Members also complete a meat formulation problem and cooperatively fulfill a beef carcass order. 

Parliamentary Procedure
Members complete a written examination and then demonstrate their proficiency at using correct parliamentary procedures in conducting meetings. Participants discuss chapter events during their mock meetings.

Poultry
Members evaluate chickens, turkeys, processed products and eggs; give oral reasons on the placing of their classes; identify poultry parts and complete a written general knowledge exam. 

Prepared Public Speaking
The prepared public speaking event requires participants to write and deliver a six-to-eight minute speech in front of a panel of judges. Scoring is based on the written manuscript, the delivery of the speech and the answers to questions.