STATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS (CDES)

State CDEs are held each year in early June at the University of Idaho in Moscow.

CDEs are never scheduled during Memorial Day week and always take place Tuesday through Friday.

Check the Calendar webpage for specific dates.

Details for State CDE registration are distributed to advisors each spring through the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv. Registration typically opens in early April and closes in mid-May.

• Process: Advisors register teams and individuals using the official online form. Once submitted, a student roster must also be entered to finalize participation.

• Fees: A per-attendee registration fee is required for all participants, including members and advisors, as part of University camp insurance coverage. Bus drivers and non-registered chaperones are exempt.

• Payment: Invoices are provided after registration and may be paid online or by check at event check-in. Payment must be received before teams may compete.

• Forms: Required forms include the University of Idaho Acknowledgment of Risk and Waiver of Liability, an Allergen Release Form (for Food Science and Milk Quality participants), and a Special Needs Accommodation Request (if applicable). These must be submitted for each student before participation.

• Confirmation: Advisors should ensure they receive confirmation emails for both team registration and student rosters. Substitutions are only allowed through the official change process.

All registration details, deadlines, and links are shared directly through the listserv each year. For questions about registration

If a chapter needs to substitute a competing member after registration has been submitted, changes must be made using the official Registration Change Form.

• Submission: The form must be completed by the chapter advisor and submitted to the University of Idaho event office by email.

• Approval: Substitutions are only valid once confirmed by event staff. No verbal or informal requests will be accepted.

• Payment: Registration fees are based on the student list submitted. Chapters remain financially responsible for all original registrations, even if substitutions are made.

All events follow the Idaho FFA Association Career Development Event Rules and Regulations. Some contests also follow National FFA guidelines with Idaho-specific adjustments. Detailed rules, scorecards, and rubrics are available on the CDE & LDE page.

Every advisor is assigned to assist with one or more events, which may include scoring, monitoring, setup, or other contest duties. Assignments are distributed through the listserv. Failure to complete an assignment will result in your chapter’s teams not being scored.

Official Dress:

• Most competitive events require official FFA dress, some contests require specialized attire (e.g., coveralls and leather shoes for Agricultural Mechanics, lab smocks for Veterinary Science, etc.). Refer to specific event handbooks for more details. These are found on the CDE & LDE page.

Required Materials per Member:

• Clipboard (gallon-size plastic bag cover recommended for outdoor events).

• At least two #2 pencils (Scantrons will not accept anything else).

• Event-specific tools or protective gear as listed in rules.

Lodging & Meals:

• Chapters may arrange to stay in local hotels or on the University of Idaho campus through University Housing and Summer Conferences.

• Food service information is available through the same office.

Parking:

• Passenger vehicles may park in ORANGE, RED, or BLUE lots.

• School buses must park in designated lots near the Wallace Complex.

Health & Safety:

• All registered participants are covered by University of Idaho camp insurance.

• Medical emergencies should be reported immediately; local emergency services and Gritman Medical Center provide care.

• Advisors are responsible for supervising their students at all times.

Forms Required:

• University of Idaho Acknowledgment of Risk and Waiver of Liability.

• Allergen Release Form (for Food Science and Milk Quality participants).

• Special Needs Accommodation Form (if applicable).

• Updated forms are sent out by the University of Idaho via the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv.

Results are announced at the State CDE Awards Assembly and posted afterward on the Idaho FFA website. Awards include recognition for high individuals and top teams, with state champions advancing to the National FFA Convention & Expo for nationally-recognized events.

For questions about registration, forms, or logistics, contact state staff or the University of Idaho Department of Agricultural Education, Leadership & Communications.

Who can participate?
State CDEs are open to qualified teams and individuals from all Idaho FFA chapters. Invitational events are also offered by the University of Idaho and are open to 4-H clubs and FFA chapters from other states.

Do alternates pay registration?
Yes; all registered attendees, including members and advisors, must pay the registration fee. Bus drivers and non-registered chaperones are exempt.

What happens if an advisor misses their assignment?
Your chapter’s teams will not be scored. Advisor assistance is required for event operation.

What if a student has allergies or medical needs?
Special forms are required for allergen disclosure and accommodation requests. These must be submitted in advance.

Is official dress required?
Yes; official FFA dress is required for nearly all events, with specific variations depending on the contest.