Career Development Events
Through Career and Leadership Development Events, participating FFA members in grades 9 to 12 are challenged to develop critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. CDE and LDE events occur at the local, state and national levels. Below are the teams that Brentwood FFA has to offer! The CDE "season" runs from January through May and we get to compete at the following colleges: Chico State, Fresno State, UC Davis, Cal Poly SLO and Modesto JC.
Light Horse Judging
The purpose of the Light Horse Judging Career Development Event (CDE) is to provide students with new insights into equine science by evaluating and ranking horses based on breed characteristics, confirmation and performance. Participants will make accurate observations of equine, access desirable traits of horses, make logical placing decisions based on these observations, and defend their decision making process. Participants defend their decisions via oral reasons in front of industry experts. Participant of the Light Horse Judging CDE strengthen their leadership, observation, analysis, critical thinking and communication skills while also developing and exercising a competitive team spirit and building an awareness of career opportunities within the equine industry.
Livestock Judging
Students participating in this CDE make accurate and logical observations of livestock, decide on the desirable traits in marketing and breeding livestock, and select and market livestock that will satisfy consumer demands and provide increased economic returns to producers. Understanding what makes a good market or breeding beef, sheep or swine is valuable knowledge for the decisions every livestock producer has to make. This CDE also encourages students to communicate proficiently, interpret data and work as a team — skills that translate into other career opportunities.
Floral Judging
The Floriculture Career Development Event seeks to effectively prepare students for the expectations of the agricultural floral industry. Students seeking careers in the floricultural field must develop a high degree of knowledge and skill, and also use critical thinking and oral communication skills. They will be able to demonstrate quality evaluation by judging potted foliage plants, cut flowers, flowering potted plants, and floral design classes. The students will identify the many cut flowers, potted plants, and tools and materials commonly used in the floral industry. Students will also demonstrate their design ability with flowers to wear, flowers to carry, and a floral design according to the floral industry standards. Students will also demonstrate their knowledge of the floral industry with a written test.
Veterinary Science
The Veterinary Science event seeks to effectively prepare the students for the expectations of the animal health care and services. Workers seeking careers in the animal health care field must develop a high degree of knowledge, skill and ability to solve difficult problems. This event blends the testing of skills and knowledge required for careers in the animal science career pathway.
