STMA is working hard to develop interest and awareness in the next generation of sports field managers. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
National FFA is made up of state associations which function within the constitution of the National FFA Organization but may also create individual leadership structures, awards, programs and competitions.
FFA’s Career Development Events (CDEs) are contests that develop college and career readiness skills. Six states currently host a turfgrass specific CDE – NJ, OK, SC, MI, VA, and PA. 2020 will be Pennsylvania’s first year hosting a turfgrass specific CDE. In preparation for the PA state FFA activities week in June, STMA will be working with teachers at a New & Beginning Teacher/Next Step Retreat to create awareness and teach them about the CDE.
In April, at the Eastern PA regional spring CDE day, students will be able to participate in sections of the CDE to prepare for the June contest. The CDE includes a written test, identification of turfgrass plants, insects, and diseases, and practicums that involve irrigation system repair and construction, trimmer/edger field troubleshooting repair, calculating slope, and reel mower height adjustment. A team event tests students on fertilizer spreader calibration.
STMA’s goal is to reach 15 state turfgrass CDEs, which qualifies us to hold a CDE at the National FFA Conference. interested in getting a Turfgrass CDE started in your state, please contact Kristen Althouse at kalthouse@stma.org.