Food Science & Technology Career Development Event
On April 25th, 2024, the Wisconsin State Future Farmers of America (FFA) Food Science Career Development Event (CDE) was held at Babcock Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The purpose of Food Science and Technology CDE is to “promote learning activities in food science and technology related to the food industry and to assist students in developing practical knowledge of principles used in a team decision-making process.” 1 The FFA is more than an organization solely for farmers. Participants can range from future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, bankers, teachers and other premier professionals.
Students are involved in both individual and team events. In individual activities, students are giving an exam, a problem solving practicum and a food safety practicum which is counted towards the team score. As a team, students are required to design a new food product or recreate an existing product based on the information that is given for the development scenario. Additionally, the team must complete a food safety and sanitation activity.2
Participants in the Food Science CDE are required to have a sound understanding of food product development, food presentation and food safety issues.
For the students, this event provides them with the knowledge of career and professional food science and technology opportunities, technical competencies and leadership responsibilities.
Students can prepare for the FFA Competition by reviewing the milk, cheese, and sediment pads contests to find out how each one is scored.3 Coaches can help prepare their students by learning how to set up labs that simulate the contests.