Since its founding in 1928, the FFA has been an important part of the educational program of agricultural science and agribusiness. The FFA is an essential teaching tool for the practical application of technical skills and lessons in leadership, cooperation, and citizenship. The Texas FFA provides opportunities for learning and personal development for over 60,000 young people by challenging them with a program of leadership activities and incentive awards designed to complement and strengthen the instructional program that currently takes place in the entire agricultural education program, including classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, individualized instruction, and/or supervised agricultural experience.
The Texas FFA Career Development Events are educational activities organized by the National FFA Organization and State FFA Association and sponsored by colleges and universities, industry sponsors and others interested in young people in agricultural science. These competitions provide FFA members with an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills within various agricultural fields and business situations. Along with recognition for a team or individual’s achievement, many members receive scholarship opportunities through these events.
LDEs- Leadership Development Events
LDEs help members develop their skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork application of knowledge and critical thinking. These events encourage members to apply what is learned in the classroom to life and business situations.
CDEs- Career Development Events
CDE’s build on what is learned in agricultural classes and FFA. The events are designed to help a member prepare for a career in agriculture by testing and challenging the student's technical, leadership, interpersonal, teamwork and knowledge skills.
Speaking Development Events
These competitions encourage members to develop their extemporaneous and prepared speaking skills as they learn how to professionally address an audience, think on their feet and make a case quickly and persuasively.
FFA Agriscience Fair
The Agriscience Fair recognizes middle and high school students who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. Participation begins at the local chapter level and progresses to the state and national levels. Areas of participation closely mirror those of the International Science and Engineering Fair but reflect an agricultural theme.