MINNESOTA
FFA ASSOCIATION

Overview

The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels.

 

To qualify for the national agriscience fair students must:

• Be in grades 7 - 12.

• Conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture and food science industries and present their findings to a panel of judges with a display and a report.

• Be selected as the state winner at their state agriscience fair.

• Be selected as one of the top 12 in their respective category and division.

 

Roland Peterson Agriculture Education Science Fair

 

The University of Minnesota hosts the Roland Peterson Agriculture Education Science Fair.  The Minnesota FFA Association uses this invitational as the Minnesota FFA's Agriscience Fair.  The highest-ranking FFA member or team of members with an agricultural project will advance to the national competition.

 

The Roland Peterson Agriculture Education Science Fair will be held on March 7, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. at the  University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. We hope to be able to offer a hybrid option for participation.

 

The University of Minnesota Agriculture Education site contains some important information and ideas. 

 

Research papers must be uploaded by February 29.

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The National FFA website provides great resources for those who are thinking about participating: 

 www.ffa.org/Programs/Awards/AgriscienceFair/Pages/default.aspx

 

Agriscience Fair Categories and Divisions

 

Agriscience Fair Divisions

Students can compete in the national agriscience fair as an individual or with a team.

• Division 1 – individual member in grades 7 and 8

• Division 2 – team of two members in grades 7 and 8

• Division 3 – individual member in grades 9 and 10

• Division 4 – team of two members in grades 9 and 10

• Division 5 – individual member in grades 11 and 12

• Division 6 – team of two members in grades 11 and 12

 

Agriscience Fair Categories

Students can compete in the national agriscience fair in one of six categories:

 

Animal Systems

The study of animal systems, including life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, aquaculture, livestock, dairy, horses and/or poultry.

 

Project examples:

• Compare nutrient levels on animal growth

• Research new disease control mechanisms

• Effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation

• Compare effects of thawing temperatures on livestock semen

• Effects of growth hormone on meat/milk production

 

Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems

*This category will be combined. Depending on participation, they may be split in the future.

• Environmental Service Systems: The study of systems, instruments and technology used to monitor and minimize the impact of human activity on environmental systems. 

• Natural Resource Systems: The study of the management, protection, enhancement and improvement of soil, water, wildlife, forests and air as natural resources. 

 

Project examples:

• Effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality

• Effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations

• Compare water movements through different soil types

 

Food Products and Processing Systems

• The study of product development, quality assurance, food safety, production, regulation and compliance, and food service within the food science industry.

 

Project examples:

• Effects of packaging techniques on food spoilage rates

• Resistance of organic fruits to common diseases

• Determining chemical energy stored in foods

• Control of molds on bakery products

• Effects of the amount of sucrose used in baked goods

• Use of a triangle test in sensory science

 

Plant Systems

The study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of crops, turfgrass, trees and shrubs, and/or ornamental plants.

 

Project examples:

• Determine rates of transpiration in plants

• Effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants

• Compare GMO and conventional seed/plant growth under various conditions

• Effects of lunar climate and soil condition on plant growth

• Compare plant growth of hydroponics and conventional methods

 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems

The study of agricultural equipment, power systems, alternative fuel sources, and precision technology, as well as woodworking, metalworking, welding, and project planning for agricultural structures.

 

Project examples:

• Develop alternative energy source engines

• Create minimum energy use structures

• Compare properties of various alternative insulation products

• Investigation of light/wind/water energy sources

 

Social Systems

The study of agricultural areas including agricultural education, agribusiness, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership, and sales in agriculture, food, and natural resources.

 

Project examples:

• Investigate perceptions of community members towards alternative agricultural practices

• Determine the impact of local/state/national safety programs upon accident rates in agricultural/natural resource occupations

• Comparison of profitability of various agricultural/natural resource practices

• Investigate the impact of significant historical figures on a local community

• Determine the economical effects of local/state/national legislation impacting agricultural/natural resources 

• Consumer confidence and understanding of food labels 

• The economic effect of employment rate and meat consumption