What FFA Career Development Events Are
Career development events, or CDEs, are team and individual contests where FFA members test skills they use in agriculture careers: judging livestock, identifying plants, running a business plan, selling a product or diagnosing a mechanical problem. In Wyoming they culminate at the state FFA convention in Cheyenne. The 2026 Wyoming State FFA Convention ran April 8-11 in Cheyenne with more than 2,200 members, advisors, alumni and supporters, according to the Wyoming Livestock Roundup convention report.
Wyoming CDE List
The convention listing on the AET event page names these CDE awards: Veterinary Science, Agronomy, Meat Evaluation and Technology, Agricultural Education, Environmental and Natural Resources, Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems, Agricultural Sales, Marketing Plan, Farm Business Management, Horse Evaluation, Poultry and Livestock Evaluation. A CDE Sweepstakes award is also given. The same page lists other competitions and recognitions, including Wool Judging, Range Management, Merchandise Design, the Agriscience Fair and Middle School Agriculture Mechanics.
The state results show which events have middle school divisions. In 2026, middle school champions were named in poultry, livestock, horse, agricultural education and agricultural technology and mechanical systems, and Greenhand Quizbowl had a middle school high individual.
2026 State Winners
- Poultry Evaluation. Snowy Range FFA won the team title. Big Springs FFA won the middle school team title.
- Livestock Evaluation. John B. Kendrick FFA won the team title and Riverton FFA won the middle school team title.
- Horse Evaluation. Riverton FFA won the high school team title and Burns FFA won the middle school team title.
- Agricultural Sales. Torrington-Lingle FFA won the team title.
- Farm Business Management. Casper FFA won the team title.
- Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems. Encampment FFA won the high school team title and Glendo FFA won the middle school team title.
- Marketing Plan. Frontier FFA won the team title.
- Career Development Sweepstakes. Snowy Range FFA.
The 2025-26 results are a useful benchmark when you set goals for your own team. Look at which chapters keep appearing and where your chapter could realistically place.
Eligibility and Team Sizes
Wyoming's published rules vary by event, so read the rules for your contest. One example is the Wyoming FFA Agronomy contest rules hosted by the University of Wyoming:
- Team size. Teams have up to four members, and only the top three scores in each class count toward the team score. A team with fewer than three members is at a disadvantage, though individuals from those schools are not.
- Format. The contest totals 1,200 points in four sections of 300 points each: a 100-question written test, entomology and commercial grain grading, forage and weed and seed identification and soils and land judging.
- Rotation. Each member works a different judging section and rotates, with 45 minutes per section.
- Materials. Contestants bring a writing board, a magnifying glass and a pencil. Official Grain Standards and the Guide to Wyoming Fertilizer Recommendations are provided.
- Spelling counts. Identification answers must match the official list exactly, and each misspelling costs one point.
- Conduct. No communication with other contestants, team members or coaches during the contest. Infractions can mean dismissal or point deductions.
The page is hosted by UW's Laramie center and may not reflect the current year, so verify details with your advisor.
Dates and Registration
The 2026 convention sessions were April 8 (7:00-9:30 pm), April 9 (7:00-10:00 pm), April 10 (7:00-9:30 pm) and April 11 (8:30 am to noon). Sessions 3 and 4 were ticketed. Convention dates for 2027 were not published in the sources used here, and neither were Wyoming's registration deadlines, so ask your advisor and check the Wyoming FFA Association for the 2026-27 schedule.
Awards
- State champion teams and high individuals are named in each CDE, with separate middle school champions in several events.
- Chapters earn a CDE Sweepstakes award based on overall CDE performance. Snowy Range FFA won the 2026 Career Development sweepstakes.
- The Wyoming Livestock Roundup report says the state winner represents Wyoming at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October.
Practical Tips
- Pick events that match your chapter's strengths and your team's schedule.
- Practice with the actual rules, because small details such as spelling and materials cost points.
- Start early in the fall. Spring convention in Cheyenne arrives faster than you expect.
- Ask your advisor which events your district hosts and which carry a qualifying step.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Wyoming State FFA Convention?
The 2026 convention ran April 8-11 in Cheyenne. Check with your advisor for the 2027 dates.
Are there middle school CDEs?
Yes. The 2026 results name middle school champions in several events, including poultry, livestock, horse evaluation and agricultural technology and mechanical systems.
How big is a CDE team?
It depends on the event. The Agronomy contest allows four members and counts the top three scores.
Where do I find the contest rules?
Ask your FFA advisor, who has the current Wyoming FFA rules and registration information.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.