Buses carrying Future Farmers of America (FFA) students began arriving at Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) early March 10, filling the area outside Jason Gym as participants prepared to compete in a series of Career Development Events (CDEs) held across campus.

Competitions took place both on campus and at several of LU's agricultural facilities, including George Washington Carver Farm, Alan T. Busby Farm, Jim Dudley Quarter Horses facility in Ashland and Longfellow's Garden Center in Centertown.

The events covered a wide range of agricultural disciplines, including poultry, landscaping, forestry, dairy products, meats and farm business management. Depending on the category, students began with either written exams or hands-on assessments designed to evaluate both technical knowledge and practical skills.

Chris Boeckmann, farm superintendent at LU, oversaw soil testing activities at George Washington Carver Farm. These tests evaluated students' knowledge of soil types, textures and properties.

"I am impressed by the students' willingness and desire to learn," Boeckmann said. "Today's youth have a tremendous amount of information at their fingertips, but these events offer opportunities for practical hands-on activities that can help them make decisions about what they are most interested in and be the best avenue for learning."

Students handle eggs to evaluate interior egg quality.

Tatijana Fisher, state extension specialist of poultry, proctored the poultry CDE at the university's certified organic Alan T. Busby Farm. Students demonstrated their understanding of poultry science and evaluated poultry products using industry standards.

"CDEs connect classroom learning with real-world application," Fisher said. "Students develop confidence, leadership and problem-solving skills that will benefit them no matter what career they choose."

In the dairy products competition, supervised by Mohan Acharya, students assessed milk and cheese samples for quality, safety and marketability. Participants identified 15 different types of cheese based on texture, taste and color and evaluated subtle flavor differences in milk caused by factors such as rancidity or oxidation.

"These skills prepare participants for roles such as dairy laboratory technicians, quality assurance managers, flavor technologists and dairy processors," Acharya said. "The testing provides hands-on, industry-relevant experience in food safety, quality control and dairy technology."

Agronomy testing took place on campus and began with a written exam before students moved on to identification, where they identified 50 healthy plants, examined seeds using magnifying tools and diagnosed issues affecting unhealthy specimens. In contrast, dairy participants began their evaluation by circling a classroom to observe milk and cheese samples arranged on tables before completing additional testing.

Students receive instructions on what to do as they leave Jason Gym and begin their competitions.

For many students, the experience extended beyond competition. Kael McLead, a senior from the Southern Boone School District competing in farm business management, said he enjoys attending FFA events primarily for social connections.

"My friends were doing the contests and ended up getting me into it too," he said.

Aubrey Schulte, a senior from Eugene competing in entomology, said the program helped shape her future plans.

"I really like the experience and the connections you make with people," Schulte said. "And [FFA] made me figure out I want to continue with agriculture after high school by still working on the farm."

For first-time participant Hank Wommack, a freshman from Troy Buchanan High School, the event marked an important step in his development. Wommack, who competed in dairy foods, spent about a month preparing.

"I want to go into the military," he said. "I think FFA will help me build the leadership skills I'll need."

Through hands-on learning and competitive experiences, CDEs held at Lincoln continue to provide students with opportunities to explore agricultural careers, develop practical skills and build meaningful connections beyond the classroom. These experiences help participants gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths while strengthening critical thinking, communication and leadership abilities. As students engage with real-world applications of agricultural concepts, they leave better prepared to pursue future education, enter the workforce or contribute to their communities in impactful ways.

Click here to view more photos from the FFA event.