Since 1928, FFA has worked to create Career Development Events (CDE) & Leadership Development Events (LDE) that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios. CDEs & LDE's build on what is learned in agricultural classes and the FFA.
The events are designed to help prepare students for careers in agriculture and beyond. Classroom instruction comes alive as students demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting. CDEs & LDE's test the abilities of individuals and teams in 23 major areas of agricultural instruction.
On Tuesday, April 25, 18 high school students from southeastern Pennsylvania competed on the Turfgrass Science CDE. The CDE featured turfgrass, soil, weed, equipment, insect, disease, and irrigation identification, as well as interpretation of fertilizer and pesticide labels. This event advocates for young people to enter the turfgrass science profession by creating awareness and an opportunity to learn about the industry. The state event will take place June 14-15 at FFA State Activities week at Penn State University.