The Future Farmers of America (FFA), are part of the future agricultural story that is waiting to be written. Every FFA student may not follow the AgriLife track but can still play a pivotal role in whatever endeavor they choose. FFA students have the opportunity to learn from their all-in-one teacher, advisor, and mentor.

Career Development Events (CDE) are competitive events to put the students' knowledge to the test and promote grow in a particular discipline. In December, Texas FFA students had the opportunity to prove their knowledge at the Early Bird Special CDE Invitational hosted by Lamar Consolidated which was held at Long Acres Ranch.

National FFA Organization Connections

Future Farmers of America is a national student organization offered to primarily high school students who are interested in agriculture, leadership, and teamwork. FFA students are exposed to a broad array of ag related opportunities through their school that provides them with career readiness. They also have the opportunity to meet professionals in their field of interest. In some instances, by the time a student graduates, they can earn a certification or two to start a quality paying job straight out of high school. All of this is the result of a dedicated ag teacher and the hard work of the student.

FFA CDE Invitationals

The FFA students participating in CDEs, such as the Early Bird Special CDE Invitational, are benefit by developing and honing skills necessary to achieve a future career or college education. Across the state, various invitational competitions are held with different events that are suited for the venue of the CDE. Some of the events that are available include agronomy, cotton, dairy cattle, forestry, meats, poultry, and veterinary science. The invitationals are precursors to the state and national competitions.

Participants

In December, a total of 53 schools brought 417 students to Long Acres Ranch to compete in the Early Bird Special CDE. The number of students competing in the events offered were 75 students in Entomology, 138 students in Floriculture, 59 students in Milk Quality, and 145 students in Veterinary Science. Students traveled from all over the region, and one campuses that participated even traveled over 300 miles to get to the ranch.

Event Explanation

The following event descriptions come from the Texas FFA Association website describing the events that took place during the Early Bird Special CDE at Long Acres Ranch. 

Entomology: Students apply the fundamentals of entomology and develop skills in identifying common insects and their significance to people and agriculture.

Floriculture: Classroom knowledge and skills are applied as students identify and evaluate cut flowers, house plants, flowering plants, floral designs and complete an exam that tests their knowledge of floral design, propagation as well as preparation of floral and foliage products for sale.

Milk Quality: As a result of event outcomes, members develop a greater understanding of quality production, processing, distribution, promotion, marketing and consumption of dairy products. Team members complete a written exam, evaluate milk samples, identify cheeses and distinguish real and artificial dairy foods.

Veterinary Science: Students working in teams demonstrate their technical competency with small and large animals by completing a written exam, critical-thinking scenario questions, identifications and hands-on practicums.

Upcoming Contest

On Monday, February 24th, Seven Lake High School will be hosting their annual Seven Lakes FFA CDE Invitational at Long Acres Ranch. For their 2025 CDE, the events have been expanded to include Entomology, Floriculture, Homesite, Land, Poultry, Vet science, and Wildlife. Registration closes February 17th in Judgingcard.com.