Texas FFA Agricultural Communications CDE
About the 2024 ACOM Contest
APRIL 20, 2024
We’re ready to welcome you to Texas Tech University for the Agricultural Communications FFA contest!
Below, you can find information to help you prepare for the contest.
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION
The 2024 FFA ACOM CDE will be held on April 20, 2024. Below you can find links to information about the contest.
(Scantrons will be provided! Do not bring paper copies!)
TEAM INFORMATION
To complete the contest, each chapter will include a team of four competing members. Each member will take on a specific role: journalistic writer, opinion, writer, video producer, or web designer. Below, you can find information about the role, what you will be expected to do, and what you need to bring to the contest.
Journalistic Writer
Software: Microsoft Word
Students must bring their own laptop equipped with MS Word.
An op ed is an opinion piece published by a newspaper. Although the document should be 100% factual, the writer needs to incorporate his or her opinion, as if he or she were stating an opinion or taking a stand to support (or write against) an issue. The writer should approach the story as if he or she works for the speaker’s organization or is a strong supporter of the organization.
Opinion Writer
Software: Microsoft Word
Students are to write a news story based on information gathered at the news conference.
It should be written as if the writer works for the speaker’s organization and is submitting the information to a local media outlet.
The release should be 100% factual. The story should be 250 – 350 words.
Video Producer
Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Students must bring their own laptop equipped with the editing software.
Students will be given a selection of video clips, photos, and/or music and will create a 60-90 second video that promotes the client’s product or service. Students will not be recording a voice track. To be judged, students must know how to export their video to a .mov or m4V file.
Web Designer
Software: Wordpress
Web designers will develop a website using free templates available on Wordpress from supplied photos, graphics, and dummy text.
Students will work in a computer lab and will be able to choose between a Mac or a PC; students may bring their own laptop if they prefer.
Students will be provided with login instructions to WordPress, including a username and password. Once the student confirms the site is complete, the password will change.
CONTEST LOCATION
Texas Tech University
Department of Agricultural Education and Communications
CONTEST SUPERINTENDENTS
Kylie Harlan
Laura Fischer