Career opportunities are abound within today’s agricultural industries. Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive job market. There are 31 CDEs, covering job skills in everything from public speaking and teamwork to carpentry and mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others allow them to compete in teams.

The Louisiana 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 Louisiana FFA Convention & Expo. The categories are Animal Systems, Environmental Services/ Natural Resource Systems, Food Products and Processing Systems, Plant Systems, Power, Structual, and Technical Systems, and Social Systems.

Proficiency Awards award FFA members who, through their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students can compete for awards in almost 50 areas covering everything from agricultural communications to wildlife management. There are four types of proficiency awards: Placement, Entrepreneurship, Combined, and Agriscience Research.

FFA members can earn degrees as they progress through the phases of their leadership, academic and career skills development. The Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree and Chapter FFA Degree are all earned at the chapter level. The State FFA Degree is given to the top members of a State FFA Association, to receive a State FFA Degree members must meet the requirements listed in the Official FFA Manual.

The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

The State Star Awards represent the best of the best among Louisiana FFA members. Finalists for the award have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research. One is eligible to receive this award after applying for their State FFA Degree. Star Awards include the following categories: Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness, Star in Ag Placement, and Star in Agriscience.

Livestock shows are incredible opportunities for members to showcase their passion for working with animals and gain valuable skills such as responsibility, commitment, and professionalism. Today’s Louisiana livestock industry contributes over $3 billion to the state’s economy, and FFA members have mulitple opportunities to be recognized for their success in livestock husbandry and showmanship.

The FFA offers student scholarships to members who plan to further their education after high school. Scholarships are sponsored by businesses and individuals through the National FFA Foundation. Scholarships are available to match a wide variety of skills, experiences, career goals and higher-education plans. Approximately $2 million in scholarship money is available each year.

Grants are available from the National FFA Organization to help support FFA chapters, FFA alumni affiliates and students’ supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). These grants vary in amounts but support a variety of topics, such as service projects and alumni support. Grants provide the financial assistance needed to continue to grow, lead, and serve as an organization.