STEPHENVILLE, Texas — More than 10,100 FFA members from across the state converge at Tarleton State University today for Invitational Career Development Event (CDE) judging contests.
This marks the 52nd year for Tarleton State’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to host the statewide FFA invitational, which is the largest in the United States. The event is organized by Dr. Ted Ford, agriculture education and communication professor, and Michelle Damerau, contest coordinator.
Approximately 1,750 ag science teachers, representing 525 Texas high schools, will accompany the FFA members. Several hundred Tarleton students are assisting as group leaders and contest mentors.
The invitational is a practice round, preparing students for team judging in a variety of categories. FFA members compete in 18 contests: ag sales, dairy cattle, entomology, environmental and natural resources, farm business management, floriculture, homesite evaluation, horse, land, livestock, meats, milk quality and products, nursery/landscape, poultry, range, veterinary science, wildlife and wool.
The top 20 in each judging category will receive a plaque and other prizes. Several $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, along with a $2,000 sweepstakes agricultural scholarship.
The invitational is the largest of four contests Tarleton State will host this spring. The university will welcome high school students again April 10 for area FFA contests, April 25 for state FFA, and May 2 for national FFA.
For more information, call 254-968-9020 or email [email protected].
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.