PROGRAMS

STAY INFORMED

Advisors are reminded that all official information, updates, and reminders for Idaho FFA programs and events are communicated through the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv (idahoaged@uidaho.edu). If you are not currently active on the listserv, please contact us to ensure you are added and receiving the most up-to-date information.

STATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS (CDES)

Open to All Chapters | Held in Early June, Annually | @University of Idaho, Moscow

State CDEs bring together top FFA members from across the state to showcase their knowledge and skills in agriculture, leadership, and career readiness. Held annually in partnership with the University of Idaho, the event features contests ranging from agronomy and livestock evaluation to food science, landscape, and agricultural mechanics. Students compete through written exams, hands-on practicums, and problem-solving activities, with state champions advancing to represent Idaho at the National FFA Convention & Expo in many events. Rules vary by event and can be found on the CDE & LDE page.

A person in an FFA jacket with 'Drexel' embroidered on it is sitting at a wooden table, using a small spatula to analyze a seed sample in the Agronomy competition.
Group of people wearing Idaho FFA jackets and hard hats observing welding in an industrial setting

CAREER SUCCESS TOURS

Open to All Members | Held in the Semester & During State Events, Annually | @Across Idaho

Career Success Tours connect FFA members with Idaho’s agriculture industry through visits to farms, businesses, and colleges across the state. Offered regionally, during the fall semester, and at major state events, these tours give students first-hand exposure to career opportunities in agriculture and related fields. Chapters may also work with Idaho FFA staff to schedule custom tours in their local area.

Logo for GEM State Leadership Conference with stylized mountains in blue and yellow

GEM STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (GSL)

Open to All Members | Held in January–March, Annually | @Multiple Locations Across Idaho

GSL is a statewide leadership experience designed for all members. With sessions tailored for both underclassmen and upperclassmen, students take part in workshops, activities, and networking opportunities that focus on leadership, advocacy, and personal growth. Events are held at multiple locations across Idaho from January through March.

Group of young people, some wearing jackets labeled 'Idaho', sitting at a round banquet table with plates of food, in a large banquet hall, with a man in a suit walking nearby.

CENARRUSA FFA DAY ON THE HILL

Open to Juniors & Seniors | Held During Legislative Session, Annually (late January) | @Boise, ID

The Cenarrusa FFA Day on the Hill, co-sponsored by the Northwest Agricultural Cooperative Council (NWACC), gives Idaho FFA juniors and seniors the chance to engage directly with state legislators and learn how public policy is shaped. Named in honor of Pete Cenarrusa, longtime Idaho legislator and Secretary of State, the event includes a legislative luncheon and opportunities to meet with lawmakers, tour the Capitol, and strengthen civic leadership skills.

A group of teenagers standing outdoors on a sunny day, some with medals around their necks, in a park with trees and wooden buildings in the background.

DISTRICT OFFICER TRAINING (DOT)

Open to District Officers | Held in July, Annually | @Cascade Lake 4-H Camp, Donnelly, ID | Conducted Alongside SOLR

DOT equips newly elected district officers with the skills, resources, and team-building experiences they need to succeed in their year of service. Conducted alongside the Summer Outdoor Leadership Retreat, officers participate in both shared camp activities and a specialized leadership track focused on their responsibilities as representatives of their districts.

A group of young people outdoors holding a colorful handmade banner that reads "Truffula Troopers" with drawings of trees, a character, and fireworks in a nature setting with trees and mountains in the background.

SUMMER OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT (SOLR)

Open to All Members | Held in July, Annually | @Cascade Lake 4-H Camp, Donnelly, ID | Conducted Alongside DOT

SOLR is a week-long camp where members develop leadership skills through outdoor activities, team building, and workshops. District officers also participate in a focused training track, making SOLR a unique combination of personal growth, fun, and connection in a rustic camp environment.

Group of eight young women wearing navy blue jackets with FFA emblems, standing together on a stage.

IDAHO FFA FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Open to Juniors & Seniors | Commitment to State Leadership Convention with other Statewide Sponsor Events

Ambassadors serve as the Foundation’s student hosts and storytellers, strengthening connections between Idaho FFA supporters and members. During State Leadership Convention, Ambassadors help deliver key experiences—supporting the Career & Industry Expo, seating and welcoming guests at pre-sessions, assisting sponsor tours and the sponsor breakfast, and capturing photography—while building real-world networking, professional, and leadership skills. From April 2025 to March 2026, Ambassadors continue partnering with the Foundation to engage sponsors and share the Idaho FFA story in schools and communities

Logo for the BASIC Conference where the letter 'I' is the state of Idaho. Silhouette people are standing on the letter 'C' with a rope helping somebody move from the Idaho 'I' letter to the 'C' letter.

BUILDING & ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN IDAHO CHAPTERS (BASIC) CONFERENCE

Open to Chapter Officer Teams | Held in Fall, Annually | @Multiple Locations Across Idaho

The BASIC Conference brings together chapter officers from all seven of Idaho’s Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) for a day of team building, leadership development, and networking. Through dynamic sessions, peer-led training, and opportunities to connect with leaders from across the state, BASIC helps chapters kickstart their year with inspiration, new skills, and a stronger sense of connection.

Three girls in blue FFA jackets sitting and standing behind a table with green and blue pens.

DISCOVERY & GREENHAND CONFERENCE

Open to Middle School & First-Year Members | Held in Fall, Annually | @Multiple Locations Across Idaho

The Discovery and Greenhand Conferences give new FFA members their first introduction to the organization. Led by state officers, these conferences use interactive activities to teach FFA history, traditions, and the meaning of the emblem and motto while helping students build leadership and teamwork skills. Middle school and first-year members also learn how to get involved in events, conventions, and officer roles, leaving inspired and prepared to continue their FFA journey.

A stuffed toy representing a potato wearing a red Idaho-themed shirt and white sneakers is positioned in front of a stadium with colorful lights and large screens at the National FFA Convention.

NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION & EXPO

Open to All Chapters/Members | Held in Late October, Annually | @Indianapolis, Indiana

The National FFA Convention & Expo brings together more than 70,000 members and supporters from across the country for one of the largest student gatherings in the world. Idaho FFA members who attend have the opportunity to compete in national Career and Leadership Development Events, receive degrees and awards, take part in leadership workshops, explore the expo, and connect with FFA members from every state. It is a celebration of achievement, leadership, and the future of agriculture.