The Sanborn Central/Woonsocket FFA Chapter has been busy competing at Career Development Events (CDEs) over the past few weeks. Students are involved in the following CDE teams, although not all teams have attended every CDE. The Agronomy team has won every CDE event attended thus far, and the Meats team has won their event at three contests.
Participants in the Agronomy CDE possess an in-depth knowledge of seeds, insects, soils and crops. They must also demonstrate skills in solving complex problems related to crop production.
The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems (Ag Mechanics) CDE helps students develop their technical skills and knowledge and their ability to work with others to solve complex problems.
The Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE helps students learn business skills and apply economic principles to agricultural businesses.
The Floriculture CDE requires students to identify floral plants and demonstrate their knowledge of the floral industry. Participants also demonstrate skills in constructing floral arrangements, and the preparation of an accurate bill of sale.
In the Horse Evaluation CDE, students evaluate and rank horses based on breed characteristics, conformation and performance. As a team, students cooperatively solve problems related to equine selection, management, nutrition and production.
Individual and team activities in the Environmental and Natural Resources CDE include a national and global issues interview; environmental and natural resources problem solving; soil tests and profiles; air and water analysis; GPS use; waste management; and more.
In the Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE, students develop the skills needed for careers in the meat animal industry. During the event, members evaluate beef carcasses for quality and yield grade; identify various meat cuts and place carcasses, and identify wholesale and/or retail cuts.

…Read the results in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.