AGCM
Collaboration and creativity are two characteristics FFA members need to compete and ultimately excel in the agricultural communications career development event (CDE).
“This competition was, and is, no easy feat, but it’s something I was happy to pour my heart into,” says Anna Kate Mathis, an alumna of Madison County High School FFA in Georgia. Mathis and teammates Katherine Carrouth, Abigail Adams and Anna Moon, along with one of their advisors, Eryn Elliott, were named the 2023 National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE team event winners.
“Through competing, I learned to balance the power of confidence with demonstrating humility,” Adams adds. “Although it’s important to believe in your work, it’s essential to recognize it’s an opportunity for growth and change.”
Career-Readiness Approach
The 2024 national competition, which will be held fully in person during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in October, will include several notable changes, according to Dr. Courtney Gibson, National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE superintendent and associate professor of agricultural education and communications at Texas Tech University.
The rationale for implementing these changes, Gibson says, is twofold. In addition to providing avenues for team members to strengthen real-world skills, the event is designed to mirror the agricultural communications profession and agricultural industry as both continually evolve.
“As you practice something, you become better at doing it,” adds Carol Herl, National FFA CDE/LDE education specialist. “These changes will equip more members with the foundational skills they’ll need to be successful in today’s workforce.”
Beginning this year, national competitors will complete an individual writing mechanics exam and attend a press conference event. Team members will then divide and conquer to complete four practicums, which include designing a magazine spread, writing a news story, producing an audio or visual piece, and developing a social media strategy. Each team will then package and present the work to a panel of judges, with a question-and-answer session to follow.
Reagan Robinson, a Lake Butler FFA alumna from Florida, was named the 2023 National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE top participant winner. Her advice to FFA members interested in competing is to push beyond the fear of the unknown and try something new.
“You must take that first leap of faith to achieve something greater than yourself,” Robinson says. “Through your participation, you’ll obtain knowledge and partake in experiences that are vital for enhancing your future. My story shows that time doesn’t always warrant success — determination and grit do — and greatness is only achieved once you decide to try.”
Communications in Action
Curious about the types of content you can produce by competing in the agricultural communications CDE? Check out this video produced by 2023 national top participant winner and Lake Butler FFA alumna Reagan Robinson.
