National FFA Organization FFA Dairy Career Development Programs
By National FFA Organization
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to FFA dairy programs including Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE, dairy internships, and agricultural career development for high school students.
Quick Snapshot
FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management is a Career Development Event (CDE) that prepares high school students for dairy industry careers through competitive cattle evaluation, herd management analysis, and hands-on skill development.
Overview
The National FFA Organization, with over 850,000 members in 8,800+ chapters, offers comprehensive dairy career development through its Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management CDE. This program teaches students to evaluate dairy cattle, analyze herd management scenarios, and communicate their decisions effectively.
FFA dairy programs operate within agricultural education classes at middle and high schools. Students learn dairy cattle selection, linear evaluation, mating decisions, and herd management while competing at district, state, and national levels.
Beyond competition, FFA connects dairy-interested students with internships, scholarships, and career opportunities. Programs like the Cow to Cup curriculum bring dairy education to elementary students, while Discover Dairy and Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow develop future industry professionals.
Ideal Users
Age Range: Middle and high school students (typically grades 7-12)
Audience: Students enrolled in agricultural education courses interested in dairy cattle and animal science
Key Roles: FFA members, agricultural education teachers, chapter advisors
Geographic Focus: All 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Key Features
Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE
Team-based competition evaluating dairy cattle selection, linear traits, and herd management decisions
Career Preparation
Internship connections, scholarship opportunities, and industry networking at state and national events
Leadership Development
Chapter officer positions, public speaking, and community service through FFA structure
Classroom Integration
Dairy curriculum aligned with agricultural education standards and Career Technical Education pathways
National FFA Convention Dairy Opportunities
Career expo, industry exhibits, and networking with dairy companies at annual national convention
Advanced Capabilities
Dairy Internship Programs
Partnerships with dairy farms and processing facilities for summer work experiences
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
Structured dairy entrepreneurship or placement projects for academic credit
Agriscience Fair
Research competition where students can investigate dairy-related topics
Industry Certifications
Opportunities for certifications in animal handling, quality assurance, and food safety
Competition Structure
Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE
| Component | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| Placing Classes | Rank groups of 4 dairy cattle on overall quality |
| Oral Reasons | Explain and defend placing decisions |
| Linear Evaluation | Score individual traits on standardized scale |
| Mating Scenarios | Select bulls to address cow weaknesses |
| Herd Management | Analyze records and make management decisions |
Competition Levels
| Level | Timing | Advancement |
|-------|--------|-------------|
| Chapter | Fall | All members can participate |
| District/Area | Fall/Winter | Top teams advance |
| State | Spring | Top 3-5 teams to nationals |
| National | October | At National FFA Convention |
Pricing
Model: Chapter-Based Dues with Competition Costs
Membership Fees
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| National FFA Dues | $7/year | Required for all members |
| State FFA Dues | $5-15/year | Varies by state |
| Chapter Dues | $0-25/year | Set by local chapter |
| Total Annual Cost | $12-47/year | Typical range |
Equipment & Uniform
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| Official FFA Jacket | $60-100 | One-time purchase |
| Official Dress Items | $50-100 | Shirt, tie, etc. |
Competition Costs
| Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------|
| State CDE Entry | $20-50/team | Registration fees |
| State Convention | $100-300 | Registration and lodging |
| National Convention | $500-1,500 | Travel, lodging, registration |
Scholarship & Support
Contact: Through your school's agricultural education teacher | ffa.org
Getting Started
Timeline: Enroll in agricultural education class; join FFA chapter in fall
Steps to Join:
Tips for Success:
Training & Support
Training: Chapter practices, judging clinics, state training events, Livestockjudging.com
Support Channels: Agricultural education teachers, state FFA advisors, industry mentors
Community: Local chapters, state FFA associations, national FFA alumni network
Evaluation Questions
Recommended Reading
Key Features
- Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE: Team-based competition scoring 200 points for cattle placing (50 pts × 4 classes) plus 100 points for oral reasons (50 pts × 2 sets). Evaluate 6-8 classes of 4 dairy animals each using Dairy Cow Unified Scorecard criteria.
- Oral Reasons Component: Present and defend placing decisions in 2-minute presentations. Develops public speaking, logical thinking, and terminology skills. No notes permitted—develops confident communication.
- General Knowledge Exam: Written test covering animal welfare, biosecurity, business management, current dairy issues, environmental management, safety, production records, and herd health. 1-hour timed exam.
- Team Activity (200 Points): Collaborative exercise analyzing dairy farm management scenario as hired consultants. Identify problems and propose solutions. 10 questions worth 20 points each. Tests teamwork and applied knowledge.
- Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE): Structured dairy projects for academic credit. Options include dairy entrepreneurship (raising animals) or placement (working on dairy farms). Documented hours and learning outcomes.
- Career Connections & Internships: Summer internships on dairy farms and processing facilities. Partnership with industry for work experience. Pathway from classroom to career.
Advanced Features
- National FFA Convention Dairy CDE: National championship competition in October. State-winning teams compete for national honors. Major career networking with dairy industry at convention career expo.
- Big E (Eastern States Exposition) CDE: September competition in Massachusetts for eastern state teams. Prestigious regional event with industry recognition.
- Agriscience Fair Research: Scientific research competition where students investigate dairy topics. Projects advance through regional to national competition. Develops research and presentation skills.
- Industry Certifications: Opportunities for OSHA safety, animal handling, and quality assurance certifications. Resume-building credentials for career entry.
- Growing Project Grants: Up to $1,000 available for dairy/livestock projects. Funding for SAE expenses. Application through state FFA.
- Livestockjudging.com Training: 2,400+ practice judging classes available online. Systematic skill development. Used by coaches nationwide for team preparation.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Students from all backgrounds, Urban and rural schools
Competitive Advantages
What sets FFA Dairy Career Development Programs apart from alternatives:
- 850,000+ members in 8,800+ chapters nationwide
- Over $2.7 million in scholarships awarded annually
- Direct integration with high school curriculum and academic credit
- Structured CDE scoring provides clear skill assessment
- Team activity develops collaboration and problem-solving
- National FFA Convention career expo connects students with employers
- SAE projects provide documented work experience
- Growing Project Grants fund student projects
- Progression from chapter through national competition
- Industry certifications build professional credentials
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for FFA Dairy Career Development Programs:
FFA membership typically $12-47 total annually (national + state + chapter dues). Competition costs vary by level. Over $2.7 million in scholarships available.
Pricing Model: Chapter-based dues plus competition costs
Many schools and chapters provide financial assistance for dues and competitions. Contact your agricultural education teacher about available support.
Pros & Considerations
- Premier agricultural youth organization
- Dairy career development events
- Leadership opportunities
- Industry connections
- National recognition
- School-based program
- Advisor dependent
- Time commitment
- Competition focus
Implementation & Setup
How to implement FFA Dairy Career Development Programs on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Enroll in agricultural education class; join FFA chapter in fall
Training & Support
Training and support options available for FFA Dairy Career Development Programs:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating FFA Dairy Career Development Programs:
- Does my school offer agricultural education with FFA?
- Is there a dairy CDE team at my school?
- How can I practice cattle evaluation outside of class?
- What scholarships are available for dairy-focused FFA members?
- How do I connect with dairy industry internships?