FFA Career Development Events
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Mid-State is proud to host a regional FFA Career Development Event competition in 2026!
Each year students from middle and high schools across Wisconsin and Minnesota compete in the agricultural technology contest. Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs) develop college- and career-readiness skills and serve as an outgrowth of instruction for FFA members in grades 7–12. Through CDEs—and Leadership Development Events (LDEs)—participating FFA members are challenged to develop critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills, foster teamwork, and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement.
CDE and LDE competitions occur at the local, state, and national levels. They are designed and regularly evaluated to meet Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster Content Standards.
Registration opens Monday, February 2 and closes Friday, February 27.
Limited capacity in each contest, first come first served, late registrations will not be accepted.
New in 2026: Food Science in the Field: Cranberries, Chemistry & Health
What makes cranberries so tart? How do they go from a Wisconsin marsh to juice, dried snacks, and health products on store shelves?
In partnership with the Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association, this hands-on, interactive session gives FFA students a behind-the-scenes look at the science of one of Wisconsin’s most iconic crops.
Students will explore the chemistry behind cranberries — acidity, antioxidants, color, and flavor — while learning how they are harvested, processed, and transformed into value-added products. Along the way, they’ll connect real-world food science concepts to exciting careers in agriculture, food processing, quality control, and product development.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion and a sweet cranberry treat.
Sessions held every hour on the hour beginning at 10:00 a.m.
More details coming soon.
Events
Events cover a range of agricultural business, agricultural communications, agricultural mechanics, animal science, food science, natural resource, and plant science topics.
- Agronomy
- Ag Technology & Mechanical Systems
- Dairy Cattle Evaluation
- Farm Business/Agribusiness
- Floriculture
- Forestry
- Livestock
- Meats Evaluation and Technology
- Middle School Agriscience
- Milk Quality and Products
- Poultry
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife
Note: The following events are held in unheated facilities: Dairy Cattle, Livestock, and Forestry. Students should dress appropriately. Official dress is not required for any event.
Persons requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability should contact the event coordinator 14 days in advance.
2025 Results
Mid-State Event Contact
Email Alex Lendved or call 715.389.7011 with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
