2015 florida ffa guide

1

PREMIER LEADERSHIP PERSONAL GROWTH CAREER SUCCESS

FFA GUIDE

CULTIVATE A

LEGACY

Supporting Today’s Youth to be Tomorrow’s Leaderswww.FloridaStateFairAG.com

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Weddings, Reunions, Receptions, Corporate Conferences, Retreats, and much more!

Special FFA Rates are available for ALL FFA Groups.

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The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center is owned and operated by the Florida FFA Foundation.

6 FLORIDA FFA GUIDE

Behind every legacy there’s a person, cause, or powerful idea. A person, regardless of where they came from, who believes in making the future better. A cause that’s worth working for and supporting. And a powerful idea cultivated from years of change and growth, that creates an impact beyond the revolution it started.

That person is you. Our cause is agriculture. And our powerful idea to change the world through FFA will be our legacy. Now is our chance to make a difference, feed the world, and cultivate a legacy.

Florida FFA Guide • 2015-2016Volume 2, Issue 1

The Florida FFA Guide is published annually by Florida FFA Inc. for the exclusive use of its members and teachers/advisors.

Florida FFA Association • 5600 SW 34th Street • Gainesville, Florida 32608(352) 378-0060 • Fax (352) 378-6061www.floridaffa.org

Copyright © 2015 Florida FFA Inc. All rights reserved.

4 Getting Started

24 Membership

28 Quality Chapter Plan and Report

34 Leadership Conferences

46 Career Development Events

62 Award Programs

WHAT’S INSIDE

WHAT’S INSIDE

8 About Florida FFA

8 Chapter Requirements

9 Agricultural Education Model

10 Starting an Agricultural Education Program

10 Chartering a FFA Chapter

11 Resources

12 Our Brand

16 Officer Resources

GETTING STARTED

24 Active Membership

24 Submitting Your Membership Roster

25 FFA New Horizons

MEMBERSHIP

28 About the Quality Chapter Plan and Report

28 Submitting Your Chapter’s Plan and Report

29 Standard Areas

30 Chapter Campaigns

QUALITY CHAPTER PLAN AND REPORT

34 General Policies

34 What to Expect

34 Chaperon Policies

35 Conference Information

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

46 General Policies

47 Changes for 2014-15

48 What to Expect

48 Online Testing

48 CDE Participation Fee

49 Individual Rankings and Specializations

50 CDE Overviews

58 2015 CDE Winners

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

62 Award Submission

62 Award Deadlines

62 Award Application Revision

62 Resources

62 Award Application Reminders

63 Award Overviews

67 2015 Award Winners

AWARD PROGRAMS

37 Integrity and Honesty Policy

40 Industry Certifications

8 FLORIDA FFA GUIDE

FFA is an integral part of agricultural education by helping make classroom instruction come to life through realistic, hands-on applications. FFA members embrace concepts taught in agricultural classrooms nationwide, build valuable skills through hands-on experiential learning and each year demonstrate their proficiencies in competitions that showcase real-world agricultural skills.

Today’s FFA has evolved in response to expanded opportunities available in agriculture and its needs to hire skilled and competent employees for more than 300 careers. The organization helps students prepare for careers in business, marketing, science, communications, education, horticulture, production, natural resources, forestry and many other diverse fields.

The agricultural education program provides a well-rounded, practical approach to learning through three components: Classroom education, hands-on supervised agricultural career experiences, and FFA, which provides leadership opportunities and tests students’ agricultural skills.

The Florida FFA Association is governed by a board of directors comprised of teachers and students, charters local chapters and provides direction, program materials, and support for local chapters.

Its headquarters are in Gainesville, Florida, and its Leadership Training Center is located in Haines City, Florida.

STATE FFA OFFICERS

FFA members elect their own officers and plan and conduct activities with supervision from their chapter advisors. Eight state officers, all recent high school graduates taking a year off of college, play a key role in sharing FFA and agriculture’s message, traveling more than 300 days of their year of service. State Officers present workshops and deliver presentations focused on the importance of agriculture and leadership development. The president and secretary are elected at-large, and six vice presidents are elected by area.

You can request a state FFA officer to present at your school or participate in your chapter’s activities or banquet. A request form is available online at FloridaFFA.org. State officers are normally limited to two visits per program, per year.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

In accordance with the Florida FFA Constitution, Florida FFA is divided into six regional areas (I-VI). Each area is sub-divided into two districts, and these districts are divided into sub-districts based on membership, participation levels, and geography. Areas, districts, and sub-districts are used for levels of competition for some career development events and officers at the respective levels.

CHAPTER REQUIREMENTS

Bona Fide Chapter RequirementsBona fide FFA Chapters will be eligible to register and participate in all FFA events and activities. Failure to meet these items will prevent the chapter from registering and/or competing in all Career Development Events (CDEs).

■ Submits the Quality Chapter Plan and Report to the state office by October 1 and May 15 of each year and subsequently meets the qualifying points value to be certified as a Quality FFA Chapter.

■ Submits the initial FFA roster and membership dues to the state office by October 1 of each year. Additional membership roster and dues updates may be submitted at any time prior to the spring deadline.

■ Has a charter duly issued by the State FFA Association. ■ Holds chapter meetings an average of once a month or

more. ■ Has chapter officers who know the opening and closing

ceremonies and are familiar with the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure.

■ Has a chapter secretary who prepares and keeps on file the minutes of each chapter meeting.

■ Meets the minimum points requirement of the Quality Chapter Report to seat delegates at the annual State FFA Convention.

ABOUT FLORIDA FFA

9GETTInG STARTED

Middle School ChaptersMiddle School FFA Chapter refers to all chapters comprised of only 6th, 7th, and 8th grade members are considered middle school chapters. Some Career Development Events (CDEs) and award programs in Florida are restricted to certain grade levels.

Junior ChaptersJunior Chapter refers to all chapters comprised of ninth grade students only are considered Junior Chapters. There may be two chapters in a high school if the following conditions are met: there are at least sixty FFA members in grades 10 - 12 in the original chapter and two teachers in the department. ninth grade Junior Chapters compete at the same level as Senior Chapters for recog-nition.

Senior ChaptersSenior Chapter may include members from grades 7 - 12 in a school where a Middle or Junior Chapter does not exist. The words “Senior Chapter” must be used if there is a Junior Chapter in existence in that school.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MODEL

The Agricultural Education Program consists of three elements:

Classroom instruction is the classroom component carried out in the practical application of instruction in a laboratory, shop, greenhouse, school farm, and/or the extended classroom or field trips.

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is the individual student application of knowledge and skills acquired through the instructional component put to practical use outside the classroom, under the supervision of the agricultural education teacher.

FFA activities require a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and the supervised agricultural experience programs. numerous FFA activities exist which require that students become prepared by study and experience in each of the three phases mentioned.

The close correlation between instruction, activity, and experience makes the program vocational. The FFA, which is an integral part of each of the program elements, has the unique characteristic of binding them together. It often serves as a catalyst, advancing the student more rapidly toward the intended objective.

10 FLORIDA FFA GUIDE

STARTING AN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Most importantly, FFA is a part of the teaching program in agricultural education. The first step is to ensure an agricultural education program exists at your school. FFA activities are an outgrowth of the classroom and supervised independent enterprises and projects. It is impossible to have an FFA chapter without a complete agricultural education program. Below you will find 11 steps to establishing a program in your school.

■ Step 1: Clarify what you want and why you need it. Every community is different. Start by clarifying your goals and assessing your community’s needs.

■ Step 2: Determine what opportunities are available. Each community will be able to offer different educational opportunities based on the region in which they are located. Research to find the number and types of agricultural jobs and post-secondary education opportunities that are available in your area.

■ Step 3: Develop community support. Gather information, facts and statistics that will help you make a case for agricultural education in your community.

■ Step 4: Analyze the local political climate. Find out who the key decision makers are in your community. Then, determine how best to approach them.

■ Step 5: Clarify state-specific processes and procedures. Talk to your state’s agricultural education leaders.

■ Step 6: Develop a task list and timeline. Outline your plan of action. Keep in mind establishing an agricultural education program can be a lengthy process.

■ Step 7: Involve key people. Approach key community leaders and present your case for an agricultural education program.

■ Step 8: Meet with local officials and set up a steering committee. Once you have your key community leaders on board, ask them to become part of your local steering committee.

■ Step 9: Develop a community campaign. Once you have support from community leaders, it is time to get the entire community involved. Develop presentations for your key audiences. Include facts about agricultural education and FFA, and share information you gathered in “Step 2: Determine what opportunities are available.”

■ Step 10: Determine the type of curriculum needed. Once you have completed the surveys and assessments in steps 2 and 3, you will know what types of career opportunities your community has to offer to an agriculture student. Use this knowledge to determine your agricultural education program’s curriculum.

■ Step 11: Present your proposal to the school board. Once you have determined your community’s need for an agricultural education program, gathered a group of supporters, and developed a curriculum, it is time to present your proposal to your local school board for final approval.

CHARTERING A FFA CHAPTER

We’re excited that you are interested in joining thousands of students in Florida wearing the blue corduroy jacket. After you’ve ensured your school’s ability to offer agricultural education courses, chartering an FFA chapter is easy.

1. Chapter Charter ApplicationThe Chapter Charter Application collects all of the information required to get your chapter started. The start a chapter, you are required to have the following at the time of application:

■ At least 10 FFA members ■ List of Agricultural Education Courses taught at school ■ FFA officers ■ An adopted constitution (see step 2) ■ Dues collected

This application is submitted to Florida FFA for processing. Upon receiving your charter, you will be asked to submit the following: the names of your members using the national FFA membership system (MyFFA) and an electronic Quality Chapter Planning Guide by October 15th, or within 30 days of receiving your charter notice if after October 1.

2. Chapter ConstitutionEach chapter is required to develop and adopt a chapter constitution, which outlines the operations of the FFA chapter. A sample constitution is provided (above) for your convenience. It is imperative that the constitution is adopted by the members of the FFA chapter and is shared with your school administration. You will be required to submit a copy of your chapter’s constitution each year.

3. Collect and Submit DuesWe want you to be able to participate in all of the exciting opportunities available as soon as possible. Submit your chapter charter application, adopted chapter constitution, and dues to Florida FFA for processing. We will be in touch with you as soon as your charter is approved. Additionally, we’ll send you your account information for the online membership system and add your contact information to our mailing lists. We will also recognize your chapter on stage at the state convention immediately following your submission.

11GETTInG STARTED

As an FFA advisor, you have access to many resources to help you enhance your teaching. Florida FFA, along with the University of Florida and the Florida Association of Agriculture Educators, offers high-quality, continuous professional development opportunities, resources, workshops and seminars to improve your performance and fulfill your certification requirements for continuing professional development.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development workshops and other opportunities are available through respected teacher/professional organizations and at select FFA leadership conferences. Workshops, updates, and trainings are typically offered at the following events:

■ FACTE Conference & Trade Show (July) ■ Alumni Development Conference (August ■ Chapter Presidents Conference (September) ■ new Teacher Workshop (September) ■ Chapter Officer Leadership Training (September-October) ■ national FFA Convention & Expo (October-november) ■ FAAE Mid-Winter Conference (January) ■ FFA Awards Judging (May) ■ State FFA Convention & Expo (June-July)

FLAFFA.ORGOfficial website of the Florida FFA Association

FFA.ORGOfficial website of the national FFA Organization

Visit the following areas on ffa.org to find a plethora of beneficial resources for both your agriculture classes and FFA Chapter:

■ Resources > Advisor/Educator ■ Resources > Chapter ■ Resources > Publications

SHOPFFA.ORG ■ Blue Catalog – FFA Official Dress, FFA Apparel and other

paraphernalia ■ Gold Catalog – Chapter Supplies & FFA Awards

FLORIDAFFAALUMNI.ORGFlorida FFA Alumni Association

FLORIDAFFAFOUNDATION.ORGFlorida FFA Foundation

FLALTC.ORGFlorida FFA Leadership Training Center

FAITC.ORGFlorida Ag in the Classroom

FLORIDAFARMBUREAU.ORGFlorida Farm Bureau Federation

COMMUNITIES.NAAE.ORGCommunities of Practice (professional networking site for agriculture educators)

RESOURCES


Whether you’re creating a T-shirt for an event or redesigning and updating your chapter’s website, this section provides the tools and information you need to promote the right image of FFA in your school and community. While your chapter still enjoys the freedom to express its own personality, you should consider this section as a way to ensure you’re putting FFA in the best possible light.

OUR NAME

What do we stand for?People often ask us what FFA stands for. Though it used to stand for Future Farmers of America, it has expanded to mean so much more. Today, FFA stands for leadership, personal growth and career success.

We are the national FFA Organization, and we represent these beliefs on a level that spans the globe. We empower our membership to provide a space of identity and belonging that gives individuals vital opportunities to grow and become leaders during their school years — and beyond.

OUR MISSION

Common vision. Uncommon Results.no matter what size your chapter is or where you’re located, you share a common mission with every other chapter in the country. That’s why you see the mission statement printed so often on stationery, in handbooks, on FFA.org and more. It’s something to live by, and it’s something to be sure to communicate to the public:

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

OUR MOTTO

Twelve powerful words.A motto is a short sentence or phrase that encapsulates the beliefs or ideals that guide an individual, family or institution. The FFA motto, as a matter of fact, was included in the very first FFA manual. So it’s not only rooted in tradition, it’s woven into the fabric of our organization.

FFA Motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

OUR FFA EMBLEM

Our most important brand asset is you.When someone asks you to name a brand, you might come up with nike® or McDonald’s® or Target®. But you might just as easily say the nike swoosh, the Golden Arches, or that familiar red bulls-eye.

After all, a brand is more than just a company name or a logo. It’s everything. It’s a promise. A promise that you get the same experience—whether it’s the color of the logo or how the product performs—no matter how you’re experiencing the brand. At least that’s the way it should work.

By the same measure, how you use the FFA emblem is important to protecting the integrity of the overall brand.

So whether the FFA emblem is stitched on a jacket or projected on a screen in front of thousands of people, it needs to be treated in a similar, consistent manner.

Downloading and Using the FFA EmblemThe emblem is accessible for those who desire to use it non-commercially through the new FFA Brand Center on the redesigned FFA.org. There you’ll find a comprehensive set of downloads and guides for how to best display it in a way that illustrates the tradition and pride in the mark.

OUR BRAND

13OUR BRAnD

3-COLOR

1-COLOR

BLUECOATED

Pantone 2945 C

C 100

M 53

Y 2

K 16

UNCOATED

Pantone 2935 U

C 98

M 52

Y 0

K 0

WEB/SCREEN

R 0

G 76

B 151

#004c97

YELLOWCOATED

Pantone 116 C

C 0

M 20

Y 100

K 0

UNCOATED

Pantone 115 U

C 0

M 11

Y 94

K 0

WEB/SCREEN

R 255

G 205

B 0

#ffcd00

REDCOATED

Pantone 485 C

C 0

M 81

Y 87

K 15

UNCOATED

Pantone 2035 U

C 0

M 86

Y 100

K 0

WEB/SCREEN

R 218

G 41

B 28

#da291c

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Chartered FFA Chapters are permitted to use the trademarked Official FFA Emblem on printed materials and websites provided they follow the guidelines for reproducing the emblem. In order to use the FFA emblem on promotional materials such as accessories or clothing, prior permission should be obtained from Florida FFA.

THE REFRESHED FFA EMBLEM

You’ll notice that the refreshed emblem has been digitally enhanced to highlight the crisp, well-defined eagle, shield, arrows, owl and plow. On the eagle, the wings have been made symmetrical, while the kernels of corn and rays of sun are new equally proportioned.

The fonts used within the emblem have been updated to look more reminiscent of the font used on the original emblem from 1928, and the registered trademark symbol – an extremely important part of displaying the emblem at any time – is now located within the border of the ear of corn.

Over the next year, you’ll see the new mark deployed in more and more places. It will make its way to the FFA jacket with an accurate, more vibrant stitched embroidery, and will also begin to appear on other Shop FFA merchandise.

14

FLORIDAFFAALUMNI.ORG • @flffaalumni

We believe in the future of agriculture.

The Florida FFA Alumni is an organization of dedicated, hardworking, fun-loving individuals with the goal of making FFA bigger, better, and brighter. These Alumni members are from all walks of life. Many were FFA members in high school, but just as many never wore the blue jacket.

Whether your wore the blue jacket or simply believe in the future of agriculture, contact the alumni association to learn more about how you can join and make a difference.

Growing through action,leading through service.

Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers are active members between the ages of 18 and 35.

floridafarmbureau.org

Continue growing your passion for agriculture and building a network with fellow farmers and ranchers.

Start leading the next generation of agriculturalists by sharing your story, influencing public policy, and making a difference in your community.


FFA members elect their own officers and plan and conduct activities with supervision from their chapter advisors. Officers play a key role in sharing FFA and agriculture’s message. Officers present workshops and deliver presentations focused on the importance of agriculture and leadership development in addition to coordinating the chapter’s activities over the course of the year. Officer opportunities are available at the chapter, sub-district, district, state, and national levels.

CHAPTER OFFICERS

The heart of the organization is at the local level. FFA chapters may be chartered in any public school with an agricultural education program. Leadership is provided by student officers elected each year and the agriculture teacher who serves as an advisor to guide the chapter.

Officers include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and sentinel. Additional officers may be elected to serve other chapter needs, such as a parliamentarian and historian. More members can get involved in leadership positions with a mini-chapter system where each agriculture class elects its own officers.

Chapter officers serve a vital function in FFA. By taking a major leadership role, these students grow from the experience and benefit the chapter. It should be the officers’ goal to lead by example and encourage other members to participate in chapter activities. The following are general duties expected of all officers:

■ A genuine desire to be part of a leadership team. ■ A willingness to accept responsibility. ■ A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting

their leadership, personal and chapter goals. ■ A commitment to lead by example. ■ Knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and

national FFA constitutions, bylaws and programs. ■ A working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. ■ The ability to memorize official ceremonies.

SUB-DISTRICT OFFICERS

A sub-district chairperson shall be elected each year at the Sub-District Contest. The sub-district chairperson shall hold the rank of Chapter FFA Degree, except in a sub-district where all chapters are junior chapters. The sub-district chairperson shall assume the duties of sub-district activities. A sub-district chairperson alternate shall be elected separately and is not to be the runner-up in the chairmanship voting. The sub-district chairperson and alternate chairperson shall be a junior or less and have one remaining year of eligibility in the sub-district the member is elected to represent.

The chairperson and alternate chairperson will be elected at the Sub-District Contest and shall serve as the sub-district chairperson-elect (alternate chairperson-elect) until the following state convention where they will then assume the responsibility of their elected office. They will serve for the length of one year from the time they assume the duties of their office.

Although there is no application for this office, it is encouraged for FFA members seeking a Sub-District office to notify the Sub-District Contest host of their intent.

Campaigning guidelines are listed in the Florida FFA Officer Candidate Handbook.

OFFICER RESOURCES

17GETTInG STARTED

DISTRICT OFFICERS

The primary responsibility of a district officer is to serve the Florida FFA Association, Agricultural Education and Agriculture as an ambassador in district activities in a way that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors and others to embrace and uphold the FFA mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The twelve district presidents shall be elected each year at the annual State Convention. The district presidents shall hold the rank of Chapter FFA Degree. The district presidents shall assume the responsibilities of their office as outlined by the Florida FFA Association under the supervision of their advisor or appointed district advisor.

The twelve district secretaries will be elected each year at the annual State Convention. The district secretaries shall hold the rank of Chapter FFA Degree. The district secretaries shall assume the responsibilities of their office as outlined by the Florida FFA Association under the supervision of their advisor or appointed district advisor.

The application for district office is available below and is due May 15, or as listed on the Florida FFA Calendar.

Campaigning guidelines are listed in the Florida FFA Officer Candidate Handbook.

STATE OFFICERS

Eight state officers, all recent high school graduates taking a year off of college, also play a key role in sharing FFA and agriculture’s message, traveling more than 300 days of their year of service.

Serving as an officer in the FFA is a great honor. Having the chance to serve as a state officer is an even greater honor and with it comes many opportunities to influence, impact and serve FFA members, advisors, teachers, and supporters of the organization. These opportunities to lead and impact are invaluable and represent what the service to the FFA is all about.

The primary responsibility of a state officer is to serve the Florida FFA Association, Agricultural Education and Agriculture as an ambassador in local, state and national activities in a way that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors and others to embrace and uphold the FFA mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students.

State Officer Candidates are selected by a screening committee held in April of each year. Two candidates for president and two candidates for each area vice president are selected. Delegates at the annual state FFA convention & expo elect the state officers from the selected candidates.

Information on the screening process and campaigning guidelines are listed in the Florida FFA Officer Candidate Handbook.

RESOURCES

Official FFA ManualLearn everything you need to know about FFA—its history, bylaws, constitution and more—with the Official FFA Manual, now available online for free. You can also view the links on your mobile phone for easy access.

■ FFA History ■ Officer Ceremony Parts ■ FFA Traditions ■ Chapter Operations

My JourneyMy Journey is your “Go To” place to Explore videos, activi-ties, and personality quizzes; Build your own successes for current and future roles and; Connect your stories to oppor-tunities and experiences across the country.

■ Resume Builder ■ Career Exploration ■ Personality Assessments ■ Agenda Builder ■ Workshop Templates

FFA Brand CenterThe new FFA Brand Center will be a great resource for our various audiences.

■ FFA Emblem ■ newsletter Template ■ Stationary Template ■ Business Card Template ■ news Release Template


FLORIDA FFA AREAS AND DISTRICTS

AREA 1

District 1EscambiaHolmesOkaloosaSanta RosaWaltonWashington

District 2BayCalhounFranklinGadsdenGulfJacksonLeonLiberty

AREA 2

District 3ColumbiaDixieGilchristHamiltonJefferson LafayetteLevyMadisonSuwannee

District 4AlachuaBakerBradfordClayDuvalnassauPutnamUnion

AREA 3

District 5CitrusHernandoLakeMarion Sumter

District 6FlaglerSeminoleVolusia

AREA 4

District 7OrangeOsceola

District 8Polk

AREA 5

District 9HillsboroughPascoPinellas

District 10CharlotteDeSotoHardeeLeeManateeSarasota

AREA 6

District 11GladesHendryHighlandsIndian RiverMartinOkeechobeePalm BeachSt. Lucie

District 12BrowardMiami-Dade

JacksonSanta Rosa

Escambia

OkaloosaHolmes

Walton Washingtonnassau

Gadsden

Leon MadisonHamilton

Calhoun

Liberty Columbia

DuvalBakerBay Suwannee

TaylorWakulla

LafayetteSt. JohnsGulf

ClayBradford

Union

AlachuaGilchristPutnam

Flagler

LevyMarion

Volusia

LakeCitrus

SumterSeminole

Brevard

OrangeHernando

Pasco

Polk

OsceolaHillsborough

Indian River

Highlands

Manatee Hardee OkeechobeeSt. Lucie

Sarasota DeSotoMartin

GladesCharlotte

Palm BeachHendry

CollierBroward

Dixie

Miami-DadeMonroe

Lee

Pinellas

Franklin

1

2 3

5

4

6

19GETTInG STARTED

STATE FFA OFFICERS

BROOKS PARRISHSTATE PRESIDENTTREnTOn FFA

ANNE SCHWARTZSTATE SECRETARYLAnD O’ LAKES FFA

HEATHER YODERAREA I STATE VICE PRESIDENTBLOUnTSTOWn FFA

MATTHEW STAPLESAREA III STATE VICE PRESIDENTSOUTH LAKE FFA

MAEGAN MEREDITHAREA IV STATE VICE PRESIDENTTEnOROC FFA

ADRIAN DYERAREA V STATE VICE PRESIDENTDURAnT FFA

STEPHEN SINGLETONAREA II STATE VICE PRESIDENTPALATKA FFA

REQUEST A VISITYou can request a state FFA officer to present at your school or participate in your chapter’s activities or banquet. A request form is available online at FloridaFFA.org. State officers are normally limited to two visits per program, per year.

State FFA Officers can not serve as judges for any type of competitive event or screening process.

TAYLOR PEARCEAREA VI STATE VICE PRESIDENTOKEECHOBEE BRAHMAn FFA

FFA.org

YOUR FUTURE, TODAY.My Journey is your “Go To” place to Explore videos, activities, and personality

quizzes; Build your own successes for current and future roles and; Connect your stories to opportunities and experiences across the country.

VISIT MY JOURNEY WITHIN FFA.ORGCornerstone Supporters

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23MEMBERSHIP CU

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MEMBERSHIPFFA members are the heart of the organization; the reason that the FFA was developed more than 85 years ago. FFA members belong to the nation’s largest school youth organization of nearly 600,000 members. Members have an opportunity to create change, motivate peers, and develop leadership potential.

This section of the guide provides a general membership overview and information for submitting your chapter’s membership roster to Florida FFA.


For a chapter to operate effectively, each member must play an active role. FFA is truly an organization of, by and for its members. Members decide and direct the activities of their own chapter. They hold positions of leadership and conduct all activities. The success or failure of chapter activities and programs rests with the membership.

Each member is charged with the responsibility of upholding the ideals and principles of the organization, as well as participating in all chapter activities.

There are four levels of membership to be achieved in FFA:

ACTIVEActive membership is given to those that are current students that are enrolled in a secondary agricultural education program,

grades 6-12.

HONORARYHonorary membership

is conferred upon those individuals who have rendered outstanding service to FFA and

agricultural education.

COLLEGIATECollegiate members belong to

FFA chapters at two-or four-year postsecondary schools and have an interest in the

future of agriculture.

ALUMNIAlumni membership is open to former active members,

collegiate and honorary members and other FFA

supporters.

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

Membership RequirementsTo become an active member and retain membership, a student must:

■ While in school, be enrolled in at least one agricultural education course during the school year and/or follow a planned course of study; either course must include a supervised agricultural experience program, the objective of which is preparation for an agricultural career.

■ Show an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership, and participating in other organized activities of the chapter.

■ Pay all current state and national dues by the date determined by the chapter.

■ Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the national FFA Organization.

■ A member may retain active membership until november 30 following his or her fourth national FFA convention after graduation from high school. For more information on active membership, take a look at the national Constitution and Bylaws, Article V, Section B.

DuesAnnual national dues are $7 for active members of which $2 is used to provide a year’s subscription to FFA new Horizons magazine. State dues in Florida are $10 and local chapters may also collect membership dues. All state and national dues are to be sent to the Florida FFA headquarters for processing. The initial deadline for dues is October 1. The final deadline for dues May 15.

COMPLETING YOUR MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

MyFFAThe MyFFA is a new, nationwide online portal system designed for FFA members and others with a vested interest in agricultural education. Developed by the national FFA Organization, MyFFA participants can document achievements, complete award applications, link to educational opportunities, explore careers, become mentors and connect industry leaders with a career-ready workforce.

Membership RosterUsing MyFFA, FFA advisors can submit the FFA chapter’s membership roster online. To access MyFFA, FFA advisors will need an advisor account created and assigned by Florida FFA. If you do not have an advisor account, please contact Florida FFA.

Additional references and step-by-step instructions on the use of MyFFA are available on the Resources page, viewable after login.

$7national Dues + $10

State Dues +CHAPTER

DUES Optional

MEMBERSHIP

Student AccountsIn addition to submitting your membership roster, MyFFA makes sure your students know how much you value their talent and future career success. MyFFA provides a map for each student to achieve under your skilled guidance. By adding students to your membership roster, accounts and profiles are created for each of your students through electronic or printed invitations. Students are able to complete their profiles, track FFA activities, and complete FFA award and scholarship applications. A student MyFFA account is required for all members.

FFA NEW HORIZONS

FFA new Horizons is the official member magazine for all current and past members of the national FFA Organization. The FFA new Horizons print magazine publishes quarterly and is mailed directly to each of the more than 500,000-plus FFA members across the United States. The publication’s website, ffanewhorizons.org, hosts all content from the print magazine plus additional content, the digital version of the publication, and state-specific content.

A current mailing address must be include for each member in MyFFA for members to receive the official magazine.

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QUALITY CHAPTER PLAN AND REPORTFFA chapters use the Quality Chapter Plan to plan and develop their goals for the year. A well developed serves to define the chapter goals and outlines steps needed to meet those goals. Second, it provides a written guide that provides administrators and advisory committees and others with a calendar of events the chapter will follow in the year ahead. Chapters then submit their accomplishments of the year using the Quality Chapter Report.

This section of the guide provides an overview of the Quality Chapter Plan and Report.


The Florida FFA Quality Chapter Plan and Report is designed to promote the consistent delivery of high quality FFA programming throughout the state focused on premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. These standards should improve chapter operations consistent with the traditional Program of Activities (POA) and emphasize student, chapter and community development.

Quality standards have been developed in five areas as a minimum requirement for recognition as a bona fide FFA chapter in the state of Florida. Chapters should plan activities in each of the quality standard areas with an emphasis on measurable results. The FFA mission and strategies should be used as a guide in planning, implementing and assessing accomplishments.

RequirementsThis Quality Chapter Plan and Report will be used, not only as a planning tool, but also as an assessment tool to determine chapter quality status. FFA Chapters that do not meet the minimum adopted standard, 150 points for High School (Senior) Chapters and 125 points for Middle School and Junior Chapters, for a quality chapter would be allowed to continue, but with limited participation, until minimum standards have been met. This ‘probation’ status will be evaluated on an annual basis, and chapters will be prohibited from placing and/or winning any Career Development Event (CDE) or chapter award until the minimum quality standards have been met. In addition, chapters that fall below the minimum quality standards will not be able to seat voting delegates at the annual State FFA Convention.

In order to meet the minimum quality standard each chapter must complete at least one activity or score a minimum of 10 points in each of the standard areas and earn at least 150 (High School) and 125 (Junior/Middle School) points overall. no more than five activities in each area will count towards this total.

Premier Chapter AwardThe Quality Chapter Report will also serve as the Premier Chapter Application. To be considered a premier chapter, Senior chapters are required to obtain the maximum amount of points in each category for a total of 260 points, as well as complete the additional Partnership Standard requirements. Junior and Middle school chapters are required to obtain 230 points and must also complete the Partnership Standard requirements to be considered a Premier Chapter.

COMPLETING THE QUALITY CHAPTER PLAN AND REPORT

The Quality Chapter Plan and Report is a two-step process: the Quality Chapter Plan and the Quality Chapter Report.

The Quality Chapter Plan opens in September and is due October 1 each year. The plan is simply what your chapter hopes to accomplish this school year. This must be submitted in order for your chapter to be eligible to compete in career developments events.

The Quality Chapter Report opens in April and is due May 15 each year. This submission is used as an accomplishment report to highlight all of the activities your chapter has participated in this year. This submission is use to determine various awards and also to determine if your chapter is eligible to seat delegates.

Both submissions are completed online through FloridaFFA.org. A copy of your plan/report will also be sent to the administrator you identify in your submission.

OCT

1

MAY

15

150 POINTSHigh School, Senior Chapter

Points Requirement

125 POINTSJunior, Middle School Chapter

Points Requirement

1 ACTIVITY IN EACH AREAEach chapter must complete at least one

activity in each of the standard areas

QUALITY CHAPTERPLAN & REPORT

29QUALITY CHAPTER PLAn AnD REPORT

STANDARD AREASLeadership Events50 Points Possible (10 points per activity up to 50 points)Students gain leadership, team building, employability and, interpersonal skills; opportunities for service learning and volunteerism taking full advantage of FFA activities.

■ 2120 Leadership Conference ■ 3600 Leadership Conference ■ Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) ■ Chapter Presidents Conference (CPC) ■ Chapter Program (State Officers) ■ District Leadership Conference ■ FFA at the Capitol Day ■ Florida Leadership Adventures (FLA) ■ Florida Outdoor Adventures (FOA) ■ Forestry Camp ■ Middle School Conference (MSC) ■ national FFA Convention ■ State FFA Convention ■ State Leadership Summit (SLS) ■ Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) ■ Local Leadership Event*

*For local leadership events, a conference agenda and curriculum are required to be submitted with this document.

Award Applications50 Points Possible (10 points per award area up to 50 points; points are awarded for categories, not individual applications) The FFA Chapter has a responsibility to provide opportunities and services to its members. The chapter may provide opportunities through a variety of ways; however, chapter activities should be documented through the state application process.

■ Agriscience Fair Application ■ Alumni Essay ■ American FFA Degree Application (HS Only) ■ Chapter Co-Op Application ■ Chapter FFA Degree (report number awarded) ■ Discovery FFA Degree (report number awarded) ■ FAAE/nAAE Teacher Award Application ■ FAAE/nAAE Student Award Application ■ Fresh from Florida Advocacy Award (Food for America)

Application ■ national Chapter Award Application (All Forms) ■ Greenhand FFA Degree (report number awarded) ■ nutrients for Life Award Application ■ Outstanding Alumni Award Application ■ Proficiency Award Applications ■ Ryan Rimmer Outstanding District Officer Award Application

(HS Only) ■ State FFA Degree Application (HS Only) ■ State Star Discovery Application (MS Only) ■ State Star Greenhand Application (HS Only) ■ State Star Chapter Application (HS Only) ■ State Star Senior Application (HS Only)

Career Development Events (CDEs)50 Points Possible (10 points per activity up to 50 points)Students are involved in activities that develop occupational and career skills through a progressive learning environment.

■ Agribusiness Management (HS Only) ■ Agricultural Communications (HS Only) ■ Agricultural Education (HS Only) ■ Agricultural Electrification Essay (MS Only)

■ Agricultural Issues (HS Only) ■ Agricultural Mechanics (HS Only) ■ Agricultural Sales and Service (HS Only) ■ Aquaculture ■ Citrus ■ Creed ■ Dairy Evaluation ■ Environmental Science (HS Only) ■ Extemporaneous Public Speaking ■ Floriculture ■ Food Science and Technology ■ Forestry ■ Horse Evaluation ■ Job Interview (HS Only) ■ Land Evaluation ■ Livestock Evaluation ■ Meats Evaluation ■ nursery Landscape ■ Opening and Closing Ceremonies (MS Only) ■ Ornamental Horticulture Demonstrations ■ Parliamentary Procedure ■ Poultry Evaluation ■ Prepared Public Speaking ■ Tool Identification (MS Only) ■ Tractor Operations (HS Only) ■ Vegetable Evaluation ■ Veterinary Assisting (HS Only)

Local Activities60 Points Possible (12 points per activity up to 60 points; must include activity in each of the following areas: Student, Chapter, and Community Development; Cannot duplicate activities recorded earlier in other standards)

FFA chapters should develop or participate in activities that promote a positive image and inform students, parents, school officials and the community about chapter and member accomplishments. These activities should also help the public become better informed about the food, fiber and natural resources industry.

Membership and Enrollment50 Points PossibleFFA is an integral part of the agriculture education program; therefore, all students should be FFA members. For Middle School Chapters, membership percentage should be based on average enrollment per grading period.

■ 0-10% membership (0 Points) ■ 11-25% membership (10 Points) ■ 26-50% membership (25 Points) ■ 51-100% membership (50 Points)

PROVISIONAL STATUS FOR NEW CHAPTERS

In order to be considered a quality chapter, newly charter chapters should be phased in by obtaining 80% of the required number of points during the first year, 90% during year two and 100% by year three.

new chapter status also applies to chapters where a teacher that is new to the program is hired.


CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

Chapter campaigns are a new way for your chapter to earn recognition based on all of the awesome activities and achievements your chapter is involved in. Based on the Quality Chapter Report, Premier Chapter Award, and the National Chapter Award, your chapter can earn one or more of the four badges below. Your chapter will be recognized in the convention and expo program at the end of each year. The deadline for all of the campaigns and reporting the requirements is May 15.

MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGNGuide your membership efforts by meeting these goals.

10MORE MEMBERS THAN LAST YEAR

50MEMBERSHIP POINTS

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGNParticipate in Career Development Events and Leadership Conferences to meet these goals.

50CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT POINTS

50LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE POINTS

CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGNPromote your chapter’s success by meeting these goals.

50AWARD APPLICATION POINTS

1TEACHER FAAE MEMBERSHIP

2SCHOOL-BASEDPARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGNDevelop and foster relationships within your community by meeting these goals.

60LOCAL ACTIVITYPOINTS

2COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

1ALUMNI AWARD SUBMISSION (& ACTIVE ALUMNI)

1FOUNDATION ACTIVITY (OR ANNUAL DUES)

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FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural education and hands-on learning, they prepare for the more than 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber, and natural resources industry.

Help ensure a bright future by purchasing an Agricultural Education and FFA license plate for your car, truck, or trailer.

THE FFA MISSIONFFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSIONAgricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Constitution and Bylaws

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LEADERSHIP CONFERENCESFlorida FFA creates leaders through helping students discover and develop their unique talents to meet the needs of their communities and of agriculture as a whole. Students attend various leadership conferences and workshops throughout the year to develop premier leadership qualities that the FFA has become known for.

This section of the guide provides information regarding the leadership conferences available to Florida FFA members.


Leadership conferences are an opportunity for FFA members to connect with other members, develop their leadership skills, and discover new ways to make the most of their FFA career.

GENERAL POLICIES

RegistrationThe online registration must be completed for each attendee attending the conference, including advisors and chaperons. Online registration for each conference can be found in the Events section on FloridaFFA.org.

Permission FormFlorida FFA requires that each student complete and submit the Florida FFA Permission and Emergency Medical Form for overnight events only. Please bring completed form with you to the conference. There is no need to mail/fax before the event. Please note that these forms are not kept on file and a new form is required for each conference.

PaymentFees are non-refundable unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance to check-in. All payments are due at time of check-in. If payment is not received at check-in, a credit card will be necessary to secure conference attendance.

Advisor AttendanceAs a matter of policy set by the Board of Directors of the Florida FFA Association, it is required that an advisor or other school district approved representative accompany all students to, from and while attending any Florida FFA event or activity. In the event that the advisor is unable to attend, a school district representative must be appointed by the school principal or superintendent and permission must be provided in writing to the Florida FFA Association. In the event that this policy is not followed, the student(s) will not be permitted to attend the event.

If your designated school district representative is another FFA advisor from your county, it is imperative that all parties are aware before arriving at the conference.

WHAT TO EXPECT

■ All FFA conferences require Official Dress. Students attending overnight conferences will also be required to wear business casual dress throughout the conference.

■ Teacher Professional Development and updates are available at most conferences.

■ Registration fee includes lodging, meals, conference materials and conference t-shirts at select conferences.

■ State FFA Officers or trained facilitators present an approved curriculum to students.

■ Students are roomed four per room and all efforts are made to keep chapters together.

■ Adult single rooms are subject to availability.

CHAPERONS

Adult chaperons may attend in addition to the FFA advisor per school district requirements. In the event that the advisor is unable to attend, the chaperon must be appointed by the school principal or superintendent and permission must be provided in writing to the Florida FFA Association. It is imperative that chaperons are aware of all of the event details prior to the conference.

LEADERSHIPCONFERENCES

35LEADERSHIP COnFEREnCES

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS CONFERENCESeptember 12-13 (Saturday-Sunday), Caribe Royale OrlandoRegister by August 31

Chapter Presidents’ Conference (CPC) first in a series of training conferences for chapter FFA officers. The conference helps newly elected chapter officers identify their strengths, develop personal growth plans, master speech writing and delivery and develop personal management skills.

This conference is open to two representatives from each chapter (ideally the chapter president and one other representative) as well as District, Sub-District, and Federation Officers This is an overnight conference and requires the Florida FFA Permission and Emergency Medical Form.

Registration CostsStudent $100.00Adult Double $125.00Adult Single $175.00

CHAPTER OFFICER LEADERSHIP TRAININGArea 1 - September 22 (Tuesday), MariannaArea 2 - September 25 (Friday), Florida Gateway CollegeArea 3 - September 29 (Tuesday), LTCArea 4 - September 30 (Wednesday), LTCArea 5 - October 1 (Thursday), LTCArea 6 - October 2 (Friday), LTCRegister by September 10

Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) is the second conference in a training series for chapter FFA officers. Building on the individual skills learned during Chapter President’s Conference, it helps officer teams identify their strengths and weaknesses as a group, and learn advanced interpersonal communication strategies and presentation delivery techniques.

This conference is open to all FFA members, but is designed for chapter officers. This is a single-day conference.

Registration CostsStudent $25.00Adult $25.00

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCEDecember 4-5 (Friday-Saturday), LTCDecember 5-6 (Saturday-Sunday, LTCRegister by November 20

Middle School Conference (MSC) is a conference specifically designed to introduce middle school FFA members to opportunities in FFA. The conference helps middle school members discover leadership opportunities, potential career choices in agriculture, and the values of the FFA mission.

This conference is open to all middle school members. This is an overnight conference and requires the Florida FFA Permission and Emergency Medical Form.


212° CONFERENCEJanuary 15-16 (Friday-Saturday), LTCRegister by January 4

212° – the temperature at which water boils – will focus on taking students to the boiling point of leadership. At 211° water is extremely hot, but just one more degree gets us to the next level. These conferences focus on student development. Students will be challenged to push the limits. Themes for this conference include: Virtues, growth and collaboration.

This conference is open to all high school members. This is an overnight conference and requires the Florida FFA Permission and Emergency Medical Form.


360° CONFERENCEJanuary 16-17 (Saturday-Sunday), LTCRegister by January 4

360° – will take students full circle in chapter leadership development. The conference will cover every angle for developing action plans for their chapters. Themes for this conference include: Action and Influence. These conferences focus on chapter development.

This conference is open to all high school members. This is an overnight conference and requires the Florida FFA Permission and Emergency Medical Form.


STATE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT March 18-20 (Friday-Sunday), LTCRegister by February 4

State Leadership Summit (SLS) is the final conference in the chapter FFA officer training series. Its advanced leadership training that builds on the first two components of the chapter FFA officer leadership continuum, CPC and COLT. In addition to leadership development, participants develop an understanding of partner relationships and begin the initial phase of the state delegate process.

This conference is open to District, Sub-District, and Federation Officers as well as those seniors who are seeking state office. This is an overnight conference and requires the Florida FFA Permission and Emergency Medical Form.


LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

212°HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE

January 15-16 (Friday-Saturday). LTCRegister by January 4

360°HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE

January 16-17 (Saturday-Sunday). LTCRegister by January 4

CULTIVATING LEADERSLEADERSHIP COnFEREnCES

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCEDecember 4-5 (Friday-Saturday), LTCDecember 5-6 (Saturday-Sunday, LTC

Register by November 22

CHAPTER OFFICER LEADERSHIP TRAININGSeptember-October, Multiple LocationsRegister by September 10

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS CONFERENCESeptember 12-13 (Saturday-Sunday), Caribe Royale Orlando

Register by August 31

STATE LEADERSHIP SUMMITMarch 18-20 (Friday-Sunday), LTCRegister by March 4

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Michael GalfondSoutheast FL 9-12(954) [email protected]

Cindy SchurrSouthwest FL 9-12(813) [email protected]

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DATE EVENT/APPLICATION REGISTER/RECEIVE BY LOCATION

AUGUSTAugust 27 Quarterly Board Meeting LTC

August 29-30 Florida FFA Alumni Development Conference*** Contact Alumni LTC

SEPTEMBERSeptember 12-13 Chapter Presidents Conference August 31 Caribe Royale Orlando

September 14-18 American Agriculture Experience (State FFA Officers) Iowa

September 22 Chapter Officer Leadership Training – Area 1 September 10 Marianna

September 25 Chapter Officer Leadership Training – Area 2 September 10 Florida Gateway College (Lake City)

September 28 FFA Hall of Fame*** Contact FFA Foundation LTC

September 29 Chapter Officer Leadership Training – Area 3 September 10 LTC

September 30 Chapter Officer Leadership Training – Area 4 September 10 LTC

OCTOBEROctober 1 Quality Chapter Plan, Roster, Dues October 8 Florida FFA HQ / MyFFA

October 1 Chapter Officer Leadership Training – Area 5 September 10 LTC

October 2 Chapter Officer Leadership Training – Area 6 September 10 LTC

October 6 District Forestry CDE Preliminary (MS/HS) Contact District Host Specific Districts TBA

October 8 District Forestry CDE Preliminary (MS/HS) Contact District Host Specific Districts TBA

October 15 Quarterly Board Meeting Florida FFA HQ

October 28-31 national FFA Convention Contact national FFA Louisville, KY

NOVEMBERnovember 12-13 State Forestry CDE (MS/HS) Qualified Teams Perry

november 13-14 Firetower Run-A-Muck *** Contact FFA Foundation LTC

november 17Fall Preliminary Testing DayFood Science CDE, Environmental Science CDE, Dairy Evaluation CDE

november 3 School Hosts

DECEMBER

December 1State Citrus CDE (MS/HS)State Tool ID CDE (MS)

november 17 LTC

December 4-5 Middle School Leadership Conference (MS) A november 20 LTC

December 5-6 Middle School Leadership Conference (MS) B november 20 LTC

December 10

Sub-District CDE PreliminariesCreed Speaking CDE (MS/HS), Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE (MS/HS), Opening and Closing Ceremonies CDE (MS), Parliamentary Procedure CDE (MS/HS), Prepared Public Speaking CDE (MS/HS), Tractor Operations CDE (HS)

november 20 Sub-District Hosts

Florida FFA Headquarters Closed (Holiday Break) - December 18 - January 3

JANUARYJanuary 12 State Environmental Science CDE (HS) Qualified Teams UF/IFAS Mid-FL REC (Apopka)

January 14

District CDE Preliminaries Creed Speaking CDE (MS/HS, Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE (MS/HS), Opening and Closing Ceremonies CDE (MS), Parliamentary Procedure CDE (MS/HS), Prepared Public Speaking CDE (MS/HS), Tractor Operations CDE (HS)

Qualified Teams Only District Hosts

January 15-16 212° High School Leadership Conference January 4 LTC

January 16-17 360° High School Leadership Conference January 4 LTC

January 21 Quarterly Board Meeting LTC

January 21 State Officer Candidate Workshop (HS Seniors Only) January 7 Florida FFA HQ

January 30 State Food Science CDE (MS/HS) Qualified Teams UF (Gainesville)

January 30 State Horse Judging CDE (MS Only) January 18 UF Horse Unit (Gainesville)

FEBRUARY

February 6State Horse Judging CDE Preliminary (HS)State Livestock Judging CDE Preliminary (HS)

January 25 Florida State Fair

February 13 State Dairy Judging CDE (MS/HS) Qualified Teams Only Florida State Fair

February 13 State Fair Poultry Judging Event (MS/HS) February 1 Florida State Fair

February 18 FFA Capitol Day February 4 Tallahassee

February 20-27 national FFA Week nationwide

2015-2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CULTIVATE

43InDUSTRY CERTIFICATIOnS

MARCHMarch 1 Membership Roster Update March 1 MyFFA

March 1 State Officer Application March 1 Florida FFA HQ

March 1Alumni Essays, American FFA Degree Application, State FFA Degree Application, Star Award Applications

March 8 Florida FFA HQ

March 1Spring Preliminary Testing DayAgricultural Mechanics CDE, Aquaculture CDE, Vet Assisting CDE

February 16 School Hosts

March 5State Floriculture CDE (MS/HS)State nursery and Landscape CDE (MS/HS)

February 19UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research

Center (Apopka)

March 11 State Livestock Judging CDE (MS) February 26 Florida Strawberry Festival

March 12 Florida FFA Beast Feast*** Contact FFA Foundation LTC

March 18-20 State Leadership Summit February 4 LTC

March 25 State Land Judging CDE March 11 TBA

March-April District OH Demonstration CDEs (MS/HS) Contact District Hosts District Hosts

APRILApril 1 Ag. Communications CDE Portfolio (Submit Online) April 1 Dr. Ricky Telg (UF)

April 1 Alumni Membership Rosters Due April 8 MyFFA

April 1 Ag. Education CDE Lesson Plans (HS), Ag. Electrification Essay (MS) April 8 Florida FFA HQ

April 1 State Aquaculture CDE (MS/HS) Qualified Teams UF Trop. Aqua. Lab (Ruskin)

April 2 State Horse Judging CDE (HS) Qualified Teams UF Horse Unit Gainesville)

April 7 Quarterly Board Meeting LTC

April 9 State Livestock Judging CDE (HS) Qualified Teams UF Horse Unit (Gainesville)

April 9 State Poultry Judging CDE (MS/HS) March 28 UF Meats Lab (Gainesville)

April 12-13 State Officer Candidate Screening March 29 LTC

April 15Alumni Award Application, Chapter Co-Op Application, Fresh from Florida Advo-cacy Award Application, national Chapter Award Application, Proficiency Award Application, Outstanding District Officer Award Application

April 22 Florida FFA HQ

April 16 State Meats CDE (MS/HS) April 4 UF Meats Lab (Gainesville)

April 22

State Agribusiness Management CDE (HS)State Agricultural Education CDE Preliminary (HS)State Agricultural Sales and Service CDE (HS)State Agricultural Communications CDE (HS)State OH Demonstration CDE (MS/HS)State Vegetable Judging CDE (MS/HS)

April 8 UF (Gainesville)

April 23 State Veterinary Assisting CDE (HS) Qualified Teams HCC (Plant City)

April 30State Agricultural Mechanics CDE (HS)State Tractor Operations CDE (HS)

Qualified Teams Ridge Career Ctr. (Haines City)

MAY

May 1Agricultural Issues CDE Portfolio (Submit Online), Agriscience Fair Application, Feeder Steer & Swine Proficiency Applications, Job Interview CDE Portfolio, State Convention Talent Application, State Convention Courtesy Corps Application

May 8 Florida FFA HQ

May 1-2 Award Application Judging By Invitation LTC

May 15Quality Chapter Report (Submit Online), District Officer Application, Prepared Public Speaking Manuscript (Submit Online)

May 22 Florida FFA HQ

JUNE

June 13-17

88th Florida FFA State Convention & ExpoAgricultural Education CDE, Agricultural Electrification Essay Interviews, Agricultural Issues CDE, Agriscience Fair, Creed Speaking CDE, Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Job Interview CDE, Opening and Closing Ceremonies CDE, Parliamentary Procedure CDE, Prepared Public Speaking CDE

May 15 Caribe Royale Orlando

JULYJuly 10-15 High School Forestry Camp May 15 O’Leno State Park

July 18-22 Middle School Forestry Camp May 15 O’Leno State Park

AUGUSTJuly 31-August 3 Florida Outdoor Adventures*** Contact FFA Foundation LTC

August 3-6 Florida Leadership Adventures*** Contact FFA Foundation LTC

August 7-10 Florida Outdoor Adventures*** Contact Foundation LTC

August 10-13 Florida Leadership Adventures*** Contact Foundation LTCCULTIVATE


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CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTSFFA members participate in 30 challenging competitions know as Career Development Events (CDEs) each year. CDEs provide an opportunity for students to apply the real-world agricultural skills learned in the classroom to industry-focused, hands-on situations. These competitions rely on industry support and guidance to ensure that FFA members are trained to be the best and brightest.

This section of the guide provides an overview of the Career Development Events program. Additional information is available in the Florida FFA CDE Handbook.


Career opportunities abound within today’s agribusiness and agriscience industry. The Florida FFA Association offers 30 Career Development Events (CDEs) that cover job skills in everything from communications to mechanics while helping students develop the abilities to think clearly, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive real-world environment. Whether you enjoy public speaking or creating new and improved food items, competing as part of a team or as an individual, there is a CDE tailored to the interests of each and every FFA member.

The primary goal of career development events is to develop individual responsibilities, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. Career development events should reflect instruction that currently takes place in the entire agricultural education program, including classroom instruction, laboratory instruction and student’s supervised agricultural experiences. CDEs are intended to be an outgrowth of instruction.

GENERAL POLICIES

Member EligibilityTo be eligible for participation in FFA Career Development Events, a participant must be an active member in good standing with the local bona fide chapter, State and national Associations for the school year during which the event is held (or the previous year), be in enrolled in Agribusiness and natural Resources Education, and maintain a Supervised agricultural Experience (SAE) program. note: Certain exceptions may apply; see official Florida FFA CDE Handbook for complete member eligibility requirements.

Graduating seniors who are state winners, either individual or team, may compete in the respective CDE at national Convention following their graduation from high school so long as they maintain their active membership status.

A member who is former state winner, either individual or team, in a particular CDE is ineligible to compete in that CDE again with the exception of when a student moves from a middle school chapter to a high school chapter. The student must not have previously participated in a national Career Development Event of the same kind.

Few exceptions will be made in the scheduling of events for individuals/teams participating in two events, which are held simultaneously. Prior notice must be given to the Florida FFA Association office for such consideration.

Official DressStudents participating in CDEs are required to wear FFA Official Dress. Official dress requirements are based on the event classification, all CDEs will be classified as either an Indoor/Leadership event or an Outdoor event and students will be scored accordingly. Refer to the Florida FFA CDE Handbook for complete Official Dress Guidelines, scoring information and official dress exceptions for safety.

RegistrationPre-registration is required for all events at the sub-district, district and state level, unless otherwise announced by the Florida FFA Association. Registration will open approximately four weeks prior to the event and will close approximately two weeks prior to the event, as published on the official Florida FFA calendar.

Online registration for each CDE can be found in the Events section on FloridaFFA.org.

Following the close of registration, a list of registered teams will be distributed electronically on the Florida FFA mailing list. If a chapter’s name does not appear on the list as a result of registration error, notification must be made to the Florida FFA Office within twenty-four (24) hours or by the published deadline. Chapters not properly registered will not be eligible for competition.

CDE ResourcesIn addition to the references listed for each CDE in the Florida FFA CDE Handbook, written exams and practicums from past CDEs are made available at flaffa.org.

CDE HandbookThe Florida FFA CDE Handbook contains the official rules and regulations for all Florida FFA CDEs. Inside the CDE Handbook you will find specific details for each CDE offered through Florida FFA including the official dress requirements, event purpose, event procedures, event practicums as well as recommended resources for event preparation. Please thoroughly read the Policies and Official Dress Sections in the beginning of the handbook for complete rules and procedures that are relevant to all Florida FFA Career Development Events.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

47CAREER DEVELOPMEnT EVEnTS

The CDE Handbook has been formatted to include an Event Practicums section for each CDE. Each category of event practicums is assigned an icon that will appear in the CDE Handbook. All event practicums fall into one of seven categories:

Knowledge PracticumThis practicum will include all general knowledge exams.

Written PracticumThis practicum includes an activity that would require the participants to demonstrate proper writing techniques including but not limited to proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. Examples include:

■ Press Release Writing (Environmental Science CDE)

■ Official Minutes (Parliamentary Procedure CDE)

■ Agricultural Issues Portfolio (Agricultural Issues CDE)

Performance PracticumPerformance practicums include both individual performances as well as team performances. Performance practicums require participants to demonstrate public speaking abilities for various activities within the CDE. Examples include:

■ Team Product Development (Food Science CDE)

■ Prepared Public Speaking (Prepared Public Speaking CDE)

■ Oral Reasons (Dairy, Horse, Livestock & Poultry Evaluation CDE)

Problem Solving PracticumThis practicum will require students to think critically in order to find a solution to a given scenario. Examples include:

■ Water Quality Analysis (Aquaculture CDE) ■ Meat Formulation (Meat Evaluation CDE) ■ Customer Service (nursery & Landscape CDE)

Skills PracticumThe skills practicums requires participants to demonstrate their knowledge various agricultural skills. Examples include:

■ Timber Cruising (Forestry CDE) ■ Animal Restraint Techniques (Veterinary

Assisting CDE) ■ GPS Locations (Environmental Science CDE)

Evaluation PracticumThe evaluation practicum will allow participants to evaluate specimens in comparison to other specimens and/or the ideal standard for the given situation. Examples include:

■ Performance & Halter Placing Classes (Horse Evaluation CDE)

■ Interior Egg Quality (Poultry Evaluation CDE) ■ Beef Quality & Yield Grades (Meats Evaluation

CDE)

Identification PracticumParticipants will demonstrate their ability to properly identify various specimens from either photos or live specimens. Examples include:

■ Rootstocks, Leaves & Fruit (Citrus CDE) ■ Plants, Pests & Tool (Floriculture CDE) ■ Kinds & Varieties (Vegetable CDE)

CHANGES FOR 2015-16

Technical Changes ■ Agricultural Sales CDE

List iPad as an acceptable presentation tool but not as a presentation aid (cannot be used for the presenter to read a script from)

■ Floriculture CDE Identification specimens may be presented live or as a picture.

■ Food Science CDE Almond and Peanut butter removed from the list of aromas.

■ Forestry CDE Compass & Pacing – All measurements are to be rounded to the nearest whole foot.

■ MS Livestock Evaluation CDE Update breeds (beef), wholesale cuts (beef & swine) and body parts (beef & swine) to make match current industry standards.

■ Nursery & Landscape CDE Identification specimens may be presented live or as a picture.

■ Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration CDE Clarification - Individuals/teams may be assisted in the set-up and cleanup of their presentation room. The helper must exit the room when the set-up time is complete.

■ Parliamentary Procedure Clarification - The written exam will be composed questions covering basic parliamentary law that relate to the permissible motions at the particular level of completion and information pertaining to minutes.

■ MS Vegetable CDE Middle School written exam will now be 25 questions.

Format Changes ■ Agricultural Mechanics CDE

A more focused list of practicums will be developed and released prior to the event to help teachers better prepare students for the event.

■ Environmental Science CDE Annual practicums have been revised for even and odd year rotations (see CDE Handbook).

■ HS Livestock Evaluation CDE All teams will qualify at the Florida State Fair preliminary (there will not be a preliminary held in Chipley)

■ MS Vegetable CDE Add Diseases to odd year rotation: even years - insects and weeds, odd years - diseases and seeds


WHAT TO EXPECT

The day of a CDE is exciting for all involved but can become hectic if you are not prepared. Below are helpful items to keep in mind for both FFA members and Advisors/chaperons for the day of the event:

■ Contestants must provide their own pens, pencils, erasers, clipboards and other necessary items needed for competition.

■ There is not a meal provided at most CDEs therefore students are encouraged eat a healthy meal before the start of the event and make an effort to stay properly hydrated throughout the event.

■ FFA members must be accompanied by a school district approved chaperon at all events.

■ There shall be no communication among the contestants or between contestants and anyone else except as directed by the event coordinator while the event is in progress. It is prohibited for advisors or anyone else to interfere with, interrupt or distract a contestant wile the event is in progress. If there is an obvious and flagrant infraction of this rule, the vent coordinator has the authority to disqualify the violator competition.

■ Advisors and/or chaperons will be expected to assist in event facilitation (i.e. act as group leaders, room monitors, proctors, etc.) as requested by the event coordinator. This is to ensure that the event runs in an efficient manor and we thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

■ It is the Advisors responsibility to review how to properly fill out all judging cards with their team members prior to the event. Judging cards that are incorrectly completed will not be scored.

■ Participants will not be allowed to utilize electronic devices, other than those approved by event officials, during the entire course of the event. Participants who access personal electronic devices without prior approval of the event officials will be disqualified.

ONLINE TESTING PROCEDURES

Several CDEs have a preliminary event that will be held through an online process. The online testing process will allow students to compete in the preliminary event from their own school under the supervision of an exam proctor.

■ On the date of the Fall and Spring CDE Preliminary Testing Day and online testing system will be used to administer the exams.

■ All participants are expected to comply with the Florida FFA Code of Honesty and Integrity.

■ Students must be pre-registered for the event in which they are competing.

■ An exam proctor is required for each participating chapter. The exam may be anyone other than the Agriculture teacher(s)/FFA Advisor(s) of the chapter. Proctors must be registered and approved through Proctor registration process. Proctors are to be in compliance with the Florida FFA Code of Honesty and Integrity.

■ Exams will be available only during the designated hours on the day of the preliminary testing. Exams will be available for no less that 12 hours. There will be no make-up exams/make-up days, all testing must be completed on the designated testing day.

CDE PARTICIPATION FEE

An annual CDE Participation fee will be assessed to each chapter at the time of submitting the Quality Chapter Plan. This one-time, annual fee will cover all individual registration fees for CDEs throughout the year. The fee for all chapter levels is $100.

$100CDE Participation Fee

CDE CHECKLIST

Before the Event ☐ Complete online event registration ☐ Review event procedures and practicums in the latest

Florida FFA CDE Handbook. ☐ Review the Florida FFA Code of Honesty and Integrity

with all participants. ☐ Complete school procedures for taking students to an

FFA event ☐ Gather student permission forms required by your school

district ☐ Arrange transportation to and from the event ☐ Secure lodging (if needed) ☐ Identify whether participants need indoor or outdoor

Official Dress ☐ Review the judging cards/rubrics with participants ☐ Complete required substitute materials

Day of the EventBe sure that the students have supplies necessary for the event:

☐ Pencils ☐ Clipboards ☐ Calculators (if needed) ☐ Ensure all participants have correct and complete ☐ Official Dress ☐ Make meal arrangements (if needed) ☐ Ensure participants don’t access electronic devices

during the event unless approved by the event superintendent and/or Florida FFA staff

☐ Check in and pick up materials upon arrival


INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS & SPECIALIZATIONS

For select CDEs, the top 30% of participants are ranked into three levels: Gold (top 10%), Silver (next 10%), and Bronze (next 10%). Participants that achieve any of these three levels will be eligible for an Individual Ranking Certificate and Pin.

Once the event results have been finalized (five business days from the event), participants and advisors will be able to order the certificate and pin from Florida FFA. The certificate and pin will correspond with their individual ranking (gold, silver, or bronze) and will include information about the competition and Career Development Events.

Additionally, if the student has taken an AEST certification exam, these achievements will also be noted on the participant’s industry credentials, showcasing the participant’s wide-range of knowledge and adding more value to the industry credential.

$20Individual Ranking Certificate and Pin

Online order forms for each event will be available online at FloridaFFA.org along with the results for each event.

Events that are eligible for Individual Ranking Certificate and pins are designated in the following pages and in the CDE Handbook with this icon.


AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENTAGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Agribusiness Management Career Development Event provides competition that fosters information assimilation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to successfully manage a farm or pursue farm business management careers. The Agribusiness Management Career Development Event enhances and encourages opportunities for all participants to receive instruction that develops farm business management skills.

Event Highlights: complete a written exam based on problematic situations including a problem solving analysis sectionDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3 Members)The purpose of the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event is to provide individuals with practical communications skills necessary to pursue career opportunities in agricultural communications. Public communications about agricultural products, practices and policies are essential to the future of agriculture. Students who are equipped with strong communication skills, have developed teamwork skills and who can use a variety of media to help the public understand issues related to the industry of agriculture have a bright future in the job market.

Event Highlights: develop and present an agriculture-related media planDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, IndividualThe purpose of the Agricultural Education Career Development Event is to provide individuals with basic skills necessary for a career as an agricultural educator. Teaching agriculture involves teaching students about applications of science, management, leadership, and technology in the food, fiber, natural resource industry. Teaching methods emphasize hands on approaches where application of skills and knowledge is central to lesson presentations. Agricultural Education strives to make learning enjoyable, meaningful and lasting. Agriculture Education incorporates classroom and laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experiences (SAE), and the FFA to allow for the personal development of students both inside and outside the classroom to better prepare them for success in life.

Event Highlights: create and demonstrate an agriculture lesson planDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

AGRICULTURAL ISSUES AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-7 Members)The Agricultural Issues Career Development Event is designed to provide an opportunity to expose a wide variety of students to the selection, research, planning and presentation of an agricultural issue, acquire knowledge and skills in community leadership for present and future use and become knowledgeable of, and familiar with a variety of local, state, national and international issues facing agriculture.

Event Highlights: Develop agricultural issue portfolio and agricultural issue presentationDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS POWER, STRUCTURAL AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)This event is designed to stimulate learning in the five areas of the agricultural mechanics industry: machinery and equipment systems, electrical systems, energy systems, structural systems and environmental and natural resource systems.

Event Highlights: complete hands-on practicums including but not limited to electrical wiring, measuring materials, welding & cutting, engine components, etc.Does this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

AGRICULTURAL SALES AND SERVICE AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Agricultural Sales Career Development Event is to evaluate skills that are essential for an individual to be successful in the agricultural sales field. The process of selling agricultural products is essential for production and marketing of agricultural products.

Event Highlights: Participate in an team and individual sales activity based on provided product informationDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

AQUACULTURE ANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Aquaculture Career Development Event (CDE) is to stimulate student interest in the aquaculture industry, encourage aquaculture instruction in the agricultural education curriculum, and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies in the area of aquaculture management. Florida has a unique and diverse aquaculture industry which includes the culture of tropical ornamental fish, aquatic plants, clams, shrimp, alligators, tilapia, catfish, live rock, and other assorted aquatic animals.

Event Highlights: Present a team presentation based on a given aquaculture topic, identify aquatic species, analyze water quality, design & troubleshoot aquatic systems, and identify & treat aquatic disease, pests & predatorsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS


CITRUSPLANT SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Citrus Career Development Event stimulates learning activities to the production and management of citrus fruit.

Event Highlights: identify various citrus diseases/disorders, pests, pathogens, parasites & predators, common weeds and citrus rootstocks, leaves & fruitDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

CREED SPEAKINGAGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School/Middle School (grades 6-9), IndividualThe Creed Speaking Career Development Event develops the public speaking abilities of FFA members as well as develop their self confidence and contribute to their advancement in the FFA degree program.

Event Highlights: recite the FFA Creed and answer questions regarding its impact and historyDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

DAIRY CATTLEANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Dairy CDE is to provide a competitive event for agricultural education students, emphasizing skills in dairy cattle evaluation, selection and dairy herd management.

Event Highlights: evaluate dairy cattle, read and interpret dairy cattle herd recordsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)Environmental and natural resource education has a responsibility to ensure an educated public and provide students prepared to enter careers in the environmental and natural resource industry. The purpose of the environmental and natural resource career development event is to stimulate student interest and to promote environmental and natural resource instruction in the agricultural education curriculum and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies as a result of environmental and natural resource instruction.

Event Highlights: present a team presentation on about a given environmental/natural resource problem, identify common plants, wildlife, reptiles/amphibians, fish and more, analyze water quality, complete a soil nutrient test,and determine locations through the use of GPSDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, IndividualThe Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event is designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance, therefore causing FFA members to formulate their remarks for presentation in a very limited amount of time.

Event Highlights: develop a 4-6 minute speech on a randomly selected agricultural topic within the 30 minute time limit and present the speech to a panel of judgesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

FLORICULTURE PLANT SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Floriculture CDE stimulates interest in learning activities related to the Floriculture industry, including the identification of plants, business situations and safety issues.

Event Highlights: Identify common floriculture plants, participate in a hands-on floriculture live practicum, price floriculture products and properly handling common customer complaintsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FOOD PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The Food Science and Technology CDE is designed to promote learning activities in food science and technology related to the food industry and to assist students in developing practical knowledge of principles used in a team decision-making process.

Event Highlights: develop and market a new or redesigned food product as a team, complete a food triangle test, identify aromas, address food safety and quality through customer inquiriesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

FORESTRY NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Forestry CDE is to stimulate student interest in forestry, to promote forestry instruction in the agricultural education curriculum, and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skill and competency as a result of forestry instruction.

Event Highlights: identify tree species, forest equipment & disorders, evaluate timber to determine wood volume, interpret topographical maps, and complete a compass and pacing practicumDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes


HORSE EVALUATION ANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The Horse Evaluation and Selection Career Development Event is designed to stimulate the study of and interest in, equine science selection while providing recognition for those who have demonstrated skill and competency in this area.

Event Highlights: evaluate halter and performance classes of horses and defend your placings through oral reasonsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

JOB INTERVIEW AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, IndividualThe FFA Job Interview 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 real world employers.

Event Highlights: Complete a job application, develop a cover letter & resume, participate in a telephone & personal interview and write a follow-up letterDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

LAND JUDGING NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAYHigh School, Team (3-4 Members)The Land Judging CDE is designed to stimulate learning activities related to soils and their best use.

Event Highlights: Evaluate soil pits and complete a homesite evaluationDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

LIVESTOCK ANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Livestock Evaluation and Selection Career Development Event stimulates learning activities related to the production and marketing of cattle, sheep and swine.

Event Highlights: evaluate classes of market & breeding cattle, swine, sheep & goats, and defend your placings through oral reasonsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

MEATS EVALUATION ANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Meats Evaluation Career Development Event is designed to stimulate learning activities related to the processing of beef, pork and lamb carcasses, including retail cut identification and factors affecting meat quality.

Event Highlights: Identify retail cuts of beef, pork & lamb, evaluate classes or retail cuts, beef & pork carcasses, wholesale cuts and determine beef quality & yield gradesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE PLANT SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The nursery and Landscape Career Development Event is designed to stimulate learning activities related to nursery practices and landscaping including the identification of plants, insects, and diseases.

Event Highlights: Identify common nursery plants, pests & tools, interpret landscape plans, evaluate landscaping jobs, identify and control plant disorders and perform equipment maintenanceDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE DEMONSTRATION PLANT SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Individual or Team (2 Members)The Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Contests are designed to stimulate careful planning, thorough knowledge and the ability to explain, by work and action, the “how and why” of various horticulture practices.

Event Highlights: develop and present a 7-10 minute presentation about various areas of the ornamental horticulture industryDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (6 Members)The purpose of the Parliamentary Procedure CDE is to encourage students to learn to effectively participate in a business meeting and to assist in the development of their leadership skills.

Event Highlights: conduct a portion of a business meeting using correct parliamentary lawDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

POULTRY ANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Poultry Career Development Event stimulates learning related to the production, processing, marketing and consumption of poultry products.

Event Highlights: evaluate live birds, grade ready to cook broilers, grades for interior & exterior quality, identify poultry carcass partsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

PREPARED SPEAKING AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, IndividualThe Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event is designed to develop agricultural leadership by providing for member participation in agricultural public speaking activities and stimulating interest in leadership and citizenship.

Event Highlights: develop a 6-8 minute speech about an agricultural topic of your choice and present the speech to a panel of judgesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes


TRACTOR OPERATION & MAINTENANCEPOWER, STRUCTURAL AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, IndividualThe Safe Tractor Operation and Maintenance Contest is designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to demonstrate the knowledge and ability as related to the maintenance and safe operation skills of tractors.

Event Highlights: demonstrate a knowledge of safe tractor operations and demonstrate the ability to drive a tractor and attached implement through a predetermined courseDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

VEGETABLE PLANT SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The Vegetable Identification and Judging event is designed to test skills and knowledge of students in the area of vegetable production and management.

Event Highlights: evaluate classes of vegetables, identify kinds & varieties of vegetables, insects, diseases, weeds and seedsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

VETERINARY ASSISTINGANIMAL SYSTEMS CAREER PATHWAY High School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the veterinary assisting CDE is to provide students with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge and skills for both companion animal and livestock within the veterinary industry.

Event Highlights: identify breeds of livestock & companion animals, equipment & instruments preform common veterinarian skills including: applying/removing a gauze restraint muzzle, wrapping a surgical gown, canine cardiopulmonary resuscitation and preparing an animal for surgeryDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)


AQUACULTURE Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Aquaculture Career Development Event (CDE) is to stimulate student interest in the aquaculture industry, encourage aquaculture instruction in the agricultural education curriculum, and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies in the area of aquaculture management. Florida has a unique and diverse aquaculture industry which includes the culture of tropical ornamental fish, aquatic plants, clams, shrimp, alligators, tilapia, catfish, live rock, and other assorted aquatic animals.

Event Highlights: Present a team presentation based on a given aquaculture topic, identify aquatic species, analyze water quality, design & troubleshoot aquatic systems, and identify & treat aquatic disease, pests & predatorsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

CREED SPEAKINGHigh School/Middle School (grades 6-9), IndividualThe Creed Speaking Career Development Event develops the public speaking abilities of FFA members as well as develop their self confidence and contribute to their advancement in the FFA degree program.

Event Highlights: recite the FFA Creed and answer questions regarding its impact and historyDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

CITRUS Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Citrus Career Development Event stimulates learning activities to the production and management of citrus fruit.

Event Highlights: identify various citrus diseases/disorders, pests,pathogens,parasites & predators, common weeds and citrus rootstocks, leaves & fruitDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

DAIRY CATTLE Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Dairy CDE is to provide a competitive event for agricultural education students, emphasizing skills in dairy cattle evaluation, selection and dairy herd management.

Event Highlights: evaluate dairy cattle, read and interpret dairy cattle herd recordsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

ELECTRIFICATION ESSAY Middle School, IndividualThe Agricultural Electrification Essay CDE is designed to stimulate understanding of energy saving measures and devices that can be applied around the home and within the agricultural industry.

Event Highlights: write an essay centered around the topic, “Conserving Electrical Energy”Does this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING Middle School, IndividualThe Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event is designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance, therefore causing FFA members to formulate their remarks for presentation in a very limited amount of time.

Event Highlights: develop a 3-5 minute speech on a randomly selected agricultural topic within the 30 minute time limit and present the speech to a panel of judgesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

FLORICULTURE Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Floriculture CDE stimulates interest in learning activities related to the Floriculture industry, including the identification of plants, business situations and safety issues.

Event Highlights: Identify common floriculture plants, participate in a hands-on floriculture live practicum, price floriculture products and properly handling common customer complaintsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Food Science and Technology CDE is designed to promote learning activities in food science and technology related to the food industry and to assist students in developing practical knowledge of principles used in a team decision-making process.

Event Highlights: develop and market a new or redesigned food product as a team, complete a food triangle test, identify aromas, address food safety and quality through customer inquiriesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes (Online)

FORESTRY Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The purpose of the Forestry CDE is to stimulate student interest in forestry, to promote forestry instruction in the agricultural education curriculum, and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skill and competency as a result of forestry instruction.

Event Highlights: identify tree species, forest equipment & disorders, evaluate timber to determine wood volume, interpret topographical maps, and complete a compass and pacing practicumDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

HORSE EVALUATION Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Horse Evaluation and Selection Career Development Event is designed to stimulate the study of and interest in, equine science selection while providing recognition for those who have demonstrated skill and competency in this area.

Event Highlights: evaluate halter classes of horses and complete a skilathon based various aspects of the equine industryDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS


LAND JUDGING Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Land Judging CDE is designed to stimulate learning activities related to soils and their best use.

Event Highlights: Evaluate soil pits and complete a homesite evaluationDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

LIVESTOCK Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Livestock Evaluation and Selection Career Development Event stimulates learning activities related to the production and marketing of cattle, sheep and swine.

Event Highlights: evaluate classes of market & breeding cattle, swine, sheep & goats, and complete a skilathon based on the beef & swine industriesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

MEATS EVALUATION Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Meats Evaluation Career Development Event is designed to stimulate learning activities related to the processing of beef, pork and lamb carcasses, including retail cut identification and factors affecting meat quality.

Event Highlights: Identify retail cuts of beef, pork & lamb and evaluate classes or retail cutsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The nursery and Landscape Career Development Event is designed to stimulate learning activities related to nursery practices and landscaping including the identification of plants, insects, and diseases.

Event Highlights: Identify common nursery plants, pests & tools, interpret landscape plans, evaluate landscaping jobs, identify and control plant disorders and perform equipment maintenanceDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE DEMONSTRATION Middle School, Individual or Team (2 Members)The Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Contests are designed to stimulate careful planning, thorough knowledge and the ability to explain, by work and action, the “how and why” of various horticulture practices.

Event Highlights: develop and present a 7-10 minute presentation about various areas of the ornamental horticulture industryDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES Middle School, Team (7 Members)The Opening and Closing Ceremony CDE is designed to develop agricultural leadership by providing for middle school members participation in public speaking activities and stimulating interest in leadership and citizenship.

Event Highlights: memorize and perform the official FFA Opening & Closing CeremoniesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Middle School, Team (6 Members)The purpose of the Parliamentary Procedure CDE is to encourage students to learn to effectively participate in a business meeting and to assist in the development of their leadership skills.

Event Highlights: conduct a portion of a business meeting using correct parliamentary lawDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

POULTRY Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Poultry Career Development Event stimulates learning related to the production, processing, marketing and consumption of poultry products.

Event Highlights: evaluate live birds, grade ready to cook broilers, grades for interior & exterior quality, identify poultry carcass partsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

PREPARED SPEAKING Middle School, IndividualThe Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event is designed to develop agricultural leadership by providing for member participation in agricultural public speaking activities and stimulating interest in leadership and citizenship.

Event Highlights: develop a 4-6 minute speech about an agricultural topic of your choice and present the speech to a panel of judgesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? Yes

TOOL IDENTIFICATION Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Tool Identification Event is designed to develop the ability to correctly identify the names and uses of a variety of tools common to the Agricultural Education Curriculum.

Event Highlights: identify common agricultural tools and their usesDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no

VEGETABLE Middle School, Team (3-4 Members)The Vegetable Identification and Judging event is designed to test skills and knowledge of students in the area of vegetable production and management.

Event Highlights: evaluate classes of vegetables, identify kinds & varieties of vegetables, insects, diseases, weeds and seedsDoes this event have a preliminary/qualifier? no


CHOOSING THERIGHT EVENTFFA’s career development Events directly support your skill development contributing to every student begin college and career ready upon graduation from high school. FFA members can compete in a wide variety of events. Use the chart below to find your event. What do you like?

PERFORMING AND BEING ABLE TO REHEARSE AND PRESENT?

THINKING ON YOUR FEET, SOLVING PROBLEMS AND DEMONSTRATING SKILLS?

HORTICULTURESALES EDUCATIOn MECHAnICSLEADERSHIP

WHAT INTERESTS YOU?

WHAT INTERESTS YOU?

INDIVIDUAL ■ Ag. Education ■ Creed Speaking ■ Prepared Public

Speaking ■ Opening

& Closing Ceremonies

TEAM ■ Ag.

Communications ■ Ag. Sales ■ Ag. Issues

INDIVIDUAL/PAIR

■ Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration

INDIVIDUAL ■ Extemporaneous

Public Speaking ■ Job Interview

TEAM ■ Parliamentary

Procedure

INDIVIDUAL ■ Tractor Operations

TEAM ■ Ag. Mechanics


TESTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE BY IDENTIFYING SPECIES,

EVALUATING ANIMALS, & EXAMS?

BUSInESS AnIMAL SCIEnCE PLAnT SCIEnCE FOOD SCIEnCEnATURAL

RESOURCES

WHAT INTERESTS YOU?

TEAM ■ Ag. Business

Management

TEAM ■ Citrus

Evaluation ■ Floriculture ■ Forestry ■ Nursery &

Landscape ■ Vegetable

Evaluation

TEAM ■ Food Science

TEAM ■ Environmental

Science ■ Land Evaluation

TEAM ■ Aquaculture ■ Dairy

Evaluation ■ Horse

Evaluation ■ Livestock

Evaluation ■ Meats

Evaluation ■ Poultry

Evaluation ■ Vet Assisting


AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENTWilliston SRSponsored by Florida Farm Bureau Federation & Farmers Cooperative, Inc.

AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONSStrawberry CrestSponsored by FloridAgriculture Magazine

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATIONSavannah Woodall, Lake ButlerSponsored by Florida Association of Ag Educators

AGRICULTURAL ISSUESPine RidgeSponsored by University of Florida Collegiate FFA

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICSDurantSponsored by Everglades Farm Equipment

AGRICULTURAL SALES AND SERVICECottondaleSponsored by Clear Springs Farm

AQUACULTUREOrlando ColonialSponsored by Florida Aquaculture Association & Florida Tropical Fish Association

CITRUSKathleen SRSponsored by Polk County Farm Bureau

CREEDMaddie Dvorak, Lake Gibson MSSponsored by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

DAIRY CATTLEOkeechobee BrahmanSponsored by Southeast Milk, Inc.

ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCESOrlando ColonialSponsored by Florida Strawberry Growers Association

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKINGWilliam Jameson, South Sumter SRSponsored by Florida Farm Bureau Federation

FLORICULTUREApopkaSponsored by Stallings Crop Insurance Corporation

FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYSouth Sumter SRSponsored by Florida Strawberry Growers Association

FORESTRY Kathleen SRSponsored by Florida Forestry Festival

HORSE EVALUATIONCharlotte Sponsored by Chipola FFA Federation

HORTICULTURE DEMONSTRATIONSponsored by Westcoast Enterprise Group, Inc.

ARTISTIC ARRANGEMENT

Emily LaVoie & Mackenzie Kirkbride, Cedar Key

CONSUMER USE

Adrian Dyer & Autumn Smith, Durant

LANDSCAPE

Jessica Bierds, Lakewood Ranch

MARKETING

Marybeth Stewart & John Banks, Strawberry Crest

PRODUCTION

Devyn Decker & Katie Hernandez, South Lake

JOB INTERVIEWShelbi McCall, DixieSponsored by Florida FFA Alumni Association

LIVESTOCKDeLand SRSponsored by Harold’s Farm Supply & Florida FFA Alumni Association

MEATS EVALUATIONWiliston SRSponsored by Central Beef Industries, LLC

NURSERY & LANDSCAPEKathleen SRSponsored by Shade Tree nursery

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDUREBlountstownSponsored by Florida Farm Bureau Federation

POULTRYBaker County SRSponsored by Florida Poultry Federation

PREPARED SPEAKINGAdrian Dyer, DurantSponsored by Chuck Brannan

TRACTOR OPERATION & MAINTENANCEJonathan Gaylard, BranfordSponsored by Polk Tractor Company

VEGETABLEOrlando ColonialSponsored by Hinton Farms Produce

VETERINARY ASSISTINGGeorge JenkinsSponsored by Chesnut Farms

2015CDE WINNERS

HIGH SCHOOL


AQUACULTURECrystal Lake MSSponsored by PentAir Aquatic Eco Systems, Inc

CITRUSBarrington MSSponsored by Coca-Cola Refreshments

DAIRY CATTLELafayette MSSponsored by Larson Dairy, Inc. & J. M. Larson, Inc.

ELECTRIFICATION ESSAYTaryn Storter, Tomlin MSSponsored by Gulf Power Company

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKINGMadison Smith, Barrington MSSponsored by Florida Farm Bureau Federation

FLORICULTURERedland MSSponsored by Jack Williams Family

FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYSouth Sumter MSSponsored by Hillsborough FFA Federation

FORESTRY Fort White MSSponsored by The Andersons

HORSE EVALUATIONGrand Ridge MSSponsored by Florida Thorobred Fillies Club

HORTICULTURE DEMONSTRATIONSponsored by Oglesby Plant Laboratories

ARTISTIC ARRANGEMENT

Reagan Hudson & Mollee Beauchamp, Chiefland MS

CONSUMER USE

Reagan Brown & Kendall Gaudens, Tomlin MS

LANDSCAPE

Camryn Russo, Clermont MS

MARKETING

Taryn Storter, Tomlin MS

PRODUCTION

Lily Batley & Kaitlyn Yarborough, Tomlin MS

LIVESTOCKGlades Day MSSponsored by Harold’s Farm Supply

MEATS EVALUATIONLafayette MSSponsored by Florida Cattlemen’s Association

NURSERY & LANDSCAPEBarrington MSSponsored by J & R nursery

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIESClermont MSSponsored by Florida Association of Agricultural Educators

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURETomlin MSSponsored by Florida Farm Bureau Federation

POULTRYCrystal Lake MSSponsored by Florida Poultry Federation

PREPARED SPEAKINGMadison Dvorak, Lake Gibson MSSponsored by Ed & Susie Osborne

TOOL IDENTIFICATIONFrostproof MSSponsored by John Cloran

VEGETABLEOcoee MSSponsored by Astin Strawberry Exchange

MIDDLE SCHOOL


CU

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GW

INN

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61AWARD PROGRAMS CU

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IVA

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AWARD PROGRAMSFFA has an award to match almost any member’s unique talents and interests. Students and teachers are able to find a program that interests them, set a goal, and work hard to achieve it. Students gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in all aspects of life. Additionally, FFA members can earn degrees as they progress through the phases of their leadership, academic and career skills development.

This section of the guide provides information about Florida FFA’s award programs and applications.


FFA has an extensive award program, implemented at the local, state and national levels, with an award to match almost any member’s unique talents and interests. Awards provide incentives for members and chapters to set goals and work toward achieving them. The result is a membership dedicated to progress in their chosen areas of interest.

AWARD SUBMISSION

Award applications are to be submitted directly to the Florida FFA Office either by hand delivery or sent through the mail. Applicants who mail their award applications are encouraged to send them using a method that can be tracked (e.g. UPS) in the case that an issue was to arise. Applications that are received through email or fax will not be accepted.

AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINES

All award application due dates are listed in the “Event/Application Date” of the Florida FFA calendar. There is a seven calendar-day grace period on award applications unless otherwise noted. This date is listed in the “Register/Receive By” column of the calendar, and is the date that document should be in the Florida FFA Office (not postmarked). Applications received after this date may not be accepted.

AWARD APPLICATION REVISION

Competitive award applications such as proficiency applications and national Chapter Award applications that are selected at state finalist/winners will be returned to the chapter for revision before being sent on to national FFA for judging. A panel of judges will have reviewed the applications and feedback will be provided on the applications. It is expected that any application returned for revision be corrected and a new copy be returned to Florida FFA by the specified due date. Applications that are not properly revised may not be sent on to national FFA for judging.

ONLINE AWARD APPLICATIONS

Beginning 2015, a number of award applications must be completed online. An active MyFFA login is required for each student completing applications for proficiency awards, state degrees, American degrees, and star awards. Awards are still printed and submitted to Florida FFA for judging and approval.

RESOURCES

In addition to several workshops offered throughout the year at conferences, State and national Convention there are numerous online resources available at ffa.org to help members and advisors prepare for the various award programs.

■ Official FFA Manual ■ Agriscience Fair Handbook ■ national Chapter Award Program Handbook ■ Agriculture Proficiency Award Handbook ■ American FFA Degree Application Guide

AWARD APPLICATION REMINDERS

Listed below are some items to keep in mind when completing and submitting award applications:

■ Binding – Applications are to be bound when they are submitted. Acceptable forms of binding: stapling, spiral binding or three-prong award application folders. Unacceptable forms of binding: paper clips, three-ring binders.

■ Paper – Applications should be printed on a high quality, matte, white paper. Applications should not be printed on card stock, colored or glossy paper.

■ Printing – Applications should printed single-sided only. ■ Pictures – Any pictures include in an application should be of

the highest quality possible and printed in color. ■ Signatures – Applications that are missing signatures will be

disqualified. ■ Altered Applications – Applications that have been altered

from their original form will be disqualified.

AWARDPROGRAMS

63AWARD PROGRAMS

AWARD AWARD TYPE DUE DATE ACCESSED FROM APPLICATION TYPE HOW TO SUBMIT

Agriscience Fair Individual or

PairMay 1 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

American Degree Individual March 1 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

Chapter Cooperative Award Chapter April 15 FloridaFFA.org Online Submit Online

FFA Advisor of the Year Award Individual May 1 FloridaFFA.org PDF Print and Mail

Fresh From Florida Advocacy Award Chapter April 15 FloridaFFA.org Online Submit Online

Honorary State FFA Degree Individual May 1 FloridaFFA.org PDF Print and Mail

Outstanding Alumni Affiliate Award Chapter April 15 FFA.org Excel Print and Mail

Outstanding District Officer Award Individual April 15 FloridaFFA.org Online Submit Online

Premier Chapter Award Chapter May 15 FloridaFFA.org Online Submit with QCR

national Chapter Award Chapter April 15 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

Proficiency Award Individual April 15 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

State FFA Degree Individual April 1 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

State Star Awards Individual April 1 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

Star Discovery Degree Award Individual April 1 FloridaFFA.org Excel Print and Mail

Star Greenhand Degree Award Individual April 1 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

Star Chapter Degree Award Individual April 1 MyFFA Online Print and Mail

AWARD APPLICATION SOURCES

AWARD OVERVIEWS

AGRISCIENCE FAIR Eligibility: Members grades sixth – 12thAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedThe national FFA Agriscience Fair is a competition for FFA members who are interested in the science and technology of agriculture. It is held each year, during the State FFA Convention. 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 fair, but reflect an agricultural theme.

AWARDSTop 3 category winners in each division receive rosettes awarded at the conclusion of the fair. First place Division winners receive a trophy on stage at the State FFA convention. Each participant who is selected and who accepts the invitation to participate at the national FFA Convention will receive at $200 travel award.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ■ Complete Application ■ Complete Research Report

ALUMNI ESSAY CONTESTEligibility: Members grades sixth – 11thThe Alumni Essay Contest recognizes outstanding FFA members from chapters with an active Alumni Affiliate. Award winners will receive scholarships to assist in attendance at either the Washington Conference or the Florida Leadership Adventures programs depending on their ranking.

AWARDS Top 10 applicants receive a scholarship to either the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) or Florida Leadership Adventures (FLA). Scholarships are awarded on stage at the State FFA Convention.

AMERICAN FFA DEGREEEligibility: Refer to the National FFA ConstitutionAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedFFA is structured into a degree program which rewards active FFA members for progress in all phases of leadership, skills and occupational development. The highest degree, the American FFA Degree, is conferred upon an elite group of members at the national level, which are approved by the state association.

AWARDS All recipients recognized on stage at the State and national FFA Conventions.


CHAPTER COOPERATIVE AWARDEligibility: Middle and High School ChaptersAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Printed and MailedThe Chapter Cooperative Award is made possible by the The Florida Council of Cooperatives and is designed to highlight the importance of cooperative business principles and practices. The contest is divided into two parts. Part One of the contest can be completed by the diligent work of any chapter who explores the need and resources of cooperatives, plans for cooperative activity and caries out a cooperative activity including, but not limited to visiting a local cooperative. A newly involved chapter may wish to begin with just the new portion of the contest, which is part one. In order to be considered for winning chapter must complete Part Two which involves documenting the chapter activities carried out concerning cooperatives, how chapter members made use of local cooperatives and any Cooperatives organized by chapter members.

AWARDS State winning chapter receives complimentary registration for four students and one advisor to attend the annual cooperative organization meeting. After attending, the winning chapter is also eligible for $500 cash. Awards given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

FFA ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARDEligibility: All Florida FFA AdvisorsAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Printed and MailedThe purpose of the FFA Advisor of the Year Award is to recognize agriculture educators who have made a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education in their local chapter.

FRESH FROM FLORIDA ADVOCACY AWARDEligibility: Middle and High School ChaptersAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Submitted OnlineThis program is designed to make today’s elementary students more aware of the world of agriculture and how it affects their daily lives. One of the primary objectives is to promote agricultural literacy among today’s students.

AWARDS Top five finalists each receive a plaque. In addition, the first place chapter receives $200, second place chapter receives $100 and the third place chapter receives $50. Awards are given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

HONORARY STATE FFA DEGREE NOMINATIONAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Printed and MailedThe Florida FFA Association relies on the support of exceptional individuals to provide life-changing experiences for its members. Each year, at the State FFA Convention, we honor those who have rendered outstanding service to agriculture or the agricultural education/FFA program with the Honorary State FFA Degree. Florida FFA will award up to 10 Honorary State FFA Degrees each year, along with five Distinguished Service Citations.

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AFFILIATE AWARDEligibility: All Alumni ChaptersAccessed from FFA.org, Printed and MailedThe Outstanding Affiliate Award honors FFA Alumni Affiliates for outstanding accomplishments and contributions within their local chapters. The four finalist applications and the state winner’s applications will be sent on to national to be considered for the national Outstanding Alumni Affiliate.

AWARDS Top five affiliates receive a plaque. First place affiliate receives $200 and the advisor of the first place chapter receives $100. Second place affiliate receives $50 and the advisor of the second place chapter receives $50. The third place affiliate receives $50. Awards are given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

OUTSTANDING DISTRICT OFFICER AWARDEligibility: All District OfficersAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Submitted OnlineThe Ryan Rimmer Outstanding District Award recognizes the accomplishments of the state’s top district officer. The award application evaluates the district officer’s goals, plan of action, and the outcomes of their accomplishments during their year as a district officer.

AWARDS Finalists are recognized and the winner receives a plaque on stage at the State FFA Convention.

PREMIER CHAPTER AWARDEligibility: All ChaptersAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Submitted Online with Quality Chapter ReportTo be considered a premier chapter, Senior chapters are required to obtain the maximum amount of points in each category for a total of 260 points, as well as complete the additional Partnership Standard requirements. Junior and Middle school chapters are required to obtain 230 points and must also complete the Partnership Standard requirements to be considered a Premier Chapter.

AWARDS Premier Chapter Award recipients receive a plaque on stage at the State FFA Convention.

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARD (FLORIDA’S FINEST)Eligibility: Middle and High School ChaptersAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedThe national Chapter Award program is designed to award FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using a Program of Activities (PoA) that emphasizes student, chapter and community development. Quality standards have been developed in each area as minimum requirements for recognition in the national Chapter Award program. The FFA mission and strategies should be used as a guide in planning, implementing and assessing accomplishments. To be considered Florida’s Finest, a chapter must have an active alumni chapter.

AWARDS Applicants selected as Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters each receive a plaque and a spur. Awards are given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

65AWARD PROGRAMS

PROFICIENCY AWARDSEligibility: Members grades sixth – 12th , and members who maintain active membership may apply the year following their high school graduationAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedThe Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their SAEs, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Placement proficiency awards are given to those whose SAEs are related to employment, apprenticeships, or internships at an agribusiness or agriculture-related organization. Entrepreneurship proficiency awards are given to those whose SAEs are related to ownership of an agribusiness or agriculture-related organization. Please note that not all award areas are recognized at the state level. Recognized award areas are:

■ Agricultural Communications ■ Agricultural Education ■ Agricultural Mechanics - Design & Fabrication ■ Agricultural Mechanics - Repair & Maintenance ■ Agricultural Processing ■ Agricultural Sales ■ Agricultural Services ■ Agriscience Research ■ Beef Production - Entrepreneurship ■ Beef Production - Placement ■ Dairy Production ■ Diversified Agricultural Production ■ Diversified Crop Production ■ Diversified Horticulture ■ Diversified Livestock Production ■ Environmental Science & natural Res. Mgmt. ■ Equine Science - Entrepreneurship ■ Equine Science - Placement ■ Feeder Steer (State Level Only) ■ Feeder Swine (State Level Only) ■ Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production ■ Forage Production ■ Forest Management & Products ■ Fruit and/or Vegetable Production ■ Home and/or Community Development ■ Landscape Management ■ nursery Operations ■ Outdoor Recreation ■ Poultry Production ■ Sheep Production ■ Small Animal Production & Care ■ Specialty Animal Production ■ Specialty Crop Production ■ Swine Production ■ Turfgrass Management ■ Veterinary Science ■ Wildlife Management

AWARDS Each finalist receives a plaque. Winner receives an additional plaque and $200. The advisor of the winner receives $100. Awards are given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ■ Complete Award Application ■ Employer or Instructor’s Statement - The applicant’s most

recent employer or agriculture instructor should evaluate and submit a maximum of one page report of the progress the student has made in developing the skills and competencies

necessary for success in the particular area of this application.

■ Personal Page - Attach one page of additional information, of your choice, supporting your application for this area. (i.e., newspaper clippings, additional statements from employer, student work, etc.)

STATE FFA DEGREEEligibility: Refer to the Florida FFA ConstitutionAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and Mailed The State FFA is the highest degree that the State FFA Association can bestow on a member. This degree is award annually at the State FFA Convention to those members who have met the minimum qualifications set forth by the national FFA Organization.

AWARDS All recipients recognized and receive a charm on stage at the State FFA Convention.

STATE STAR AWARDSEligibility: 12th grade members only** Members who received their State FFA Degree in a previous year may submit an updated State FFA Degree along with the Star Battery ApplicationAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedThe Star Farmer, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Agricultural Placement Award represent the best of the best among hundreds of State FFA Degree recipients. Finalists for the awards have mastered skills in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences in the areas of production, finance, management and/or research.

AWARDS Finalists receive a $100 state award and a plaque. Winner receives an additional $200 state award, a $300 national award, a plaque and a trophy. Awards are given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ■ Complete Award Application ■ Complete Degree Application ■ SAE Agreements - Attach a copy of your most recent SAE

partnership, rental, Family Corporation or occupational training agreement

■ Recommendations Attach three one-page recommendations: Agriculture instructor recommendation, and two other recommendations (if your SAEs include placement, please include at least one employer recommendation).

SUBMITTING STATE DEGREES AND STAR APPLICATIONSIf you are submitting a state degree application as well as a state star application, you will need to submit two copies of your state degree application: one copy as your state degree submission and another copy with your state star application.


STAR DISCOVERY DEGREE AWARDEligibility: 8th grade members onlyAccessed from FloridaFFA.org, Printed and MailedThe Star Discovery Degree Award recognizes the state’s top Discovery Degree recipient based on the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience program and other experiences related to FFA and Agricultural Education. All award types (Farmer, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Agricultural Placement) will compete together for this award.

AWARDS Finalists receive a $100 state award and a plaque. Winner receives an additional $200 state award, a plaque and a trophy. Awards given on stage at the State FFA Convention.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ■ Complete Award Application ■ Recommendations Attach three one-page recommendations:

Agriculture instructor recommendation, and two other recommendations (if your SAEs include placement, please include at least one employer recommendation).

STAR GREENHAND DEGREE AWARDEligibility: 10th grade members onlyAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedThe Star Greenhand Degree Award recognizes the state’s top Greenhand Degree recipient based on the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience program and other experiences related to FFA and Agricultural Education. All award types (Farmer, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Agricultural Placement) will compete together for this award.


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ■ Complete Award Application ■ SAE Agreements - Attach a copy of your most recent SAE



STAR CHAPTER DEGREE AWARDEligibility: 11th grade members onlyAccessed from MyFFA, Printed and MailedThe Star Chapter Degree Award recognizes the state’s top Chapter Degree recipient based on the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience program and other experiences related to FFA and Agricultural Education. All award types (Farmer, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Agricultural Placement) will compete together for this award.


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ■ Complete Award Application ■ SAE Agreements - Attach a copy of your most recent SAE



67AWARD PROGRAMS

DIVISION 1

Division WinnerCody Emerson, High Springs

ANIMAL SYSTEMSEmily Acevedo, Bradford MS

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMSHunter Pepin, University Volusia

PLANT SYSTEMSCody Emerson, High Springs

POWER, STRUCTURAL AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMSDenisse Salas, Redland MS

FOOD PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING SYSTEMSTaryn Storter, Tomlin MS

SOCIAL SYSTEMSAlicia Melendez, Redland MS

DIVISION 2

Division WinnerCase Emerson, Lake Butler

ANIMAL SYSTEMSCady McGehee, Okeechobee Brahman

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMSJacob Long, Jefferson County

PLANT SYSTEMSMegan Leee Anne Kachmarik, Haines City

FOOD PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING SYSTEMSKendall Clark, South Sumter

SOCIAL SYSTEMSCase Emerson, Lake Butler

DIVISION 3

Division WinnerJozef Heijkoop & Gabriel Strickland, South Sumter MS

ANIMAL SYSTEMSJozef Heijkoop & Gabriel Strickland, South Sumter MS

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMSJuancarlos Perez & Eloy Morales, Redland MS

PLANT SYSTEMSKendall Gaudens & Katelyn Yarbrough, Tomlin MS

FOOD PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING SYSTEMSJade Silva & Aileen Medina, Redland MS

SOCIAL SYSTEMSMadison Smith & Jacqueline Galianio, Barrington MS

DIVISION 4

Division WinnerBrandon Grady & Stoney Maddox, South Sumter SR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/NATURAL RESOURCE SYSTEMSSarah Beyer & Kaitlin Wilkes, Brooksville SR

PLANT SYSTEMSBrandon Grady & Stoney Maddox, South Sumter SR

FOOD PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING SYSTEMSAnna Plair & Jacob Raines, Frostproof SR

SOCIAL SYSTEMSAustin Mattox & Alison DeLoach, Ft. White SR

2015AWARD WINNERS

AGRISCIENCE FAIR


AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONSAbby Marion, University (Volusia)Sponsored by Marion County Farm Bureau

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATIONAdrian Dyer, DurantSponsored by University of Florida Collegiate FFA

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS DESIGN & FABRICATIONDallas Stillings, KathleenSponsored by Circle S Farms, LTD

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS REPAIR & MAINTENANCEHarrison Fox Love, Williston SRSponsored by Matred Carlton Olliff Foundation

AGRICULTURAL SALESJerrica Byrd, BranfordSponsored by Pratt Industries

AGRICULTURAL SERVICESMason Bishop, DeLand SRSponsored by Dunson Harvesting, Inc.

AGRISCIENCE RESEARCHCase H Emerson, Lake Butler SRSponsored by UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

BEEF PRODUCTION - ENTREPRENEURSHIPLandon Marion Smith, BronsonSponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities

BEEF PRODUCTION - PLACEMENTJacob Burnette, DurantSponsored by Kevin Huesman & Florida Cattlewomen

DAIRY PRODUCTIONRyan Brantley, Suwannee SRSponsored by Dairy Farmers, Inc.

DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONHarold Tillis, Chiefland SRSponsored by Westcoast Enterprise Group, Inc.

DIVERSIFIED CROP PRODUCTIONAllison Randell, BranfordSponsored by Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association

DIVERSIFIED HORTICULTURETrey White, BranfordSponsored by Chemical Dynamics & Dade City Middle FFA

DIVERSIFIED LIVESTOCK PRODUCTIONMatthew Hall, South Sumter SRSponsored by FX Bar Ranch, Inc.

EMERGING AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGYLillian Rose Rodicio, Ferguson SRSponsored by PCS Phosphates

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTJames Patrick Leonard, BlountstownSponsored by Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC

EQUINE SCIENCE - ENTREPRENEURSHIPKelsey M Thornton, Lake Butler SRSponsored by Seminole Feed

EQUINE SCIENCE - PLACEMENTBrandi N Taylor, Suwannee SRSponsored by Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Assoc

FEEDER STEERNathan Boone, Lake Butler SRSponsored by Florida Cattlemen’s Association

FEEDER SWINEJacob Burnette, DurantSponsored by Florida FFA Foundation

FIBER AND/OR OIL CROP PRODUCTIONWilliam Henry Terry, Madison Co. HSSponsored by Florida Peanut Producers Association

FORAGE PRODUCTIONChristopher Young, BranfordSponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation

FOREST MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTSWhitney Mills, Chiefland SRSponsored by Florida Forestry Association

FRUIT AND/OR VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONCody Clark, KathleenSponsored by Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

GOAT PRODUCTIONAustin Davis, Bunnell SRSponsored by Florida FFA Foundation

HOME AND/OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAvery Brooks, PalatkaSponsored by Jarrett Gordon Ford

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENTEthan Fernandez, DurantSponsored by Florida nursery, Growers & Landscape Association

NURSERY OPERATIONSWilliam Jameson, South Sumter SRSponsored by Sunniland Corporation

OUTDOOR RECREATIONWilliam Donaghy, OakleafSponsored by Bowen Brothers, Inc.

POULTRY PRODUCTIONJeremy Odom, Leesburg SRSponsored by Florida Poultry Federation, Inc.

SHEEP PRODUCTIONAubrey Davis, DurantSponsored by Central Florida Fair, Inc.

SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCTION & CAREZackary Zellman, Kathleen SRSponsored by Purina Animal nutrition LLC

SPECIALTY ANIMAL PRODUCTIONMelissa Shipley, Kathleen SRSponsored by Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Fund

SWINE PRODUCTIONHaley Starke, DeLand SRSponsored by Florida Pork Improvement Group

TURFGRASS MANAGEMENTHunter LoRusso, Leesburg SRSponsored by Agricultural Education Services & Technology

VETERINARY SCIENCENaomi Nicole Sloan, BronsonSponsored by Florida FFA Foundation

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENTShelbi McCall, Dixie SRSponsored by Florida Wildlife Federation

PROFICIENCY AWARDS

69AWARD PROGRAMS

FINALISTSStar Discovery AwardAustin Bagby, Bell Middle FFAEmily Acevedo, Bradford MS FFAJozef Heijkoop, South Sumter Middle FFASeth Land, Suwannee Middle FFA

Star Greenhand AwardTania Henderson, Branford FFAShelby Carlton, Kathleen FFAKyle Garner, South Lake FFABayle Etheridge, Williston FFA

Star Chapter AwardJonathan Gaylard, Branford FFAJacaob Burnette, Durant FFAWilliam Donaghy, Oakleaf FFAOrion Douthit, Sneads FFAWilliam Jameson, South Sumter FFA

Star in Agribusiness AwardArica Land, Branford FFAColson Cannon, Brooksville Sr. FFAShelbi McCall, Dixie FFA

Star in Agricultural Placement AwardKatie Lloyd, Branford FFAAnastasia Sturgis, Orlando Colonial FFACaleb Land, Suwannee Sr. FFA

Star in Agriscience AwardRuth Babione, Brooksville Sr. FFAKyra Aliese Cole, Brooksville Sr. FFAMackenzie Quinn, Brooksville Sr. FFACase Emerson, Lake Butler FFA

Star Farmer AwardAllie Randell, Branford FFAStephen Singleton, Palatka FFAMatthew Hall, South Sumter Sr. FFAMatthew George, Trenton FFA

Matthew George, Trenton FFA member, started working with his grandfather on his daylily operation in 2007. That is when he took an interest in daylilies and his grandfather helped him start his own daylily bed in his backyard. Since that time, he has expanded his one daylily bed into 2400 square feet of raised growing beds and began his business Daylilies Buy George, LLC. He has expanded each year before fall transplant to ensure growing space for new stock.

George says, “This business has taught me many practical lessons. I have learned about responsibility, people skills, good business practices as well as building a reputation as an honest, generous, and reliable provider of plants for my customers.” George plans to pursue a degree in agricultural sales and marketing.

STAR FARMER AWARDMatthew George, TrentonSponsored by Farm Credit

STAR AWARDSThe Stars of Florida program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s) in five different categories. nearly 300 applicants were considered during the selection process. Each candidate was interviewed by a team of FFA, industry and agricultural education representatives to determine the winner in each area. These students are the best of the best and we are happy to introduce the winners to you below and in the following pages.


Case Emerson, a member of the Lake Butler FFA Chapter, began his affiliation with the University of Florida meats lab through a relationship with Dr. Chad Carr. Dr. Carr allowed Emerson to volunteer and complete science fair projects in his lab. Emerson’s studies were centered around beef and pork. Over the past four years Emerson has taken on more responsibility in the lab. Today, he is proficient in setting up taste panels; he keeps accurate records on samples and makes sure the panelists have the necessary tools to provide a comparison on two products.

Emerson says, “One of the biggest advantages I have had in my project is participating in the Meats CDE. I already have a knowledge of meat cuts I am working with, where they come from, how their location and muscle structure influences palatability, and other aspects of the industry that may help me better understand consumer perceptions of the meat they eat.”

Emerson’s educational goals include studying Food & Resource Economics or Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. He plans to one day go back to the family farm or establish a career with the USDA as a meat inspector.

STAR IN AGRISCIENCE AWARDCase Emerson, Lake ButlerSponsored by Mosaic Companies

Branford FFA member, Katie Lloyd became interested in horses and the sport of riding at age three. She began her riding foundation with the basic English principles on an all-around Arabian mare. Once she had a basic foundation, she began participating in stricter principles such as Hunter Jumper and Dressage and began acquiring my own show horses. She also began riding in Western disciplines such as Barrel Racing, Reining and Pleasure riding to have an overall feel in each category.

She began working at Camp Dovewood four years ago by training green horses, as well as further training higher level equine. She works with a total of 42 horses (all in different disciplines), performs therapy when needed, properly cares and manages equipment, as well as expands and betters herself in the riding arena. Lloyd has discovered her passion and hopes to make a career out of working within the equine industry.

STAR IN AGRICULTURAL PLACEMENT AWARDKatie Lloyd, BranfordSponsored by William E. Hamm & Associates, Inc.

71AWARD PROGRAMS

William Donaghy, Oakleaf FFA Chapter member, truly has a diversified SAE project. His projects include a community garden, market hog, agriscience research project, & working for an agritourism business. His main SAE is a community garden that he started as a way to apply the knowledge he learned in class & meet a need in his community.

As crops are harvested from the garden, he creates baskets to take to shut-ins. He also conducted an agriscience research project to determine the viability and ecological impact of hydroponics versus soil based farming, which he hopes to apply to more efficient food production in his garden.

In the 10th grade he began working at Amazing Grace Crop Maze in various capacities. This is where he was able to practice and hone his skills within agribusiness marketing. He worked to develop marketing strategies and help perfect the crop maze brand. Donaghy credits his SAE with helping him grow his knowledge so that he can work towards educating the future generation.

STAR CHAPTER AWARDWilliam Donaghy, OakleafSponsored by William E. Hamm & Associates, Inc.

Shelbi McCall of the Dixie Senior FFA Chapter, resides on a 1,200 acre family farm, and this is what influenced her decision to engage in family business. As she grew and matured, her family allowed her to become a stakeholder in the family enterprise. With the earnings she acquired from the operation, she was able to establish her own business. Her family centralized their goal around pine production, but she knew that she needed to diversify by adding livestock to her business. With her savings, she began raising show cattle that would become competitive at a national level.

After exhibiting cattle for numerous years, she added Boer goats to her operation. Although her goat enterprise is still in the forming stages, it has produced high quality animals. In addition to the show cattle and goat enterprises, she has grown her pine plantation with the assistance of her parents allotting her land each year. Since 2008, she has invested her earnings back into the family operation to finance her purchase of more of the operation for her enterprise.

McCall’s plans after graduating from college, are to be involved in local politics, as well as be involved in lobbying for various agricultural industries.

STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS AWARDShelbi McCall, DixieSponsored by Purina Animal nutrition


Bradford Middle FFA Chapter member, Emily Acevedo has a strong supervised agricultural experience program in the area of goat production. As she began her project, her grandmother purchased her a purebred Boer buck and doe and registered them in her name. Since this time she has been very busy. She has grown her herd to 32 breeding does, three bucks and more than 50 kids.

She has learned a great deal about goat healthcare and has become interested in herd management practices. She has studied goat reproduction, pregnancy testing, nutrition and researched the causes of high risk pregnancies. She is currently researching progesterone to establish a baseline for a safe time to induce labor in cases of ketosis. Through her research she has had the highest production rate she has ever had, with the lowest costs. Since 2014, she has eliminated ketosis from her herd and is currently sharing the changes to her feed management practices with other breeders.

Acevedo’s goal include expanding her project to include exporting goats to Caribbean countries. She hopes to one day attend the University of Florida and continue her goat research. She says, “I see myself making major breakthroughs in the goat industry, in the area of goat reproductive physiology.”

STAR DISCOVERY AWARDEmily Acevedo, Bradford MSSponsored by William E. Hamm & Associates, Inc.

Baylee Etheridge of the Williston FFA Chapter focused her SAE on Beef Cattle Production. She started showing Angus Cattle in the Florida Junior Angus Association and later decided to switch and show club calves. After the heifers she has shown retire from the show ring, they became a part ofher herd. She now has 22 cows in her herd, which range from Angus to Maine Club Cows.

She has become AI certified in order to diversify her operation. Each year the calves that she doesn’t raise and sell to local FFA members, she sells at the market to make a profit. Other than the cattle production, she works with the bookkeeping in the office at Etheridge Cattle Company and helps with inventory.

Etheridge says, “These opportunities will impact my future by making me a more responsible adult. Showing cattle is not all about raising cattle, it’s about the experiences and all the things you learn. I have learned many things throughout my years of showing but the most important would be responsibility. Knowing that you have animals that depend on you to survive impacts the way you think about things.” Etheridge plans to maintain close ties to the agricultural industry well into the future.

STAR GREENHAND AWARDBaylee Etheridge, WillistonSponsored by William E. Hamm & Associates, Inc.

73AWARD PROGRAMS

100% MEMBERSHIP AWARDSponsored by Hillborough County Farm Bureau

Bell MS Belleview MS Bradford MS Brooksville SR Buddy Taylor MS Corner Lake MS Cornerstone Christian Academy Cottondale Crystal River MS Excel Christian Academy Ferguson SR Ft. White MS Ft. White SR Glades Day MS Glades Day School Hilliard Karen Siegel Academy Kennedy (John) MS Lafayette MS Lake Butler MS Lecanto MSMadison Central MS new Smyrna Beach JR new Smyrna Beach SR Peterson Academies of Technology Poplar Springs Middle Sarasota Vo-Ag SunRidge MS Trenton MS West Florida Wilkinson MS

ALUMNI ESSAY AWARDSponsored by Florida FFA Alumni Association

1. Jacob Yelvington – Kathleen2. Haylee Weaver – northview3. Kaylee Sullivan - Williston MS4. Destiny Fennell – Branford MS5. Desirae Diaz – Brooksville6. Colin Eubanks – Grand Ridge7. Cayden Sanders – Suwannee MS8. Sydney Cadrain – Ft. White9. Alexander Yelvington – Kathleen10. Colby Hargrove – Cottondale

CHAPTER COOPERATIVE AWARDSponsored by Florida Council of Cooperatives

FinalistsAltha SROcoee MSOrlando Colonial SRWilliston MS

WinnerBrooksville SR

FRESH FROM FLORIDA ADVOCACY AWARDSponsored by Florida Department of Agriculture

FinalistsApopka Memorial MSBelleview SRnorthviewWilliston SR

WinnerBranford

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDSponsored by Columbia Grain Ingredients, CSX Transportation, Florida FFA Alumni Association Altha MS Altha SR Apopka SR Braden River Branford Bronson Bronson MS Brooksville SR Clewiston DeLand MS Deltona SR Ferguson SR Ft. White MS Ft. White SR Galaxy MS George Jenkins Kathleen SR Keystone Heights JR Keystone Heights SR Lakewood Ranch SR Lincoln MS new Smyrna Beach SR northview Oakleaf Oakleaf MS Palmetto Santa Fe SR Seminole Vo-Ed Southeast Manatee Tomlin MS Trenton MS Trenton SR

NUTRIENTS FOR LIFE AWARDSSponsored by nutrients for Life Foundation

1. Fort White MS2. Lincoln MS3. Charlotte

CHAPTER AND OFFICER AWARDS


PREMIER CHAPTER AWARDSponsored by Crop Production Services

Altha MS Altha SR Apopka SRBronson SR Brooksville SR Buffalo Creek Chiefland MS Chiefland SR Cottondale Cottondale MSConer Lake MS DeLand MS DeLand SR Deltona SR East River Ferguson SR Frostproof MS Frostproof SRFt. White MS Ft. White SR Malone Malone MS Oakleaf Oakleaf MS Ocoee MS Sneads South Sumter MS Suwannee MS Timber Creek Tomlin MS Trenton SR Wilkinson MS Williston MS Williston SR

OUTSTANDING DISTRICT OFFICER AWARD

FinalistsHeather Yoder - BlountstownCatharin MacFarlane - Deltona SREmily Little - Sebring SRMatthew Staples - South Lake SR

WinnerEmily Little - Sebring SR

SAE AWARDSponsored by Lassiter Ware Insurance

Branford SRChiefland SRFerguson SRKathleen SRLeesburg SR

CHAPTER AND OFFICER AWARDS

75HOnESTY AnD InTEGRITY POLICY

Florida FFA expects students to be honest in all of their work, including work outside of the classroom related to Career Development Events (CDE) and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. By participating in a competitive event, FFA members, advisors and proctors agree to adhere to high standards of academic honesty and integrity and understand that failure to comply with this pledge may result in disciplinary action, up to and including event disqualification, loss of Quality FFA Chapter Status and termination of active FFA membership.

As an integral component of school-based agricultural education, FFA is obligated to report cases of student, teacher, chaperon or proctor dishonesty to the school district.

All FFA members and advisors have an ethical obligation to adhere to the code and are required to abide by the following Academic Honesty and Integrity Policies:

By registering for or participating in any FFA event, FFA chapter representatives, including students and adults, agree to adhere to the following academic honesty code. FFA chapter representatives that do not agree to this policy should not register or participate. FFA chapter representatives understand that FFA expects its students and teachers to be honest in all of their work. FFA chapter representatives agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action, up to and including event disqualification, loss of Quality FFA Chapter Status and termination of active FFA membership.

The conduct set forth hereinafter constitutes a violation of the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policies. Those adjudged to have committed such conduct shall be subject to discipline. Violations of the code and policy include but are not limited to the following:

A. Cheating — The improper taking or tendering of any information or material which shall be used to determine academic or competitive credit. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

1. Copying from another student’s test or materials.2. Allowing another student to copy from a test or materials.3. Using unauthorized materials during a test, such as the

textbook, notebook, formula lists or notes, including those stored in a calculator or other electronic device.

4. Collaborating during an event or activity with any other person by giving or receiving information without authority.

5. Having another individual write or plan a paper, including those bought from research paper services.

B. Plagiarism — The attempt to represent the work of another, as it may relate to written or oral works, computer-based work, mode of creative expression, as the product of one’s own thought, whether the other’s work is published or unpublished, or simply the work of a fellow student or teacher.

When a student submits oral or written work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references, and, if verbatim statements are included, through use of quotation marks as well. By placing one’s name on work submitted for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments. A student will avoid being charged with plagiarism if there is an acknowledgment of indebtedness. It is the FFA advisor’s responsibility to monitor and have an accurate understanding of the source of the students work. Examples include:

1. Quoting another person’s actual words.2. Using another person’s idea, opinion, or theory, even if it is

completely paraphrased in one’s own words.3. Drawing upon facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials

— unless the information is common knowledge.4. Failing to accurately document information or wording

obtained on the internet.5. Submitting anyone else’s work as one’s own work.6. Violating federal copyright laws, including unauthorized

duplication and/or distribution of copyrighted material.7. Offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of any materials,

items or services of value to gain competitive advantages for yourself or another.

C. Bribery - The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any materials, items or services of value to gain academic advantage for yourself or another.

D. Misrepresentation - Any act or omission with intent to deceive an event official for competitive advantage. Misrepresentation includes lying to an event official or misstating the facts to increase your competitive standing.

HONESTY & INTEGRITY POLICY


E. Conspiracy - The planning or acting with one or more persons to commit any form of academic dishonesty to gain competitive advantage for yourself or another.

F. Fabrication - The use of invented or fabricated information, or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive for competitive advantage.

Examples include:1. Citing information not taken from the source indicated.2. Listing sources in a Works Cited or reference not used in

the academic exercise.3. Inventing data or source information for research or other

academic exercise.4. Submitting any academic exercise as one’s own prepared

totally or in part by another, including on-line sources.5. Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone else

to take a test for you.

G. Collusion – The act of working with another person on an competitive undertaking for which a student is individually responsible. Unless working together on an individual practicum has been prior approved, it is not allowed. On team practicums, students must stay within the guidelines set by the event coordinator. If the event coordinator provides additional guidelines, they must be followed. Failure to do so also constitutes a violation of these Policies and Rule.

H. Competitive Misconduct — The intentional violation of integrity by tampering with scores or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of a test or practicum.

Examples include:1. Stealing, buying, downloading, or otherwise obtaining all or

part of a test and/or test answers without authorization.2. Asking or bribing any other person to obtain a test or any

information about a test.3. Changing, altering, or being an accessory to changing and/

or altering of an exam response or a grade recorded.4. Continuing to work on an examination or practicum after the

specified time has elapsed.

I. Improper Computer/Calculator UseExamples of improper computer and/or calculator use include but are not limited to:

1. Unauthorized access, modification, use, creation or destruction of calculator-stored or computer-stored data and programs.

2. Sharing a calculator or computer while leaving answers on display or in memory.

3. Submitting a duplicate printout with only the student’s or chapter’s name changed. This applies to all FFA events, awards and activities.

J. Improper Online Testing use includes:1. Having or providing unauthorized outside help when

completing online assessments.2. Obtaining access to confidential test materials or questions

before online assessments.3. Agriculture Teachers being in the room during online testing

and/or certification. 4. Proctors must not administer tests to their family members.5. Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone else

to take a test for you.

nOTE: A third-party designated proctor must administer all FFA related exams and certifications. Third-party proctor must have received notification of and agree to these policies and may be required to submit documentation certifying the integrity of the online exam process. A third-party proctor cannot be the agriculture teacher(s). Examples of acceptable third-party proctors include: school administrators, computer lab coordinators, media specialists, guidance counselors, testing coordinators, teachers not affiliated with the agriculture program, other non-instructional school or school district officials.

K. Disruptive Behavior - Each chapter representative’s behavior during an FFA event or activity is expected to contribute to a positive learning/teaching/competitive environment, respecting the rights of others and their opportunity to learn or participate. no chapter representative has the right to interfere with this process, including the posting of inappropriate materials on social media sites.

FFA event officials have the authority to ask a disruptive chapter representative to leave the event or activity and will report the incident as appropriate.

L. Electronic Devices - The use of cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed during any FFA competitive event or activity, unless prior approval is given from the event coordinator.

77InDUSTRY CERTIFICATIOnS

AEST, Florida Farm Bureau’s industry certification program, was developed as a result of a need within the agricultural industry. Florida Farm Bureau saw that agriculturists needed a trusted, reliable credential that could be used when hiring employees. As a result, industry-driven assessments of agricultural career fields have been developed in the form of industry certifications.

Each certification reflects a differing agricultural sector and the skills and competencies necessary for success in that field. The certifications were developed by agriculturists for agriculturists. Whether you’re an employer who’s looking for competent and educated employees or an individual looking to validate your knowledge and experience, Florida Farm Bureau’s industry certifications can help you achieve that.

Why are Industry Certifications Important?In addition to better preparing students for a successful career in agriculture, industry certifications are the central component of the implementation of the Florida Career and Professional Act, passed by the Florida legislature in 2007. The purpose of the act was to provide a statewide planning partnership between the business and education communities in order to attract, expand, and retain targeted, high-value industries and to sustain a strong, knowledge-based economy.

Additionally, industry certifications earned by secondary students are included in the high school and middle school grading formula, increasing their importance to school officials and administrators.

The certification is awarded to those persons passing the certification examination’s two-hour long assessment which includes all areas listed above. Assessments will be taken online and proctored by approved, third party individuals at your school.

AEST exams are designed for program completers and are written to measure a student’s performance based on the Florida standards and benchmarks for the respective program.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The registration and purchase process for the certification exam program has been changed in order to meet the needs of teachers, CTE directors and exam specialists across the state.

Teachers, CTE directors and proctors can now purchase exams with their AEST account. Rather than purchasing a certain number of exams allotted to a scheduled exam date, purchasers will load funds into a school’s account. These credits will be used when an exam is activated by the proctor and student on the day of the exam.

Additionally, to streamline the entire registrations and payment process, payments are now to be made to the Florida FFA Association, and credit cards are accepted online at the time of purchase or at a later date.

The latest build of the AEST exam platform now allows for teachers to create an account and view student scores. Only proctor accounts can activate exams. All proctors and teachers will need to create (or re-create) an AEST account beginning in 2015.

ProctorsCertification exams are proctored by registered and approved exam proctors. It is the responsibility of the teacher, administrator, or CTE director to arrange for a proctor. Step-by-step instructions are made available to the proctor prior to the exam date.

Agriculture teachers can not serve as proctors. Ideally, a proctor should be someone who is familiar with online testing and certification exams.

Proctors should be identified several weeks in advance to testing. Proctors are required to register for an AEST account. Information is provided to registered proctors that introduces the exam process and online testing platform.

Scores and CredentialsScores for each exam are available immediately after the entire test is complete and submitted. Student scores are also available to the Teacher and Proctor AEST accounts designated for that school.

Certificates and wallet-sized cards are mailed to the address each student identifies during the testing process.

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS


AESTCERTIFIEDAGRITECHNOLOGY

AESTCERTIFIEDANIMAL SCIENCE

AESTCERTIFIEDCOMMUNICATIONS

AGRITECHNOLOGYAgritechnology, Florida’s general agriculture program, certifies that individuals have a knowledge and skill set applicable to entry level positions in the agricultural industry including agricultural safety, environmental resource conservation and management, plant growth and reproduction, animal systems and livestock management, agricultural machinery, agribusiness and finance, as well as mathematics and physical science skills.

ANIMAL SCIENCEAnimal Science certifies that individuals have a knowledge and skill set applicable to the animal sector of the agriculture industry including planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues, health, safety and environmental issues, and the use and care of animal health-care instruments, animal grooming equipment, animal restraining equipment, and laboratory equipment.

AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGYAgricultural Biotechnology, one of the state’s fastest growing programs, certifies that individuals have a knowledge and skill set applicable to entry level positions in the agricultural industry, plant biotechnology laboratories including general laboratory safety, application and regulations for biotechnology, tissue and cell culture techniques, genetic principles, scientific reasoning, mathematics and physical science skills.

AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONSAgricultural Communications certifies that individuals have a knowledge and skill set applicable to the communications sector of the agricultural industry including instruction in developing and editing materials for printed media and media broadcast, utilizing photography and graphics, the importance of the internet in communications, writing technical papers and media scripts, ethical and professional issues in the industry, and advertising and marketing.

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICSAgricultural Mechanics (Technical Agriculture Operations) certifies that individuals have a knowledge and skill set applicable to the mechanics sector of the agricultural industry including mechanical operations, welding, small engine maintenance and repair, planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues, and health, safety, and environmental issues.

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

Student PerformanceStudies show individuals who receive certification are more successful in their current education environment.

■ Improved Overall Grades ■ Less Absenteeism ■ Decreased number of Drop Outs ■ Increased Graduation Rates

College ReadinessStudents who earn certifications are better prepared for college. Mastering these skills helps them success in the rigorous, technology-driven learning environment.

■ Validation of In-Demand Workforce Skills

■ College Credit for Certification (where applicable)

Career OpportunitiesIndividuals who certify open doors to career opportunities by demonstrating verifiable, marketable skills.

■ Increased Employment Rate for Graduates

■ Increased Employee Satisfaction and Productivity

REFERENCES

Along with FFA’s Career Development Events, AEST Certification Exams are developed from identified national Geographic Learning/Cengage textbooks. Each exam includes one or more references which are listed on CERTIFY.AG.

Additional references may be used for specific standards relating to Florida agriculture, safety, and other identified areas. These additional resources will be available on CERTIFY.AG.

The University of Florida’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) is at the forefront of developing leaders, educators and communicators to meet society’s challenges in agricultural and life sciences.

AEC is home to a variety of programs ranging from undergraduate and graduate degrees to certificates and professional development.

DEGREES OFFEREDBachelor of ScienceMaster of Science*Doctor of Philosophy

SPECIALIZATIONSAgricultural CommunicationAgricultural EducationExtension EducationLeadership Development

a e c . i f a s . u f l . e d u . 3 5 2 - 3 9 2 - 0 5 0 2

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH AGRICULTURE.

*Online and on-campus

FFA_Guide_AEC_Ad.indd 1 8/17/15 3:09 PM

THE NEXT GENERATION, CERTIFIED.

AVAILABLE JANUARY 2016

Industry Certifications by Agricultural Education Services and Technology (AEST) and Florida Farm Bureau are essential components of the Complete Experience™ and prepare students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

CERITFY.AG

2015 florida ffa guide

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