What the North Dakota FFA State Convention Is
The North Dakota FFA State Convention is the association's annual gathering of chapter delegates, contestants, award winners and state officers. Held during the first full week in June, the next convention is scheduled for June 7-10, 2027, on the North Dakota State University campus in Fargo. Students compete in more than 30 award, degree and career development events (CDEs), and take part in talent, chorus and Courtesy Corps programs.
The convention outgrew its old home. In 2025 it left NDSU's Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse for the Sanford Health Athletic Complex, the first move in nearly 100 years, after the 2024 convention drew more than 1,800 members and guests.
Contests and Activities
- Agriscience Fair
- Agricultural Communications
- Ag Mechanics (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced)
- Dairy Cattle Evaluation
- Environmental and Natural Resources
- Farm and Agribusiness Management
- Floriculture
- Food Science and Technology
- Meats Evaluation and Technology
- Milk Quality and Products
- Nursery/Landscape
- Small Animal Care
- Talent, Courtesy Corps and Chorus
The finals of the State Auctioneering Contest are held at the State Convention; the preliminary round is February 5-7, 2027, in Fargo.
Who Can Take Part
The convention is for North Dakota FFA members. Each chapter is assigned a number of delegates (the numbers are posted April 15), and advisors sign up for advisor assignments by April 1. Student officer and screening committee applications are separate from contest registration.
Key Dates and Deadlines for 2027
| Date | What is due |
|---|---|
| April 1 | Advisor assignment sign-up; State Star and State Proficiency applications |
| April 15 | Delegate numbers per chapter posted |
| May 5 | Regular convention registration (with housing), Talent, Courtesy Corps and Chorus registration, Agriscience Fair registration, State Officer application, Adult Screening Committee application |
| May 15 | Advisor assignments, delegate assignments and delegate committee descriptions posted; Agriscience abstracts due |
| May 22 | CDE registration due |
| June 7-10 | State Convention, NDSU, Fargo |
State deadlines fall at noon Central Time, and waivers uploaded with registration must be under 10 MB.
Awards and What You Get
Winning CDE teams receive travel stipends to the National FFA Convention from the ND FFA Foundation. Degrees and awards presented around the convention include the State FFA Degree (applications due February 15), State Star and State Proficiency awards, and Food for America. The ND FFA Foundation also offers scholarships and grants with deadlines running from October 1 through March 15.
The Year Around the Convention
- ND FFA Leadership Conference: September 26-27, 2026, Bismarck Event Center
- State LDE Day: December 14, 2026, Bismarck
- State Tractor Operator Event: July 23, 2027
- National FFA Convention and Expo (99th): October 21-24, 2026, Indianapolis
Dates are subject to change; the association's calendar of events carries the current list.
Where
North Dakota State University campus, Fargo, North Dakota.
Questions
Do I need to be a delegate to compete?
CDE registration is its own deadline (May 22), separate from the May 5 delegate and convention registration.
What does registration cost?
Fees are given on the registration forms and the State Convention program, not in the deadline list.
Who do I call?
The North Dakota FFA office, 701-328-3179, at the Hughes Education Center, 806 N Washington St., Bismarck, ND 58501.
Official Links
- ND FFA State Convention: contests, deadlines and contacts
- ND FFA 2026-2027 calendar: all state deadlines
- American Ag Network: the convention's move to the Sanford Health Athletic Complex
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- NDSU Soil Water Workshop
The 2027 Soil Water Workshop meets in the FargoDome with an in-person and virtual option. Next workshop posted for January 20, 2027.
1800 N University Drive, Fargo, ND 58102 | Organizer: NDSU Extension Official event details - North Dakota Farm Bureau Living Ag in the Classroom Fargo
A Living Ag in the Classroom session in Fargo for teachers. Next session posted for February 23, 2027; the city comes from the event title.
Fargo, ND | Organizer: North Dakota Farm Bureau Official event details - Big Iron Farm Show
Big Iron is billed as the largest farm show in the upper Midwest, with more than 900 exhibit booths, training sessions and demonstrations. Next show posted for September 14-16, 2027.
- NDSU Agriculturist of the Year Banquet
The Saddle and Sirloin Club banquet honored Jim Kirsch, an animal sciences research technician with over 40 years at NDSU, the evening before the Little International. Held each year; the most recent banquet was February 13, 2026.
Fargo, ND | Organizer: NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club Official event details - NDSU Little International Livestock Show
The 100th Little International at NDSU Shepperd Arena featured student showmanship in beef, dairy, sheep, swine and goats, plus lamb lead, ham curing and public speaking. Held each year; the most recent show was February 14, 2026.
Fargo, ND | Organizer: NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club Official event details
All North Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.