CDE & LDE Teams

The Career and Leadership Development Event teams challenge members 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.

Vet 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.

Welding

A team of four members have 30-40 minutes to compete on a project that is given with a specific set of plans that they have to build. Along with the project, members are tested on their knowledge of welding and welding inspections in a written test.

Marketing Plan

The Marketing Plan Career Development Event is designed for FFA members to develop, practice, and demonstrate skills needed in seeking employment in the agricultural industry. Each part of the event simulates “real world” activities that will be used by industry employers.

Natural Resources

This team provides students an opportunity to gain awareness and demonstrate knowledge in areas that affect our air, soil and water. Members interpret data, use measuring devices in the field and work through real-life scenarios involving environmental threats in pursuit of scoring the highest as a team and individual.

Job Interview

This event is designed for FFA members to develop, practice and demonstrate skills needed in seeking employment in the agricultural industry. In this event members submit a cover letter, resume, complete a job application and then conduct a personal interview.

Impromptu Speaking

The intention of the Impromptu Contest is to offer a more realistic, practical speaking contest to better prepare our students for public statements, media coverage, and general questions about the FFA and Agriculture Industry.

Project Competition

Project competition is an event held within a chapter where FFA members may compete against each other concerning the knowledge and the work experience gained from their own FFA projects. The top projects from the chapter are selected to advance in competition to the sectional level, to compete against FFA members from other chapters in the Merced-Mariposa Section.

Creed Speaking

The FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event recognizes outstanding FFA members for their ability to present the National FFA Creed from memory and answer questions related to it.

Prepared Speaking

During the Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event, students write and deliver a six to eight-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic. Students research a topic of interest and then put together a creative, informative speech. The speech is then presented to a panel of judges, who score the student based on the speech’s content, composition and delivery.

Parliamentary Procedure

Students participating in the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event are evaluated on their ability to conduct an orderly and efficient meeting using parliamentary procedure. Participants are judged on their knowledge of parliamentary law and their ability to present logical, realistic and convincing debate and motions.

Extemporaneous

Students participating in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking showcase their agricultural knowledge and ability to think on their feet by giving a speech and answering questions with limited prep time. Participants draw from 18 agricultural topics then select three of interest. The student then selects the topic of their speech and has 30 minutes to prepare using five resources. Participants then present a four to six-minute speech on their topic to a panel of judges. After their speech, students answer five minutes worth of questions on the topic they just presented.

Ag Classes

Being a part of an agriculture class means you’re also a member of the National FFA Organization, the largest national youth organization in the world. Within the FFA you will learn valuable soft skills and leadership abilities to further progress you in any career!

Ag Shop Skills: This is specifically designed for 9th grade students interested in being involved, exploring and developing skills in shop safety, tool ID, and woodworking. Content areas in job safety and tool IDs are included with “hands-on” learning and various projects to build, take home, and showcase at the boosters dinner dance.

Floral Design: This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study floral design. Hands on study and application in selection of cut flowers & greens, floral design mechanics, bud vases, circular/triangular, wreaths, and professional organizations will be implemented.

Vet Science: This course is designed to study the science of veterinary medicine, including animal anatomy and physiology, animal health, and nutrition. Students will learn various veterinary laboratory skills, aseptic and surgical procedures, and scientific research and writing skills.

Ag Foods: In this course students will study the science behind food production, preparation and processing. Students will analyze food nutrition and its role on the human body. They will be expected to prepare and consume food as well as participate in cleaning and sanitizing a group lab station.

Welding Fab: This course is designed to provide students with the application to learn welding skills and knowledge in ag mechanics and welding technology. Classroom instruction is provided along with a required project using the welding skills taught in class.

Ag Leadership: Students will be encompassed in a variety of leadership, management, public speaking, and community service skills. “Hands-on” learning utilizing technology, and advanced communications will be addressed. One of the primary objectives of the class is to organize, prepare, and implement the FFA Program.

Intro to Shop: Intro to shop is a course designed to introduce students to general woodworking practices. Students will expand their knowledge and experience through various projects, lessons, and vocabulary. Students will be expected to learn about use hand tools, power tools, and woodworking machinery.

Ag Tech: This course is designed to prepared students for the computer design and engineering of fabrication. Within the course students will learn how to use a variety of computer based drawing programs that apply to engineering and architecture blueprints. Students will be able use CNC machinery as well as our 3D printing capabilities to to apply hands on skills to their computer designs. This class also counts for the high school graduation art credit.

Horticulture: This course is designed as an extension to what is learned in the Ag Science II and Ag Biology classes. Horticulture is the science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants. Along with scientific topics, the course also includes units in leadership, FFA and record keeping.