Award Sponsors

**NEW for 2024-2025 ** The California FFA Foundation awards program has adopted a new structure to align with the National FFA's pathway model, which better highlights how competitions develop skills linked to career paths. As a result, support will fund several competitions within a pathway, rather than one contest. This also gives more flexibility to the sponsor to serve as a gold, silver, or bronze sponsor within a specific pathway(s).

Supporting agricultural students through award sponsorship is a key component of the California FFA Foundation's efforts.

The purposes of the Agricultural Pathway Awards Program are to:

  • Stimulate interest in the instructional program.
  • Stimulate interest in agricultural occupations.
  • Reward FFA members at the local, state, regional, and national levels for exceptional accomplishments in progressing toward specific occupational objectives in agriculture.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the California FFA will offer opportunities in 7 career pathways that equate to 40 Proficiency categories focused on their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE); 4 STAR awards, 9 Leadership Development Events (LDE); 33 Career Development Events (CDE); and 6 Agriscience categories. Each category remains a competitive-based system in which members may compete in the development of specialized skills and abilities in an agricultural career.  

Thanks to California FFA Foundation pathway sponsors for their support of Career Development Events (CDE), Leadership Development Events (LDE), Proficiency Awards, Agriscience Fair, and STAR Awards.

If you are interested in sponsoring a pathway, please contact the California FFA Foundation. 

California FFA Awards & Career Pathways

Pathways

Awards are organized within 7 pathways connecting students to skills and career possibilities. The pathways include Agribusiness Systems; Agricultural Education Systems; Food Products and Processing Systems; Animal Systems; Biotechnology; Environmental Service and Natural Resources Systems; Plant Systems; and Power, Structural, Technical Systems.

Career and Leadership Development Events

Through Career and Leadership Development Events, participating FFA members in grades 7 to 12 are challenged to develop critical thinking skills, effective decision-making skills, foster teamwork, and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement while developing skills for future career success.  CDE and LDE events begin at the local and state levels and culminate at the national level.

Awards for each of the State Finals Contests consist of:

  • One High Team Bowl
  • One High Individual Plaque
  • High Team Jacket Pins
  • High Individual Jacket Pin
  • Five Top Team Rosettes
  • Five Top Individual Rosettes
  • Various Sub-contest Ribbons.

Agriscience Fair

The Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food, and natural resources. The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels.

Awards for each of the State Finals Contests consist of: TBD

Agricultural Proficiency Awards

Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through  Supervised Agricultural Experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students can compete for awards in 40 areas. Proficiency awards are recognized at local, state, and national levels and provide recognition to members that are exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.

Awards for each of the State Finals Contests consist of: TBD

 

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Agribusiness Systems

The agribusiness field encompasses activities that contribute to successful agriculture production. This can include crop production, farm equipment, seed supply, marketing, natural resources and animal services. People who work in this pathway typically enjoy working in teams and using high-tech tools to increase. 

Career Development Events                                                                                             

  • Agricultural Communications                                                                                   
  • Agriculture Experience Tracker (AET) 
  • Record Book 
  • Agricultural Issues Forum 
  • Agricultural Sales 
  • Farm & Agribusiness Management 
  • Marketing (Co-Ops) 
  • Marketing Plan

Proficiency Categories 

  • Agricultural Communications 
  • Agricultural Processing 
  • Agricultural Sales - Ent./Place
  • Agricultural Services 

 

Agricultural Education System

This pathway prepares students to be successful in their profession and offers a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems. 

Leadership Development Events 

  • Best Informed Greenhand 
  • Creed Speaking 
  • El Credo de la FFA Speaking 
  • Impromptu Public Speaking 
  • Parliamentary Procedure - Novice & Advance
  • Prepared Public Speaking 

Proficiencies 

  • Agricultural Education 
  • Agriscience Research - Integrated Systems 
  • Service Learning

Agriscience Fair 

  • Social Systems 
Food Products and Processing Systems

The study of product development, quality assurance, food safety, production, packaging, regulation and compliance and food service within the food science industry. 

Career Development Events 

  • Meats Judging 
  • Milk Quality and Products 

Proficiencies 

  • Agricultural Processing

Agriscience Fair 

  • Food Products & Processing System 
Animal Systems

This pathway includes opportunities to work directly with animals or to work with products that come from animals. The study of animal systems, including life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, aquaculture, livestock, dairy, horses, and/or poultry. 

Career Development Events 

  • Dairy Cattle Judging 
  • Light Horse Judging 
  • Livestock Judging 
  • Poultry Judging 
  • Veterinary Science Judging 

Proficiencies 

  • Agriscience Research - Animal Systems
  • Beef Production - Ent./Place
  • Dairy Production - Ent./Place 
  • Diversified Agricultural Production - Ent./Place
  • Diversified Livestock Production - Ent./Place
  • Equine Science - Ent./Place
  • Goat Production 
  • Poultry Production
  • Sheep Production
  • Small Animal Production & Care
  • Specialty Animal Production 
  • Veterinary Science 

Agriscience Fair 

  • Animal Systems 
Biotechnology, Environmental Service and Natural Resources Systems

Biotechnology Systems in agriculture enhances plants, animals and microorganisms using science to modify an organism's genetic composition. Environmental Service Systems is the study of systems, instruments and technology used to monitor and minimize the impact of human activity on environmental systems. Natural Systems is the study of the management, protection, enhancement and improvement of soil, water, wildfire, forests and air as a natural resources. 

Career Development Events 

  • Agricultural Pest Control 
  • California Water 
  • Forestry 
  • Natural Resources 
  • Soil & Land Evaluation 

Proficiencies 

  • Environmental Science & Natural Resources 
  • Forestry Management & Products 
  • Outdoor Recreation 
  • Wildlife Production & Management 

Agriscience Fair 

  • Environmental Services & Natural Resource Systems 
Plant Systems

The study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants. 

Career Development Events 

  • Agronomy 
  • Citrus Judging 
  • Cotton
  • Floriculture 
  • Fruit Tree Judging 
  • Fruit Tree Pruning 
  • Grapevine Judging 
  • Grapevine Pruning 
  • Nursery/Landscape 
  • Vegetable Crop Judging

Proficiencies 

  • Agriscience Research - Plant Systems 
  • Diversified Crop Production - Ent./Place
  • Diversified Horticulture 
  • Fiber/Oil Crop Production 
  • Forage Production 
  • Fruit Production 
  • Grain Production 
  • Landscape Management 
  • Nursery Operations 
  • Specialty Crop Production 
  • Turf Grass Management 
  • Vegetable Production

Agriscience Fair 

  • Plant Systems 
Power, Structural, and Technical Systems

The study of and application of knowledge of agricultural equipment, power systems, alternative fuel sources and precision technology, engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, power, structures and controls to the field of agriculture. This may include woodworking, metalworking, welding, and project planning for agricultural structures. 

Career Development Events 

  • Agricultural Mechanics
  • Agricultural Mechanics Fair 
  • Agricultural Welding 
  • Farm Power & Machinery 
  • Small Engines

Proficiencies 

  • Agricultural Mechanics Design & Fabrication 
  • Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance- Ent./Place 
2023-2024 Award Sponsors
Agriscience Fair Sponsors 
Almond Board of California 
American Ag Credit 
California Beef Cattle Improvement Association 
Land IQ 
American Farm Bottle Company 
 
Career and Leadership Development Event Sponsors 
Randview Livestock 
Madera County Farm Bureau 
CPSU, Agribusiness Department 
Kirby Manufacturing 
California FFA Foundation 
Almond Board of California 
Jake Dunn and Darol Fishman 
JMLord 
California Farm Bureau Federation 
Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District 
Lindmore Irrigation District 
Lower Tule River Irrigation District 
Tulare Irrigation District 
California Citrus Mutual 
Agricultural Council of California 
California Cotton Alliance 
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. 
Ray and Erika Prock 
CALF Class 52
Matt Angell
Farm Credit 
East Bay Tire Company 
Hugh Mooney 
The California Forest Foundation 
Yearout Investment Properties 
Smittcamp Ag Enterprises 
Sun-Maid Growers of California 
California Cotton Alliance 
Riverside Section CATA
Bakersfield High School
Lloyd and Sheila McCabe 
Harris Ranch Beef Company 
Dr. Sam Rodriguez 
CANERS Foundation 
Silkwood Family Foundation 
Vino Farms, Inc. 
JS West and Companies 
Western Plant Heath Association 
Kubota Tractor Corporation 
G and E teVelde Orchards LLC 
Jim and Kim Williams 
 
Proficiency Award Sponsors 
Malcolm Media 
iCEV Multimedia 
Ponderosa Telephone Company 
                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Far West Equipment Dealers' Association 
Blue Diamond Growers 
Ray and Diana Rezendes 
State Farm Insurance 
Gina Boster 
Tasteful Selections, LLC 
Central Valley Meat Company 
Associated Feed and Supply Company 
Connor Agriscience 
California Farmland Trust 
Almond Board of California 
California FFA Foundation 
CSU, Chico College of Agriculture 
TS&L Seeds 
California Farm Bureau 
Jake and Molly Parnell
Elk Grove Milling, Inc. 
California Cotton Alliance 
Pioneer USA 
Vivayic 
Mayo Club Lambs 
Wilbur-Ellis Company 
Southern Region CATA
Martinez Ranches, Inc. 
Foster Farms 
Superior Farms 
CalAgJobs 
The Robert J. Lindeleaf Family 
California Pork Producers Association 
Brady and Katie Otto 
West Coast Turf 
Tanimura and Antle 
Mid Valley Large Animal Service 
Ralphs Prather Ranch Foundation 
 
Scholarship Sponsors 
Almond Board of California 
betty Bushong Memorial Trust 
Bob Heuvel Memorial Trust 
California Association FFA
Dean McNeilly 
Frank Shaw, Jr. Memorial Trust 
Golden State Ag Foundation 
Mabel W. Jacks Memorial Trust 
Past State Officers 1992-93
Ron Schuler Memorial Trust 
The Freitas Family 

The Pettey Family

Universal Technical Institute 
 
Special Programs Sponsors 
California Association FFA
California Farm Bureau Federation 
California FFA Foundation 
Nationwide Insurance 
 
Star Awards Sponsors 
All-Tech 
Bob Smittcamp Family 
California Farm Bureau Federation 
Central Valley Community Bank 
Don and Robin Watenpaugh 
Fillice Farms 
Pacific Coast Producers 
Stanislaus Food Products 
The Morning Star Company 
Toni Lindeleaf 
 
National FFA Foundation Sponsors 
Agribusiness Pathway Partners 
AET - Agricultural Experience Tracker 
Bayer 
Elanco Animal Health 
Fastenal 
Firestone Ag 
John Deere 
Merck Animal Health 
Moving Forward Advisory Council 
NAU Country Insurance 
Nutrien Ag Solutions 
Rabi AgriFiance 
Syngenta 
The Context Network 
Viscosity Oil 
 
Agricultural Education Pathway Partners 
Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. 
CHS
Elanco Animal Health 
Lincoln Electric and Lincoln Arc Welding Fd. 
Nationwide Foundation 
Rabo AgriFinance 
Tractor Supply Company 
Zoetis 
 
Animal Systems Pathway Partners 
Elanco Animal Health 
Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance 
Merck Animal Health 
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 
Phibro Animal Health Corporation 
Tractor Supply Company 
U.S. Poultry and Egg Association 
Zoetis 
 
Environmental Service and Natural Resources Pathway Partners 
CHS 
Ducks Unlimited 
Invenergy 
John Deere 
Wrangler 
Yamaha Moto Corporation USA 
 
Food Products and Processing System Pathway Partners 
Cargil Protein 
Culver's 
Hormel Foods 
Kerry Taste and Nutrition 
U.S. Poultry and Egg Association 
 
Plant System Pathway Partners 
AgReliant Genetics 
Agzaga 
Bayer 
Class of America 
Corteva Agriscience 
Kubota Tractor Corporation 
Nutrien Ag Solutions 
The Toro Company 
Tractor Supply Company 
Valent USA Corporation 
Wilbur-Ellis Company  
 
Power, Structural, and Technical Systems Pathway Partners 
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 
Association of Equipment Manufacturers 
Carry-On Trailer Corporation 
Caterpillar Inc. 
CNH Industrial 
Darling Ingredients  
Firestone Ag 
Harris Products Group-A Lincoln Electric 
John Deere 
Kubota Tractor Corporation 
Lincoln Electric 
 

 

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Golden Owl Award

The Golden Owl Award award is sponsored by Nationwide in partnership with California Farm Bureau and California FFA Foundation. Regional winners and Golden Owl Award nominees will be announced prior to the California State FFA Leadership Conference in early April 2025. To submit a nomination, click here

Contact Us

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Resources

Agricultural education strives to maintain its status on the cutting-edge of rigorous classroom instruction, relevant skill acquisition and premier leadership development. Check out the expansive and evolving catalog of resources to generate new ideas, enhance curriculum delivery skills or identify new ways to engage in FFA and SAE activities.

Resources

Beginning in the early 20th century in California, agricultural education has a long tradition of preparing students for rigorous, satisfying careers both within and outside of the industry. As a school-based learning program, agricultural education operates as a unit within the California Department of Education and is written into the state’s legislative education code.

About

Rich in history with an eye toward the future, California’s school-based agricultural education program seeks to prepare all students for satisfying careers in and outside of the agriculture industry. The multi-faceted approach to growing the whole person includes a focus on character and interpersonal skill development, technical acumen and critical thinking capabilities.

 

Events

From personal growth to career skill enhancement, the focus of California’s agricultural education events is always on the experiential development of the student. With activities ranging from local to national, the statewide organization offers a number of premier events each year that are suited to best meet the interests of an ever-diversifying student population.

news 

Recent News from the California Association FFA and the Department of Education.
Media Assistance.
Archived Newsletters.

Events

Support

Support

Support Agricultural Leadership, Growth and Career Education

The mission of the California FFA Foundation is to promote, aid, and assist, financially or otherwise, California FFA to ensure the success of Agricultural Education by preparing tomorrow's agricultural leaders, today.

Donate

Donate

Donate

California FFA Foundation’s goal is to provide individuals, businesses, foundations, and others the opportunity to invest in the premier secondary Agricultural Education leadership development program in California: FFA. The Foundation provides award recognition for student projects, competitive team events, leadership development events, as well as leadership training conferences.

DONATE NOW!