History

Each year, FFA programs throughout the west host Career Development Events (CDEs) in Rangeland Assessment. When teams win these state events they traditionally advance to the National Land and Range Judging Contest held in Oklahoma City, OK.  However, students are often disappointed with this experience because the approach taken in the National event is largely irrelevant to the challenges facing land managers west of the Rocky Mountains.  In addition, it is increasingly difficult for schools to support student travel to such distant locations which reduces the numbers of students who are able to participate in a national rangeland contest.

The Western National Career Development event was first initiated in 2010 by partners from Idaho, Nevada, and Utah supported by funding from a USDA Challenge Grant administered by the University of Idaho rangeland ecology and management program. The event rotates around the western states each year, benefiting both students and partners by offering a diverse perspective.

As the event continues to grow in popularity, we have expanded to over 70 participants from 5 western states. We strive to be the premier educational and career event for high school aged youth.

Past Events:

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