Leadership DevelOPMENT Events

During the Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE), students write and deliver a six to eight-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic.

Students research a topic of interest and then put together a creative, informative speech. The speech is then presented to a panel of judges, who score the student based on the speech’s content, composition and delivery.

 Students participating in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event showcase their agricultural knowledge and ability to think on their feet by giving a speech and answering questions with limited prep time. During this event, participants draw from 18 agricultural topics then select three of interest. From those three, a student selects the topic of their speech and has 30 minutes to prepare using five resources. Participants then present a four to six-minute speech on their topic to a panel of judges. After their speech, students answer five minutes worth of questions on the topic they just presented.

This event challenges students to practice their presentation skills, articulation, and logical thinking and advocate for agriculture and agricultural education. 

 “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds…” The National FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) recognizes outstanding FFA members in seventh through ninth grades for their ability to present the National FFA Creed from memory and answer three questions related to it.

The FFA Creed outlines the organization’s values and beliefs regarding the industry of agriculture, FFA membership, and citizenship and patriotism. Students participating in the Creed Speaking LDE learn to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner and build self-confidence. 

Participants in the National FFA Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE) get a leg up on their future careers by developing the skills needed to seek employment in the industry of agriculture. This LDE simulates real-world activities used by employers and tests students’ ability to perform effectively throughout the employment process. Students submit a cover letter and resume; complete an application and a telephone interview; and participate in a preliminary face–to–face interview.  Students also experience a networking activity that could include an elevator pitch, a meal function or participating at a trade show event and receive a telephone offer where they negotiate for their job opportunity. In this LDE, students will use many leadership skills including active listening, problem–solving and decision making as well as improve their written and oral communication skills. This event also helps students in their current search for jobs, internships, and part-time and full-time employment in any career field.

 Students participating in the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event (LDE) are evaluated on their ability to conduct an orderly and efficient meeting using parliamentary procedure.

Participants are judged on their knowledge of parliamentary law and their ability to present logical, realistic and convincing debate and motions.

The Conduct of Chapter Meetings Leadership Development Event (LDE) introduces FFA members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build their communication skills.

Designed for FFA members in seventh, eighth and ninth grade, this LDE challenges a team of seven students from one chapter to demonstrate correct use of FFA opening and closing ceremonies. Students will learn to communicate and participate effectively as a team while growing skills in effective decision making.

Members assume various officer duties (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel and advisor) during the event presentation that is evaluated by a team of judges. Additionally, each participant is challenged by a written exam about officer duties, meeting room preparation and parliamentary procedure.

FFA Quiz Bowl is a fun, fast-paced team competition that tests students’ knowledge of FFA facts, agricultural history, leadership, and parliamentary procedure. Teams compete head-to-head by buzzing in to answer questions, building teamwork, quick thinking, and a strong understanding of FFA and agriculture. This event is especially popular for middle school and first-year high school members and helps prepare them for future leadership roles in FFA. 

 Participants in the Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event (LDE) research the pros and cons of an agricultural issue and present their findings to a panel of judges.

This team LDE challenges students to investigate a variety of current local, state, national and international issues facing agriculture through classroom instruction. Students then demonstrate through portfolio, presentation and questioning an understanding of the principles and fundamentals of agricultural issue analysis. Communication, leadership and teamwork skills are critical to event success. This event connects agriculture students with professionals in the industry as they research, present and then understand complicated issues facing the agricultural landscape – making it especially attractive to students with an interest in agricultural policy, law and international relations.

 FFA Proficiency Awards recognize students for developing specialized skills through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), such as working with animals, growing crops, or starting an ag-based business. Students track their progress using official FFA record books, where they log hours, finances, skills learned, and goals met. This process helps students build real-world experience, financial literacy, and a strong foundation for scholarships, awards, and future careers.