MINNESOTA
FFA ASSOCIATION

Overview

During the Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE), students work  to rank breeding and market classes of beef, sheep, goats, and swine and give oral reasons to back up their decisions. 

​

Students participating in this CDE make accurate and logical observations of livestock, decide on the desirable traits in marketing and breeding livestock, and select and market livestock that will satisfy consumer demands and provide increased economic returns to producers. 

​

Understanding what makes a good market or breeding beef, sheep or swine is valuable knowledge for the decisions every livestock producer has to make. This CDE also encourages students to communicate proficiently, interpret data and work as a team — skills that translate into other career opportunities. 

​

Expectations at Convention for Livestock Evaluation

• Official Dress required but students can wear warm clothing over the top while judging 

• Official dress will be scored at the time of reasons

• Students will remain in assigned groups

​

What SHOULD students bring? (Tools/equipment/materials)

• Two pencils

• Clean clipboards without writing or notes present. Advisors should ensure the integrity of the clipboards prior to dropping their students off at the event location.

​

What will be provided by the event?

• Calculator

• Any required printed materials

• Steno 6x9" notebook

• Scantron sheet

​

What can students NOT BRING for themselves? 

• A steno, notebook, or any paper materials

• A calculator

 

What will get a student/team disqualified? 

• Using cell phones and/or smartwatches during the event

• Sharing answers with other participants

• Talking to other participants during the event

• Using any paper materials not provided by the event

• Cheating from other students papers

​