Ag Sales CDE

Has anyone ever done the Ag Sales contest for FFA? I decided to try it out this year, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do my presentation on. All I know so far is that I want to sell something cattle related.

They key is to pick a product that is something that can be demonstrated.  You should explain how it operates and then...and this is key...let the judge do it.  Read the scoring rubric.  It clearly explains that you need to involve the "customer"...the judge.

We have used Quest Horse dewormer VERY successfully.  Easily demonstrated with the adjustable dosage plunger and we squirt the dewormer into a plastic bag.  Also Quest has a number of advantages that other dewormers do not.      When you pick your product pick a top-of-the-line product.  You never have to back down...quality sells.

Last year my son used an adjustable plastic syringe...perfect item.  Get a new medication bottle from a vet and put colored water in it for medicine.  Show how to set the cc adjustment settings on the syringe, describe how to fill the syringe correctly...then have te judge do these things and give a shot to a banana.  Bring extra needles...just in case...also a small pliers to remove a broken needle..just in case.  Why?...funny story...my son was at the state competition and broke his needle...no pliers...had to use his teeth to remove it!!!  Luckily the judge felt sorry and didn't dock him much.

I also have considered using the pour-on dewormers.  The type where you squeeze the bottle to fill the measured-applicator on top.  Again use colored water.  I considered a rolled up towel to mimic a cows back.


Again pick something that can be demonstrated.

We use the scenerio that you represent the company and are trying to get a farm store manger to put your product in their store.  When you introduce yourself to the judge compliment them on their store...building rapport...again check the rubric.  Need more ideas....I'm happy to help.

My teams have been second 3 out of the last 4 years...I have been blessed with great kids.

Thanks I'll Keep that in mind.

Any other suggestions on what to present?

I agree with Ag Man, demonstration is key. 

I competed in Ag Sales all four years of high school; my senior year our team won state and compete very strongly at the national level.  I've sold everything from Powell Scales to SureLatch Gate Latches.  The latches were fun because the company gave me a small gate display with an actual working latch system.  The hands on demo was great, I could show the "buyers" the product and used the display to answer any questions or refute any concerns they had.  Speak with a local Ag store and see if they have any extra floor models or demo products that they would be willing to allow you to use.

I competed in Ag. Sales and won the state contest and all I used was a brochure and some promotional tools. All you really need to do is find a product that you believe in and it will come a lot easier. Maybe try a blower, there are several on the market and you could pick your favorite and run with it. Another thing you could try would be a stock trailer. Also make sure that you know every little part of your product that way you can answer any questions that come your way. Good luck!

TTT