Chico State and Butte College Host 54th Annual FFA Field Day 

On February 12, 2022, California State University, Chico and Butte College will host high school FFA students from throughout California at the 54th annual FFA Field Day. High school FFA members from across the state travel to compete in 1 of 21 Career Development Events (CDE) coordinated by undergraduate students and faculty in the Chico State College of Agriculture and the Butte College Agricultural and Environmental Science Program.  

Each of the contests allows students to acquire skills and knowledge applicable to use in their prospective careers. Contest topics include agricultural sales, forestry, livestock judging, milk quality and dairy foods, agricultural welding, veterinary science and more. 

As one of the faculty coordinators of the event, agricultural education professor Jessica Toombs has formed a unique perspective on the field day.  

“We’re excited to host over 1,300 participants in 21 contests held at the University Farm, Chico State campus and Butte College. The student leadership team has been working diligently since October to prepare for the event. Chico State and Butte College faculty have stepped up to provide their expertise in directing individual contests. Events will be held outside when possible, and masks are required while indoors,” she said.  

Senior agricultural science and education major Abigail Douglas competed in CDE events for four consecutive years in high school and said the event continues to shape her educational growth as a college student.  

"This year I have been privileged with the opportunity of being a contest coordinator for the 2022 Field Day. As a contest coordinator, I am making sure all contests are ready and equipped with volunteers, supplies and anything else they may need to have a successful day,” she said. “I am excited to see high school students interacting and enjoying the hard work we have all been putting into this Field Day.” 

This year, approximately 150 FFA Chapters across the state have registered to compete. The award ceremony will be hosted at each individual contest instead of one large ceremony to reduce crowded areas. For questions regarding the 2022 Chico State and Butte College FFA Field Day, please contact Jessica Toombs at jmtoombs@csuchico.edu.