Purpose and How to Use this Document

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Purpose & How to Use this Document……….. 3

Board of Trustees Comments ………. 4

Montana FFA Districts………. 4

State FFA Officers……….…. 5

Requesting State Officers ……… 6

Association-Sponsored Activities Chapter Banquet Activities District Events Overnight Stays State FFA Leadership Convention……… 8

National FFA Convention……….. 9

Montana FFA Calendar ………..……….………….……….. 10

State Career Development Events Quick Reference List……… 11

State Career Development Event Request to Host……… 12

Montana FFA CDE Participation Eligibility & General Rules……….. 13-14 Team and Individual Awards………..……….……….……… .. 15

Other Awards……….. 15

Process for Appealing State CDE Scoring Errors……… 16

State CDEs Agricultural Communications CDE……… 17-19 Agricultural Issues Forum CDE…..……….…………. 20-21 Agricultural Sales CDE………..………. 22-23 Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE……… 24-25 Agriscience Fair……… 26-27 Agronomy CDE ………..……… 28-40 Creed Speaking CDE………...……….. 41-42 Environmental/Natural Resources CDE ………..… 43

Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE………..………. 44-46 Farm Business Management CDE……….……….………… 47-48 Floriculture CDE……….………….………. 49-50 Food Science & Technology CDE……….. 51-52 Forestry CDE………. 53-54 Horse Evaluation CDE……….……… …. 55-56 Job Interview CDE……….………….……… .. 57-58 Junior Creed Speaking……….. 59-60 Livestock Evaluation CDE……….……….. 61-62 Marketing Plan CDE……….. 63-64 Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE……….……… 65-66 Parliamentary Procedure CDE………..……….. 67-71 Prepared Public Speaking CDE……….………….………….. 72-74 Star Greenhand CDE ……… 75-79 Veterinary Science CDE……… 80-81 Sweepstakes – Individual Event………. 82

Sweepstakes – Team Event……….. 83

National FFA Convention CDE Participation………. 84 Award Application Quick Reference ……… 85-86

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Chapter Reporter’s Event……….……….…………. … 87

Chapter Secretary’s Event……….……….………… …… 88-89 Chapter Treasurer’s Event………..…….………….. 90-91 Chapter Scrapbook Event………..……….. 92-93 State FFA Degree……….. 94-95 American FFA Degree……… 96

Proficiency Awards……… 97

State Star Awards……….. 98-99 Entrepreneurship Agribusiness Ag Placement Agriscience State Officers ………. … 100-106 National Chapter Awards Program……….. 107

BOMC Application………. … 107

State Talent ……….……… …. 108

State Press Corps ………..………. 109

State Technology Corps ………..………. 110

National Officer Candidate Selection Committee ……… ……….. 111-112 National FFA Band……….. 113

National FFA Chorus……….. 113

National FFA Talent………. 114

Montana FFA Scholarships………..……. 115

Index……….. ….. 142

Purpose and How to Use this Document

This document is designed to supply ready information about the many activities and awards sponsored by the Montana FFA Association, the Montana FFA Foundation, and the National FFA Foundation, as well as other organizations and businesses.

The FFA provides students with the opportunity to apply what you have learned in class to activities in the FFA. Members will have the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, develop leadership skills, travel, participate in contests, learn about agriculture careers, serve their communities and many other worthwhile activities.

It is important to assist members in setting goals during their first year in Agricultural Education classes in order to progress in the FFA and attain the higher degrees and awards. Neither individuals nor chapters are encouraged to see how many awards they can win. Instead, select the award areas your chapters and members are interested in and strive to do well in those areas.

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Board of Directors Comments

As there are always many changes occurring in the world around us, we will continually update this document. We welcome your feedback, comments, and questions. Our job is to represent the Ag Teachers in our State FFA Association business. We are the liaisons between the Montana FFA

Association and the Montana Association of Agricultural Educators.

Gary Mattheis – Chair Jared Long – Vice Chair Joylynn Petrosky – Secretary Milford Wearley – Treasurer

Montana FFA Districts

Montana, there are eight FFA districts. They are:

Big Muddy Judith Basin Southern Glacier

Southeastern Western Southwestern Eastern All districts conduct one or more meetings each year with competition in many activities. The activities are selected by the districts and are not necessarily uniform. Most of the events are used as the basis for the selection of contestants to participate in area and state events.

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State FFA Officers

President – Brant Marsh

1st Vice President – Brady Ostermiller

2nd Vice President – Allie Nelson

Secretary – Neela Andres

Treasurer – Randy Taylor

Reporter – Bryce Street

Parliamentarian – Calli Jo Dixon

Sentinel – Carlie Brownlee

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Requesting State Officers

Requesting an officer -- All requests for state officers to attend a function should be made through the association office. The request form is available on MetNet, the Montana FFA Association State Guide or by contacting the association office in Bozeman.

[email protected] 406-994-7050

207 Linfield Hall Bozeman, MT 59717

Association –Sponsored Visits

Each chapter will be contacted for a specific time to conduct a visit. This visit can be a chapter visit, classroom visit or a Chapter Leadership Retreat (CLR). The visits are generally done in the fall through January. To keep travel costs down, visits may be combined with other activities such as district leadership school, area trade shows, business and industry requests, etc. Also remember that most officers are full time students so that we try to work visits around breaks from school for them so that their studies do not suffer.

Chapter Visit – Time spent with members in FFA. This could include working with the chapter officers, members in carrying out part of the POA, retreat or even just a lunch meeting.

Classroom Visit – Time spent in the Agricultural Education classroom. This is more recruitment based to encourage students to become FFA members.

Classroom Leadership Retreat – This is generally a workshop that is about 3 hours in length. It can be done on an evening or a weekend and geared to serve the specific need of the chapter. Even though each chapter is contacted for a visit, sometimes the dates or time is not available for the advisor or school. The association will attempt to re-schedule, however not every chapter may want or need an officer visit each year, officers are not offended if you prefer no visit at this time. Our goal is to offer high quality visits to the chapters that are interested in having state officers in their school.

There is no mileage charged for officers conducting a chapter visit as a part of the “chapter visit tour”. Visits to your chapter that are specially requested for specific times will be charged mileage at the current rate.

Chapter Banquet Activities

Generally in the spring, following State Convention, many members/chapters will extend an invitation to state officers that have just retired. Those requests must be made through the

association office. Every attempt is made to secure the officer requested for the time you need. However, because state officers are generally students, not all requests can be accommodated. The chapter will be invoiced for the mileage at the current rate.

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District Events

Your district might consider requesting several officers to one of your contest events. Again, this request must be channeled through the association office in Bozeman. Guidelines for state officer use at district events are:

-Specific purpose for officers at the contests. Officers are not to be used as a judge, unless you have extreme circumstances. The role of a state officer is that of motivating or challenging members, not judging the individuals members they represent.

-If you intend to have the state officers provide crowd control, please let us know in advance so that they can be prepared with appropriate activities for all members.

Overnight Stays

There may be times when requesting a state officer will involve an overnight stay. Please keep the following in mind when assigning host families to an officer.

-Do I know enough about this family so that I would feel comfortable sending my own child to this home?

-Officers need to have a bed to sleep in.

-Host family must be able to provide breakfast.

-For certain events, the state officer would need to have transportation to the host’s home and back to school or other meeting point at a designated time.

(This applies to DLS more than a chapter visit.)

-The host student should be the same gender as the state officer. A few other suggestions for overnight stays are:

-If more than one state officer is staying with your chapter, have each officer stay with a different host.

-Choose a host family that is relatively close to the school so that travel time is not extended unreasonably.

-If member families are not available, school administrators, school board

members, advisory board members or any member in the community that you would feel comfortable with having your own child stay with can host state officers.

By enabling state officers to stay with members or people in your community, you are saving the association a considerable amount of money; more importantly is that it gives the officers a chance to interact with members or your community in a positive light. For many officers, this is where they will really get to know a family or member and it is often times a highlight of their year.

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State FFA Leadership Convention

Purpose:

To conduct the business of the Montana FFA Association and to recognize student achievement in the attainment of agricultural competencies.

The State FFA Leadership Conference provides a real-life setting for FFA members to practice leadership training.

Eligibility:

1. Each local FFA chapter is entitled to send two delegates and one alternate to represent the chapter in business sessions.

2. Chapters may send CDE representatives as outlined by the CDE rules.

3. Other individuals who may attend are contestants in the parliamentary procedure contest, agriculture proficiency events, state FFA Degree, state officer candidates, Greenhand contestants, talent contestants, and other members interested in attending one or more sessions of the conference.

Procedure:

1. Advisors will complete the conference attendance forms indicating the names of all FFA members who will be attending the State Conference and the events in which they will participate.

2. All members must meet the requirements as stated in the annual letter sent to all chapters prior to the State FFA Leadership Conference, conducted in the cities of: Bozeman, Great Falls, or Billings.

3. CDE’s are hosted by various entities as selected by the FFA Board of Trustees.

4. Leadership workshops, delegate sessions and overall conference planning is under the direction of Montana FFA Association.

At State FFA Convention: Leadership Workshops Delegate Business Sessions General Sessions

State Degree Ceremony Proficiency Award Ceremony Selection of new State FFA Officers State Talent

State CDEs

Agricultural Sales

Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems Agriscience Fair

Agronomy Creed Speaking

Extemporaneous Public Speaking Farm Business Management Junior Creed Speaking Livestock Evaluation Parliamentary Procedure Prepared Public Speaking State Star Greenhand

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National FFA Convention

Purpose:

To conduct the business of the National FFA organization, including National Career Development Events, career awareness, personal success, and leadership development.

Eligibility:

1. Montana delegates shall consist of the two state officers who attend the State Presidents Conference with the remaining two delegates decided by a drawing of the available state officers. The drawing will take place at the initial training.

2. Others who may attend are members participating in national career development events, talent review, National FFA Band, National FFA Chorus, and individuals who may be candidates for American FFA Degree or national awards.

3. Chapter members may attend with their advisors approval. Advisors will carefully select chapter delegates to assure that only fully qualified; outstanding FFA members will represent Montana at the National FFA Convention.

Stipends:

1. Delegates will have their expenses paid.

2. Members competing in CDE's, talent, band, chorus, and proficiency interviews will receive at least $100.00 per member, paid to their chapter.

3. American Degree candidates will receive at least $50, paid to their chapter if they receive the degree in person at the convention.

4. All stipends will come from the Montana FFA Foundation. Housing:

Advisors may complete and submit a convention housing request to the State Advisor to stay in the designated “State Hotel” to save $20 off each National Convention registration.

Housing requests and a $50 per room deposit are due to the Montana FFA Association by July 1. If the “State Hotel” is not preferred, housing arrangements must be made through the National Convention Housing Bureau.

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Montana FFA Calendar

2015

2015 Montana FFA Association Calendar

Date Activity Location

Feb. 16 State FFA Degrees Due (postmark date) Bozeman, Assoc. Office Feb. 16 State Officer Applications Due (postmark date) Bozeman, Assoc. Office Feb. 16 State Officer Nom Com Apps Due (postmark date) Bozeman, Assoc. Office Feb. 23 Proficiency Applications Due (postmark date) Bozeman, Assoc. Office Mar. 2 National Chapter Applications Due (postmark date) Bozeman, Assoc. Office Mar. 2 Talent Applications Due (postmark date)

Mar. 6 JAAM Cascade, MT

Mar. 7 March 13-14

Conrad Crops & Mechanics State Vet Science & Food Science

Conrad, MT Missoula, MT Mar. 25 – 28

April 10

State FFA Convention State Horse Evaluation

Billings, MT Lodge Grass

Apr. 15 American Degrees Due (postmark date) Bozeman, Assoc. Office Apr. 18

April 20-21

MT NOC Nom Com Apps Due Envirothon

Bozeman, FFA Office Lewistown, MT May. 1

May 15-16

MT NOC Nom Com Process State Floriculture & Forestry

Bozeman, MT Missoula, MT

Jun. 3 - 5 BLAST OFF Bozeman, MT

Jun. 15 Update Bozeman

Jun. 18 Alumni Leadership Camp Highwood

Jun. 22 Montana Range Days Harlowton

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State Career Development Events Quick Reference List

EVENT OFFICIAL DRESS APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER TEAM NUMBER OF SCORES COUNTED FOR TEAM SCORE

Agricultural Communications Yes 3 3

Agricultural Issues Forum Optional 3-7 Team Event Agricultural Technology and Mechanical

Systems

No 4 Top 3

Agricultural Sales Yes 4 4

Agriscience Fair Yes 1-2 N/A

Agronomy Yes 4 4

Creed Speaking Yes 1 N/A

Environmental and Natural Resources No 5 – state 4 – national

5 – state 4 – national

Extemporaneous Public Speaking Yes 1 N/A

Farm Business Management Yes 4 Top 3

Floriculture Yes 4 4

Food Science & Technology Yes 4 4

Forestry No 4 4

Horse Evaluation Yes 4 Top 3

Job Interview Yes 1 N/A

Junior Creed Speaking Yes 1 N/A

Livestock Evaluation Yes 4 4

Marketing Plan Yes 3 Team Event

Meats Evaluation and Technology No 4 Top 3

Parliamentary Procedure Yes 6 Team Event

Prepared Public Speaking Yes 1 N/A

Star Greenhand Yes 1 N/A

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State Career Development Event

Request to Host

State Career Development Events are held throughout the year across our state. In order to host a State CDE, an application must be submitted to the State FFA Advisor and approved by the Board of Directors. While the majority of State CDEs are conducted at the same place and general time-frame from year to year, a bid for a new venue may be submitted and approved. Bids are due June 1st each year, will be reviewed, and announced at the annual Update Conference.

Proposed CDE –

Proposed by –

Proposed CDE Site –

Proposed date(s) –

Type of facilities that will be used –

Person in charge of the contest (contact person) – (Address, Phone, Fax, Email needed)

Experience hosting this type of event –

How will judges be obtained and where will they come from?

Who will officially score the event?

What is your budget for this event, including expenses and income? How much would you suggest charging per member/team?

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13 Signed: _________________________________ Date: __________________

Submit to: Montana FFA Association Fax – 406-994-7210 207 Linfield Hall

Bozeman, MT 59717

Montana FFA CDE Participation Eligibility & General Rules

1. A chapter must be in good standing to compete in any Career Development Event (CDE) or state FFA activity. It is the responsibility of the host chapter in the district to check eligibility.

2. Chapters must have competed in the District CDE, or designated event, to compete at State Convention.

3. A District representative, designated by the District, is responsible to certify which teams are eligible for State FFA competition by sending a list of District competitors to the Montana FFA Association and State CDE host. This is due by state registration.

4. A chapter must place in the top half of chapters in their District to compete in the State Ag Sales CDE.

5. In order for a chapter to qualify as a team at Districts and thus compete at State Convention in Agronomy, Livestock Evaluation, Ag Sales, Ag Mechanics, and Farm Business Management, the chapter must have at least two FFA members compete in the event at District.

6. In the qualifying area of Star Greenhand, the FFA District winner advances to state competition. If that member does not advance the 2nd place competitor will advance, then 3rd, and so on. 7. In the qualifying areas of Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Prepared Speaking, and

Parliamentary Procedure, the top two District winners will advance to state competition. If that member or team does not advance, the 3rd place competitor or team will advance, then 4th and so on.

8. To be eligible for a State CDE, each team member must be in grades 7-12. If the CDE allows more than four team members to compete, the top 3 or 4 (depending on the CDE) scores become the team score with all members eligible for individual awards. Depending on the CDE, each advisor may have the option to designate which 3 or 4 team members will make up their team.

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10. Communication devices, other than those approved by the event officials, are not allowed during CDEs. The use of these devices will result in immediate disqualification.

11. Chapters must have paid the CDE participatory fee for the event. A team failing to meet the registration deadline may be assessed a late fee before the team can participate in the CDE. 12. Members who check in after the CDE has begun may not be allowed to participate or may

be penalized points.

13. Any misconduct on the part of a team or any of its members, such as cheating, advisor’s presence in competition areas before or during the event, or the exchange of members before or during the CDE will result in immediate disqualification of the team and its members.

14. Any communication, verbal or non-verbal, between participants during an event is cause to eliminate the individual. The only exception is communication during the team activity of an event.

15. Any assistance given to a team or individual from anyone other than the event official is sufficient cause to eliminate that team/individual from the event.

16. Event host may stop any participant if they determine their manner to be hazardous to others or themselves. This action will result in a zero for that portion of the CDE.

17. Due to tight time lines, privileges will be granted to FFA members having schedule conflicts at the State FFA Convention on a case by case basis.

18. All written tests used in Montana FFA State Career Development Events will be made available by the event host at the next Summer MAAE Update Conference following the use of those tests in Montana FFA Career Development Events.

19. Deviations from the National CDE Guidelines will be provided by the host site AT LEAST four weeks prior to the State event. Agronomy and Parliamentary Procedure will follow the rules listed in this document.

20. Most time-frames listed in the National Guidelines will be modified to fit our time allowances. Look for information from the CDE host for specific time information.

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Team and Individual CDE Awards

1. All scores at State FFA convention will be reviewed prior to the printing of the certificates and announcement of awards. Scores will be re-run if an error is found. The reason for this is to look for errors prior to the announcement of awards. Upon review and the announcement, results can be appealed within 7 days. (See appeal process on page 16.)

2. The top ten FFA individuals and teams that competed in a State CDE, whether held at State Convention or elsewhere, will be announced and presented with a certificate at the awards session held at State Convention.

3. The top three teams will receive plaques and the top three individuals will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze Pins in all CDE’s that have teams and individuals recognized.

4. State winners of the Greenhand, Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Prepared Speaking will receive a pin, a plaque and a framed certificate.

5. Each Agriscience team or individual winner in each area will receive a plaque at state convention.

6. In Sweepstakes, the top ten teams and individuals will be announced with the top three teams and top three individuals receiving plaques.

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Process for Appealing State CDE Scoring Errors

1. The committee for reviewing scoring error appeals will be comprised of the Montana FFA Board of Directors, the state FFA advisor, and an official host for the CDE in question.

2. Appeals may be made ONLY on the results of a Montana FFA Association sponsored CDE. 3. Appeals must be filed within seven (7) calendar days of the announcement of the results of the

contest and must be accompanied with a $50 filing fee from the FFA Chapter involved in the appeal. 4. If the appeal is justified, the $50 filing fee will be returned to the Chapter.

5. In the event that a successful appeal changes the first place team, the team that won the appeal will have the opportunity to represent the state of Montana at the National FFA Convention. A

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ARICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS CDE

Purpose:

To provide individuals with practical communications skills necessary to pursue career opportunities in agricultural communications. Public communications about agricultural products, practices and policies are essential to the future of agriculture. Students who are equipped with strong communication skills, have developed teamwork skills and who can use a variety of media to help the public understand issues related to the industry of agriculture have a bright future in the job market.

Eligibility:

The event will take place at a site approved by the FFA Board of Trustees. The number of teams allowed per chapter will be decided by the host site. See “Eligibility” on pages 13-14.

Procedure:

The event will take place at a site approved by the FFA Board of Trustees. The number of teams allowed per chapter will be decided by the host site. Event Rules:

1. Teams will consist of three members.

2. It is highly recommended that participants wear FFA Official Dress for this event.

3. Team members will work together to prepare a written media plan prior to the event. The team will also be responsible for presenting the plan at the event and completing individual

practicums and tests.

4. During the practicum portion of the event, one team member will be responsible for completing a written communication activity, one team member will be responsible for completing an electronic media activity and one team member will be responsible for completing a visual design activity.

Event Format:

Each November following the national FFA convention, the agricultural communications CDE committee will release event specifications for the next year. The specifications will outline the scenario to be used for the media plan and presentation as well as the specific practicum activities.

1. The host will provide a list of materials that will be provided and those that the team needs to bring.

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2. Team members will play the role of communication consultants and develop a media plan for an assigned scenario. A media plan is a written document that includes objectives, target audience, strategic plan and tactics, a timeline, evaluation criteria, and a budget. It should be a maximum of 15 typed pages not including the cover page, table of contents, or references. APA is to be used when citing sources. The media plan should include:

a. Cover page - Must include the title of the media plan, CDE name, chapter name, team member names and year.

b. Table of Contents

c. Executive Summary- 1 page maximum

d. Introduction and Overview- 2 pages maximum e. Audience- 2 pages maximum

f. Strategic Plan- 6 pages maximum

g. A minimum of three examples must be included in the appendices. h. Timeline- 1 page maximum

i. Evaluation- 1 pages maximum j. Budget - 1 page maximum k. Conclusion- 1 page maximum l. References

m. Appendices/Examples

3. The team will present the media plan as if they are pitching it to the client identified in the scenario. Each team will be allowed 15 minutes to present its media plan to the judges, who will play the role of the client. The judges will have 5 minutes to ask questions following the presentation. Teams will be allowed a total of 10 minutes for setting up and tearing down. 4. Individual activities include an editing exercise, a communications quiz, and a practicum. Each

team will assign a member to complete each of the following practicums: design, electronic media, and writing.

5. All teams will meet for an orientation and press conference. Teams will be seated according to practicum, not chapter. Team members will each receive a press packet and an expert will speak on a current agricultural topic for 20 minutes. Following the press conference, the designer and the electronic media individuals will be dismissed to complete their practicum. Writers will participate in a 10 minutes question/answer time with the expert. Then they will be dismissed to complete their practicum.

6. Participants will have 60 minutes to complete their practicum. Scoring:

Media Plan Proposal 200 Media Plan Presentation 125 Tests- 150 points possible

Communications Quiz 75 (25 pts/member) Editing Exercise 75 (25 pts/member) Practicums- 300 points possible

Writer Practicum 100

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19 Design Practicum 100

Total individual score possible 150 Total team score possible 775

Tiebreakers:

Team tiebreakers will be settled in the following order: 1. Combined individual practicum rank score 2. Proposal rank

3. Presentation rank

B. Individuals tiebreakers will be settled in the following order: 1. Practicum score

2. Communications quiz score 3. Editing exercise score Awards:

Team and individual awards as addressed on page 15.

The host chapter reserves the right to present awards as deemed appropriate. Resources:

• See the “National FFA CDE Handbook”. National CDE Participation:

The highest ranking eligible team will represent Montana at the National Career Development Event. See page 83 for more details.

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ARICULTURAL ISSUES FORUM CDE

Purpose:

To provide an opportunity to expose a wide variety of students to selection, research, planning, and presentation of an agricultural issue.

Eligibility:

The event will take place at a site approved by the FFA Board of Trustees. The number of teams allowed per chapter will be decided by the host site. See “Eligibility” on pages 13-14.

Procedure:

The event will take place at a site approved by the FFA Board of Trustees. The number of teams allowed per chapter will be decided by the host site.

Event Rules:

1. Professional ethics and standards are to be considered. Ignoring truthful information, falsifying information and plagiarism are violations that may result in disqualification.

2. A minimum of three and a maximum of seven students who are actively participating, orally presenting and available to answer the judges’ questions. An eighth person may be used to operate the technology but cannot take an active part in the presentation or answer judges questions.

3. Presentations may include official FFA dress, costumes, props, skits and other creative paraphernalia.

Event Format:

Equipment provided by host site: projector, TV/VCR, easel, and screen. Other equipment is allowed but must be provided by the participating chapter.

Each team will conduct a presentation on the issue developed and presented at the local level. The issue must come from one of the following seven agricultural topic areas:

1. Environmental Issues

2. Agricultural Technology Issues 3. Animal Issues

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6. Agricultural Policy Issues 7. Food Safety Issues

The same agricultural issue presentation and portfolio will not be used in subsequent years by the same chapter.

Portfolio will follow the procedures and scoring as outlined in the National FFA CDE Handbook. Portfolio will be scored only once by a separate panel of judges prior to presentation and that score will move forward to each round. The score sheet is located in CDE handbook.

Presentation scoring will follow the procedures and scoring as outlined in the National FFA CDE Handbook. The score sheet is located in CDE handbook.

The number of times and final round presentations will be determined by the host chapter based on the number of teams competing.

Scoring:

The ranking matrix will be used to determine placing. Tie Breakers:

Ties will be broken based on the greatest number of low ranks. Team low ranks will be counted and the team with the greatest number of low ranks will be declared the winner. If a tie still exists the event host will rank the teams response to questions, the team with the greatest number of low ranks from the response question will declared the winner. If a tie still exists, the teams’ raw scores will be totaled. Team with the greatest total of raw points will be declared the winner.

Awards:

The host chapter reserves the right to present awards as deemed appropriate. Resources:

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AGRICULTURAL SALES CDE

Purpose:

To develop an understanding of the sales, service and marketing of agricultural products. To provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to complete a typical product sale, perform a practical skill, and their knowledge of the sales process.

Eligibility:

A Chapter MUST place in the top half of the teams in their district in order to advance to State competition (if only four teams compete from a district with ten (10) chapters, all four teams would qualify for the state CDE).

In order for a chapter to qualify as a team at Districts and thus compete at State Convention, the chapter must have at least two FFA members compete in the event at District.

See “Eligibility” on pages 13-14. Procedure:

For the State Event, the practicum will be posted two weeks prior to the contest. The Agricultural Sales CDE will be conducted at the Montana State FFA Convention. Event Rules:

1. The team will be composed of four students, and all four individual scores will count toward the team total. A team may compete with less than four members.

2. Any participant in possession of an electronic device in the event area is subject to disqualification.

Event Format:

1. All members of the team will sell the same product. This product will be announced by the FFA Board of Trustees by September 15th each year.

2. Each member will work individually on a sales presentation and a written test. Individual rankings will be determined from these areas.

3. Each team will compete as a group on the team problem. Team scores will be a summation of all four individual scores and the team problem.

4. If more than one judge is used for presentation or practicums, scores will be averaged. 5. Each contestant should keep product summary sheets with them unless directed by the CDE

host to do otherwise. Scoring:

1. Individual Written Exam – 100 points 2. Individual Sales Activity – 150 points 3. Team Activity – 150 points

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23 Tiebreaker:

Should a tie occur in the individual scores, the highest individual sales activity score will be used to break the tie. If the tie cannot be broken using the sales activity score, the highest written test score will be used. If a tie still exists, the highest team activity score will be used to break the tie.

Should a tie occur in the team scores, the highest team sales activity score will break the tie, then (in order) the written test, then the sales activity will be used.

Awards:

Team and individual awards as addressed on page 15. National CDE Participation:

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Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems

Purpose:

To challenge FFA members to prepare for the expectations of the agriculture mechanics work place by developing their skills and knowledge in applied physical sciences. This event allows students and teams to demonstrate subject matter and skill mastery, effective communication, problem solving techniques and the ability to function individually and as a team.

Eligibility:

In order for a chapter to qualify as a team at Districts, and thus compete ate State Convention, the chapter must have at least two members compete in the District event.

The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE will be conducted at the Montana State FFA Convention.

Event Rules:

1. Teams include three or four members.

2. Team ranking will include the top three student scores and the team problem.

3. Team members are required to furnish and wear appropriate eye protection (see guidelines in the “National CDE Handbook”).

4. Each individual will furnish and wear appropriate clothing that fits properly and is in good repair. Such clothing includes coveralls, shop coat, long pants, long sleeved cotton shirt, etc. 5. Special equipment may be required to be furnished by the contestants. Such equipment will be

noted in the pre-CDE information provide to chapters prior to the event.

6. Failure to wear appropriate safety protection or working in an unsafe manner could result in removal from that CDE area or disqualification from the CDE.

Event Format:

1. Team members will work independently on problem solving and skill development activities, and on the written test. Individual scores and rankings will be based on these areas.

2. Team members will work together on a team problem solving activity. The team score will be a combination of the three highest individual scores and the team activity. The team activity score is not split among the individuals.

3. The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE will follow the annual national theme, and be developed from the five system areas designated by the National CDE Handbook. These areas are Machinery and Equipment Systems, Electrical Systems, Energy Systems, Structural Systems, and Environmental and Natural Resource Systems. The event organizers will provide a list of possible competencies and skills by January 15th, prior to the State CDE.

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4. The focus of the event will be on areas of the Montana Agricultural Education Curriculum. New technologies will be included as they emerge and are presented to the agriculture teachers. 5. The following themes, provided by National FFA, are given to offer direction for students and

advisors.

a. 2013 Processing Systems b. 2014 Plant Production Systems c. 2015 Integrated Pest Management d. 2016 Animal Production Systems Scoring:

The team score for the event will be determined by summing the points earned by the top three team members and the team score summed together.

Individual score and ranking does not include the team score. Tiebreakers:

The team activity score will be used to break a tie in team ranking. It the tie remains, the combined written exam scores of the top three individuals will be used.

Individual ties will be broken using written exam scores. If a tie still exists, the problem-solving/skill scores will be used.

Awards:

Team and individual awards as addressed on page 15. Resources:

• “National FFA Career Development Handbook” • Montana Agricultural Education Curriculum • See National CDE reference list

National CDE Participation:

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Agriscience Fair

Purpose:

The Agriscience Fair is a competition for FFA members who are interested in the science and technology of agriculture.

Eligibility:

1. Be in grades 7-12.

2. Must be a dues-paying member and from a chapter in good standing. 3. See “Eligibility” on pages 13-14.

Procedure:

1. Conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture and food science industries. Choose from one of the following categories:

a. Animal Systems

b. Environmental Service / Natural Resources Systems c. Food Products and Processing Systems

d. Plant Systems

e. Power, Structural and Technical Systems f. Social Systems

Event Rules:

1. Students may compete as an individual or as a team. 2. Students must be in grades 7-12.

a. Division I – Individuals in grades 7, 8, 9 b. Division II – Individuals in grades 10, 11, 12 c. Division III – Teams in grades 7, 8, 9

d. Division IV – Teams in grades 10, 11, 12

3. An agriscience fair project must be the result of a student’s own effort and ability. Scientific fraud and misconduct is not condoned at any level of research or competition.

4. Plagiarism, use of presentation of other researcher's work as one's own and fabrication or falsification of data will not be tolerated. Fraudulent projects will result in elimination from the Agriscience Fair.

Event Format:

1. Participants will present their findings to a panel of judges with a display and a report. 2. Logbook 3. Written Report a. Title page b. Abstract c. Introduction d. Review of literature e. Materials and methods f. Results

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27 g. Discussion & conclusion

h. References

i. Acknowledgements 4. Display

a. Maximum of 48 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 36 inches high b. Freestanding and sturdy

c. Follow safety rules found in National Agriscience Fair Handbook 5. Interview

a. 5-15 minutes generally

b. Teams must have both participants available for interview time Scoring:

Tiebreakers:

Awards:

• See the “National FFA CDE Handbook”. National Participation:

To participate in the National Agriscience Fair, members need to submit an application to National’s. Winning a State category does not automatically qualify a project to go to Nationals. See the National FFA website for more information.

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Agronomy CDE

Purpose:

To stimulate student involvement in plant and range science career areas and to provide additional incentives for FFA members to develop problem solving skills in the area of agronomy.

Eligibility

In order for a chapter to qualify as a team at Districts and thus compete at State Convention, the chapter must have at least two FFA members compete in the event at District.

The state Agronomy Contest will follow the rules and guidelines as published in the National Career Development Event Handbook to the extent they pertain to Montana crops. Special plant, crop, and insect lists that are specific for Montana will be used in place of the National FFA Agronomy lists. These lists can be found in this section of Activities & Awards.

The team component will consist of a problem from two areas, which will rotate each year. Event Rules:

1. Four members will make up a team.

2. All four scores will be included in the team total.

3. Participants will be assigned to a group. The group leader will escort them through the various rotations. Each participant must stay with the assigned group leader throughout the event. 4. Tampering with or destruction of contest materials will result in elimination from the contest.

Event Format:

1. Team Activity – 750 points – rotate every other year a. Cropping Systems (even years)

i. Teams will be asked to analyze a producers production records and develop a cropping system for the producer.

ii. Consideration of harvesting and marketing practices will be analyzed by contestants for each team to make recommendations for improvement. iii. Problem may also include questions relating to crop marketing and economics

using future and options. b. Range (odd years)

i. This area will consist of a range scenario requiring teams to develop a range management plan using their knowledge in calculating range similarity indexes and their understanding of range trends.

ii. Analyzing grazing rotations, management plans, and plant growth are possible areas that this team problem can cover.

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iii. Range materials and worksheets will come from the current year’s Montana Range Days publications.

2. Individual Activities – 100 points each – every year a. General Knowledge Test

i. 50 objective, multiple choice questions from Montana Ag Ed Curriculum materials.

b. Identification of weed, crops, seeds, and their products. c. Soils and Irrigation

i. Identify various soil samples as listed in the current year’s Montana Range Days “Soil Texture Field Key” (also available from local NRCS offices).

ii. Identify soil capability classes as outlined by the Soils CDE guide, on page 36-40 of this Activities & Awards document.

d. Crop Evaluation, Harvesting, Marketing

i. Evaluate two classes of crop samples, one of Montana forage and one of a major Montana crop.

ii. Each class will consist of four samples of the same crop seed.

iii. Participants will rank each class and place them. Scoring will be done with a Hormel card.

e. Range Management

i. Participants will be required to calculate range condition and stocking rate using the current year’s Montana Range Days Plant List. This is found on page 34-36. ii. The “Accepted Historic Similarity Index” will be provided in the contest.

3. Individual Activities – rotate every other year – 100 points each a. Seed Analysis (odd years)

i. A maximum of four samples will be analyzed ii. The samples will be selected from

• Alfalfa • Barley • Wheat • Oats • Soybeans • Corn

iii. Contestants will not be allowed to touch the samples except with the tools provided, which could include flat sided sticks, forceps, or magnifying glasses. iv. Admixtures will be named according to their common name as listed in the

Weed, Crop, and Seeds Identification List on page 32-33_.

v. Contestants must classify all seeds mixed with the base sample as either crop (and/or crop variety) or weeds.

vi. No less than two and no more than four seeds of any impurity will be added to the base sample.

vii. All base and admixture seeds will be mature samples.

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30 b. Fertilizer (odd years)

i. Various fertilizer problems centered on determining the amount of N, P, and K available in a soil sample and amount needed in a hypothetical growing or yet-to-be-planted crop.

ii. Practicum related to determining fertilizer mixtures and appropriateness of a fertilizer for various crops are also allowed.

c. Insects (odd years)

i. Ten samples will be identified according to insect name, life cycle, economic impact, and mouthpart.

ii. Insects that are eligible for consideration are listed on page 33.

iii. The answer sheet will be the accepted sheet used in the current year’s national CDE.

d. Grain Grading (even years)

i. Participants will determine the grade of wheat or barley.

ii. Grain grading will be done in accordance with the official U.S. Standards for Grain as outlined by the USDA.

iii. At least two samples will be graded.

iv. Participants will be given a base sample to determine the class and/or subclass. v. Refer to the National FFA CDE Handbook for Agronomy for further explanation. e. Herbicide & Pesticide (even years)

i. Participants will be given herbicide and/or pesticide labels and will be required to calculate proper tank mixtures and application procedures.

ii. Participants may also be asked to identify proper safety procedures and determine the chemical’s active ingredient(s).

f. Disorders (even years)

i. Ten samples will be identified according to name, cause, and damage of disorder of Montana-approved diseases and disorders as listed below.

ii. Possible causing agents: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus 4. Nutritional 5. Mechanical 6. Cultural 7. Nematodes

iii. Possible damages will include: 1. Destruction of fruit or flower 2. Destruction of vegetative parts

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31 3. Blockage of vascular bundles 4. None

Scoring:

Participant scores are the sum of the individual areas of the event, and team scores are the sum of the four participant scores plus the team activity.

Tiebreakers:

Team ties will be broken first with the team activity. If a tie remains, then the total team points on the written exam will be used.

Individual ties will be broken using the written test first. If a tie remains, plant/seed ID will be used next.

Awards:

1. Weeds, Crops, and Seeds Identification List (Page 32-33) 2. Insect identification List (Page 33)

3. Montana Range Plant List (Page 34-36) 4. Soils Judging Guide (Page 36-40)

5. The following units from the curriculum: Plant Growth and Development, Range Management, Crop Production, Water Quality and Quantity,

Horticulture, Pests and Diseases, Soils and Land use, Land Description, Horticulture/Floriculture, Water, Crops

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Weeds, Crops, and Seeds Identification List

GRAIN CROPS OILSEED CROPS

Plants Seeds Plants Seeds

2-Row Barley Barley Canola Canola

6-Row Barley Dent Corn Flax Flax

Bearded Wheat Durum Wheat Mustard Mustard

Beardless Wheat Hard Red Wheat Safflower Safflower

Rye Rye Soybeans Soybeans

Triticale Sorghum Sunflower Sunflower

White Oats Triticale Mint

White Oats White Wheat

ROOT/TUBER CROPS

Plants Seeds

Potato

Sugar Beets Sugar Beets

FORAGE GRASSES LEGUMES

Bluebunch Wheatgrass Bluebunch Wheatgrass Alfalfa Alfalfa

Creeping Foxtail Creeping Foxtail Birdsfood Trefoil Birdsfoot Trefoil Crested Wheatgrass Crested Wheatgrass Cicer Milkvetch Cicer Milkvetch Green Needlegrass Green Needlegrass Field Peas

Intermediate Wheatgrass Intermediate Wheatgrass Great Northern Field Bean

Kentucky Bluegrass Kentucky Bluegrass Lentils Lentils

Needleandthread Pinto Beans

Orchardgrass Orchardgrass Red Clover Red Clover Reed Canarygrass Reed Canarygrass Sanfoin Sanfoin

Russian Wildrye White Clover White Clover

Smooth Brome Smoothe Brome Yellow Sweetclover Yellow Sweetclover

Tall Fescue Tall Fescue

Timothy Timothy

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COMMON WEEDS NOXIOUS WEEDS

Black Medic Black Medic Canada Thistle Canada Thistle Blue Lettuce Blue Lettuce Common Tansy Common Tansy Cheatgrass Cheatgrass Dalmatian Toadflax Dalmatian Toadflax

Common Mallow Common Mallow Diffuse Knapweed Diffuse Knapweed Cow Cockle Cow Cockle Field Bindweed Field Bindweed Curley Dock Curley Dock Hoary Alyssum Hoary Alyssum

Dandelion Houndstongue Houndstongue

Field Gromwell Field Gromwell Leafy Spurge Leafy Spurge Field Pennycress Field Pennycress Orange Hawkweed Orange Hawkweed Green Foxtail Green Foxtail Ox-eye Daisy Ox-eye Daisy Lambsquarter Lambsquarter Perennial Pepperweed Perennial Pepperweed

Perennial Sowthistle Perennial Sowthistle Spotted Knapweed Spotted Knapweed Quackgrass Quackgrass Whitetop (Hoary Cress) Whitetop

Red Sorrell Red Sorrell Yellow Toadflax Yellow Toadflax Redroot Pigweed Redroot Pigweed Yellow Starthistle Yellow Starthistle Russian Thistle Russian Thistle

Shepherspurse Shepherdspurse

Summer Cypress (Kochia) Summer Cypress (Kochia) Tansy Mustard Tansy Mustard

White Cockle White Cockle Wild Buckwheat Wild Buckwheat Wild Mustard Wild Mustard Wild Oats Wild Oats

Insect Identification List

Aphids (Russian & Western Wheat Aphid)

Army Worm Cricket Cutworm Grasshoppers Honeybee Potato Beetle Saw Fly Stink Bug Weevils Whitefly Wireworm

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Montana Range Plant List

GRASSES

G1 basin wildrye PNCD Leymus cinereus

G2 blue grama PNWI Bouteloua gracilis

G3 bluebunch wheatgrass PNCD Pseudoroegneria spicata

G4 bottlebrush squirreltail PNCI Elymus elymoides

G5 Canada bluegrass PICV Poa compressa

G6 cheatgrass AICV Bromus tectorum

G7 crested wheatgrass PICV Agropyron cristatum

G8 Cusick's bluegrass PNCI Poa cusickii

G9 foxtail barley PNCI Hordeum jubatum

G10 green needlegrass PNCD Nassella viridula

G11 Idaho fescue PNCI Festuca idahoensis

G12 Indian ricegrass PNCD Achnatherum hymenoides

G13 Kentucky bluegrass PICV Poa pratensis

G14 needleandthread PNCI Hesperostipa comata

G15 onespike danthonia PNCI Danthonia unispicata

G16 plains reedgrass PNCI Calamagrostis montanensis

G17 prairie junegrass PNCI Koeleria macrantha

G18 quackgrass PICV Elymus repens

G19 red top PICV Agrostis gigantea

G20 rough fescue PNCD Festuca campestris

G21 Sandberg bluegrass PNCI Poa secunda

G22 slender wheatgrass PNCD Elymus trachycaulus

G23 smooth brome PICV Bromus inermis

G24 thickspike wheatgrass PNCI Elymus lanceolatus

G25 timothy PICV Phleum pratense

G26 western wheatgrass PNCI Pascopyrum smithii

GRASSLIKE

GL1 Baltic rush PNCD Juncus balticus

GL2 beaked sedge PNCD Carex rostrata

GL3 Nebraska sedge PNCD Carex nebrascensis

GL4 threadleaf sedge PNCI Carex filifolia

CACTI

C1 plains pricklypear PNCI Opuntia polyacantha

HALF-SHRUBS, SHRUBS, & TREES

S1 alder PNCI Alnus incana

S2 antelope bitterbrush PNCD Purshia tridentata

S3 broom snakeweed PNWI Gutierrezia sarothrae

S4 chokecherry PNCD P Prunus virginiana

S5 cottonwood PNCD Populus spp.

S6 creeping juniper PNXX Juniperus horizontalis

S7 Douglas fir PNXX Pseudotsuga menziesii

S8 fringed sagewort PNWI Artemisia frigida

S9 gooseberry PNCI Ribes spp.

S10 gray horsebrush PNWI P Tetradymia canescens

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S12 Oregon grape PNCI Mahonia repens

S13 quaking aspen PNCD Populus tremuloides

S14 red osier dogwood PNCD Cornus sericea

S15 Rocky Mountain juniper PNXX Juniperus scopulorum

S16 rose PNCI Rosa spp.

S17 rubber rabbitbrush PNWI Ericameria nauseosa

S18 serviceberry PNCD Amelanchier alnifolia

S19 shrubby cinquefoil PNCI Dasiphora fruticosa

S20 snowberry PNCI Symphoricarpos spp.

S21 willow PNCD Salix spp.

S22 winterfat PNWD Krascheninnikovia lanata

FORBS

F1 alumroot PNCI Heuchera spp.

F2 American vetch PNCD Vicia americana

F3 arrowleaf balsamroot PNCI Balsamorhiza sagittata

F4 biscuitroot PNCI Lomatium cous

F5 bitterroot PNCI Lewisia rediviva

F6 black henbane AICV P Hyoscyamus niger

F7 blanketflower PNWI Gaillardia aristata

F8 blue flax PNCI Linum lewisii

F9 buckwheat PNCI Eriogonum spp.

F10 Canada thistle PICV N Cirsium arvense

F11 cinquefoil PNCI Potentilla spp.

F12 common harebell PNCI Campanula rotundifolia

F13 common mullein BICV Verbascum thapsus

F14 cudweed sagewort PNWI Artemisia ludoviciana

F15 curlycup gumweed BNWV Grindelia squarrosa

F16 curly dock PICV Rumex crispus

F17 cutleaf daisy PNCI Erigeron compositus

F18 dotted gayfeather PNWD Liatris punctata

F19 green sagewort PNWI Artemisia dracunculus

F20 groundsel PNCI Senecio spp.

F21 hairy goldenaster PNWI Heterotheca villosa

F22 houndstongue BICV NP Cynoglossum officinale

F23 low larkspur PNCI P Delphinium bicolor

F24 leafy spurge PICV N Euphorbia esula

F25 longleaf phlox PNCI Phlox longifolia

F26 lupine PNCI P Lupinus spp.

F27 meadow deathcamas PNCI P Zigadenus venenosus

F28 milkvetch PNCI Astragalus spp.

F29 Missouri goldenrod PNWI Solidago missouriensis

F30 musk thistle BICV Carduus nutans

F31 penstemon PNCI Penstemon spp.

F32 onion PNCI Allium spp.

F33 phlox PNCI Phlox spp.

F34 prairie smoke PNCI Geum triflorum

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F36 salsify BICV Tragopogon dubius

F37 scarlet globemallow PNCI Sphaeralcea coccinea

F38 small-leaf pussytoes PNCI Antennaria parviflora

F39 spotted knapweed BIWV N Centaurea stoebe

F40 sticky geranium PNCD Geranium viscosissimum

F41 stonecrop PNCI Sedum spp.

F42 wavyleaf thistle BNWV Cirsium undulatum

F43 western stoneseed PNCI Lithospermum ruderale

F44 western wallflower BNCV Erysimum asperum

F45 western yarrow PNWI Achillea millefolium

F46 woolly plantain ANCV Plantago patagonica

F47 yellow sweetclover BICV P Melilotus officinalis

common names from Ext. Bull. 355, scientific names from USDA plants database

Lifespan: P = perennial, B = biennial, A = annual

Origin: N = native, I = introduced to North America

Season of Growth: C = cool, W = warm, X = inappropriate

Grazing Response: D = decreaser, I = increaser, V = invader, X = inappropriate Poisonous = P Noxious = N

Soils Judging Guide

Steps to maximize your soil judging skills. The following steps are used in conjunction with the soils judging scorecard.

1. Determine the SLOPE. The site will have two flags either 50’ or 100’ apart. Estimate the difference in elevation between the two and divide by 50 or 100. Check the scorecard in the proper space (Dryland or Irrigated).

SLOPE MAXIMUM CAPABILITY CLASS

Nearly level or gently sloping Class II Up to 4% slope Moderately sloping Class III 4% to 8% slope Strongly Sloping Class I V >15% slope

Steep Class VI >35% slope

Very Steep Class VII or VIII Badlands

2. TEXTURE the topsoil (0-6”) and the subsoil (6-18”)

TOPSOIL TEXTURE MAXIMUM CAPABLTIY CLASS

Coarse Class IV (irr) or VI (dryland)

Moderately coarse Class IV (wind erodibility)

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Moderately Fine Class II or III

Fine Class IV

3. Determine the STRUCTURE of the topsoil and subsoil. Platy structure lowers capability to Class IV.

Plowed fields and rangeland usually have granular topsoil structure; however, they can be platy or single grain.

4. Determine the COLOR of the topsoil.

5. Determine the STRUCTURE GRADE of the subsoil.

Based on how easy the structure falls apart when crushed with the forefinger and pressure is applied with the thumb.

6. Determine the WATER HODLDING CAPACITY of the topsoil and the subsoil. Determined by the texture of each:

Max. Land Class Coarse texture = Low III or IV Mod. Coarse = Medium II

Medium – Fine = High II

7. Determine the AIR AND WATER MOVEMENT IN SUBSOIL (PERMEABILITY). Very slow = Fine texture = Class IV

Slow = Mod. Fine texture = Class III Moderate = Medium texture = Class II Rapid = Coarse texture = Class III

8. The INTERNAL DRAINAGE is also determined by texture: Excessive = Coarse

Good = Mod. Fine Poor = Fine texture

9. The EROSION HAZARD WHEN CULTIVATED depends on soil texture and the slope of the land.

WIND EROSION: Most susceptible soils are coarse textured or fine textured or with lime.

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None to slight: Wet or very stoney soil.

Moderate: Mod. Fine to medium texture= CLASS II or III

Severe: Coarse or fine texture or strongly effervescent= CLASS IV

WATER EROSION: Most susceptible are fine soils with slope.

None to slight: Sands or soils with strong granular structure + other soils on slopes <2% = CLASS II

Moderate: Medium texture, 2-8% slope = CLASS II or III

Severe: Fine texture or massive structure, >8% slope = CLASS IV

10. The SOIL DEPTH FAVORABLE TO ROOTS is easily determined by measuring how far the roots can penetrate the soil. Be careful because this isn’t necessarily the depth of the hole dug.

Deep = CLASS II >40” Mod. Deep = CLASS III 20-40”

Shallow = CLASS VI 10-20” Very Shallow = CLASS VII <10”

11.Based on your knowledge of the soil, circle the LAND CAPABILITY CLASS that fits the area. Mark the MAJOR LIMITING FACTOR(S) that brought the land to its lowest class.

BEST DRYLAND FOR THE MAJORITY OF MONTANA SOILS IS CLASS III

BEST IRRIGATED LAND FOR THE MAJORITY OF MONTANA SOILS IS CLASS II

12.The PRACTICES NEEDED TO CONSERVE SOIL AND WATER AND MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITIY need to be circled. First determine if the land is DRYLAND or IRRIGATED.

If DRYLAND:

Circle 1 if soil water holding capacity is low Circle 2 if saline seep is a problem

Circle 3, 4, and 6 if CLASS III or IV Circle 8 if cropped and is CLASS VI – VIII

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39 Circle 9 if CLASS VI & is overgrazed

Circle 10 if CLASS VI and is mostly sagebrush Circle 16 if noxious weeds are present If IRRIGATED:

Circle 1 if CLASS IV Circle 2 if CLASS III Circle 3 if CLASS II

Circle 12 if land is being sprinkler irrigated Circle 13 if sandy topsoil

Circle 15 if noxious weeds are present

**FOR EITHER SITE, CIRCLE OTHER ITEMS ONLY IF YOU ARE SURE** 13.Complete the FERTILIZER PROBLEMS.

*Remember that if you are using a blended 11-53-0 fertilizer, it is 11% nitrogen, 53% phosphorus, and 0% potassium.

If 20# of phosphorus is needed, divide 20 by .53 to see how many pounds of 11-53-0 is to be added to the field per acre.

20/.53 = 37.74 pounds of 11-53-0

If 60# of nitrogen is required and anhydrous ammonia is used, 60/.82 (anhydrous is 82-0-0) = 73.17 #

To calculate the cost of fertilizer, take the cost per ton and divide by 2,000 and multiply by the pounds used.

If 11-53-0 sells for $210/Ton

120/2000 = $0.06 per pound $0.06 x 37.74# = $2.26 per acre If 82-0-0 sells for $75/Ton

75/2000 = $0.04 per pound $0.04 x 73.17# = $2.93 per acre

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CREED SPEAKING CDE

Purpose:

To recognize ability in public speaking on a subject related to agriculture and to encourage candidates to develop their abilities to select and organize facts relating to agriculture for a successful oral

presentation. Eligibility:

Any first year FFA member in the ninth grade, in good standing, regularly enrolled in agriculture education is eligible.

1. The first and second place district winners will compete in the Preliminary Round at the State FFA Convention.

2. The eligible contestants will draw to make up the contest participation with four in each of the four groups. The first place winners of each group will advance to the “Final Four.”

3. The candidate’s ability to effectively answer an appropriate question posed by the judges of the CDE is considered in selecting a state winner.

4. Each contestant shall begin the presentation by stating “The FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany” and end with “…that inspiring task. Thank you.”

5. The National FFA Creed Speaking score sheet will be used to evaluate this CDE.

6. Up to three identical questions may be asked from the judges to each speaker with a five minute time limit.

Event Rules:

1. Three to eight competent and impartial persons will be selected to judge the event. At least one judge should have an agricultural/FFA background. Any advisor who has a student competing in a speaking event may not serve as a judge for that respective speaking event. 2. Any participant in possession of any electronic device is subject to disqualification.

Event Format:

1. Oral presentation

a. Members will present the Creed from the current year’s Official FFA Manual.

b. Each contestant will begin the presentation by stating “The FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany” and end it with “…that inspiring task. Thank you.”

c. 4 minutes will be allowed.

2. Answer critical thinking questions directly related to the Creed.

a. Each participant will be asked three questions per round with a five minute total time limit.

3. Event officials will randomly determine the speaking order. 4. No props are to be used.

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6. Participants will be held in isolation until their presentation. Participants will not be allowed to have contact with any outside persons.

7. Timekeepers will be designated to record the time used by each participant in delivering his/her speech. Content accuracy judges will record the number of recitation errors during delivery. Scoring:

A ranking matrix is used. (i.e., a ranking of 1,1,4 = 6 and a 2,2,2 ranking = 6 with the 1,1,4 ranking breaking the tie).

Tiebreakers:

The scoring matrix will be used. (See above.) Awards:

Resources:

The highest ranking eligible individual will represent Montana at the National Career Development Event. See page 83 for more details.

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ENVIRONMENTAL/NATURAL RESOURCES CDE

Purpose: To stimulate student involvement in environmental and natural resource areas and to provide additional incentives for FFA members to develop problem solving skills in the area of environmental and natural resources.

Eligibility:

1. A Chapter does NOT have to compete in a district level event to be eligible for state competition.

2. Because this is open to any high school team, to qualify as a FFA team, all members must have paid their dues and be from a chapter in good standing.

3. See “Eligibility” on pages 13-14.

Procedure: The stateEnvironmental/ Natural Resources Contest will be the Montana Envirothon put on by the Montana Conservation Districts. More information can be found at their web site:

www.montanaenvirothon.org/

The top FFA team will represent Montana at National FFA convention in the Environmental/Natural Resources CDE.

Entry fee scholarships may be available from the local conservation districts. Event Rules:

Teams consist of 5 members at the state contest.

The National CDE team will be made up of only a 4 member team. Event Format:

The team will take tests in the following areas: 1. Wildlife

2. Soils 3. Aquatics 4. Range 5. Forestry

The team will also make a presentation based on the theme for the given year. Scoring:

By the contest sponsor. Tiebreakers:

By the contest sponsor. Awards:

Awards by the contest sponsor. Resources:

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EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING CDE

Purpose:

The FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Contest is designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance; therefore, causing FFA members to formulate their remarks for presentation in a very limited amount of time.

Eligibility:

1. Any member of FFA in good standing, regularly enrolled in agriculture education is eligible. 2. Members who have previously competed in the National event are ineligible. An individual may

compete in only one of the speaking contests above the state level (either extemporaneous or prepared) in a given year.

3. See “Eligibility” on pages 13-14. Procedure:

1. Chapters will conduct an extemporaneous public speaking event with the local winners competing at the district level.

2. The first and second place district winners will compete at the state FFA conference.

3. Four rooms will be used in the preliminary round. Two 1st place District finishers should be in each room with two 2nd place District finishers.

4. Eligible contestants will draw for room and order.

5. The first place winner of each group will advance to the “Final Four.”

6. The candidate’s ability to effectively answer appropriate questions posed by the judges of the contest is considered in selecting a state winner.

Event Rules:

1. Three competent and impartial persons will be selected to judge the event. At least one judge will have an agricultural background.

2. Any advisor who has a student competing in a speaking event may not serve as a judge for that respective speaking event.

3. Any participant in possession of any electronic device in the preparation room is subject to disqualification.

4. Contestants cannot be notes or speeches prepared by the participant or by another person for the purpose of use in this event.

5. Participants must use the uniform note cards provided.

Event Format:

1. Event officials will randomly draw speaking order.

2. Twelve topics will be prepared by the event superintendent and will include three each from the following categories:

a. agriscience and technology