Have you ever wondered what CDE Harry Potter would go to states for? Or if Draco would make a good dairy cattle judge (spoiler: he wouldn’t)?
As anyone who knows the world of Harry Potter is aware, the houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have unique traits that define the students in them. Things like courage, justice, wisdom, and resourcefulness are just some of those characteristics — truth be told, those traits translate pretty well into various aspects of the National FFA Organization. Not to mention that many of us who have been a part of FFA also grew up reading the Harry Potter series or watching the movies.
So, is there a specific Hogwarts House that you could see yourself and your classmates being chosen for? Here’s what CDEs and LDEs I think each Hogwarts House would be going to nationals in based on their official Wizarding World characteristics.
Hufflepuff
One of the most underestimated houses, those in Hufflepuff are loyal, trustworthy, and hard working. They are intelligent and regularly find themselves in the support role. Stereotypically, you enjoy nature and the peace it brings. The Hufflepuff contests are:
- Agronomy
- Conduct of Chapter Meetings
- Employment Skills
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Floriculture
- Horse Evaluation
- Nursery and Landscape
These events require some behind-the-scenes teamwork, practice, and patience — all qualities of a good Hufflepuff. Professor Pomona Sprout would be proud, and Cedric Diggory would definitely do well in Employment Skills.
Gryffindor
The House of Gryffindor is known for bravery, determination, and a notable lack of self-preservation instincts. Those in this house have almost no issue standing up for themselves and others and enjoy competition. For these reasons, here are the contests best suited to Gryffindor:
- Agricultural Communication
- Creed Speaking
- Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity
- Forestry
- Livestock Evaluation
- Meats Evaluation and Technology
- Poultry Evaluation
These all require some element of being confident in your choices and making quick decisions. You also need to be ready to defend your positions and possibly work in a team to accomplish your goal. McGonagall would almost definitely be in Agricultural Communication and Harry Potter would be on the Agricultural Communication team.
Ravenclaw
Ravenclaws are notoriously studious, fast learners with a sharp sense of humor. They tend to be quiet, individual thinkers with a few key interests. These are the contests of Ravenclaw:
- Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
- Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management
- Food Science and Technology
- Milk Quality and Products
- Prepared Public Speaking
- Veterinary Science
It’s no secret that these are some of the most complex, technically challenging of the competitions the FFA has to offer. All require careful studying and preparation before even entering the judging room. I wholeheartedly believe that Professor Flitwick would shine in Food Science and Technology, while Luna Lovegood would nail Veterinary Science.
Slytherin
Last, but certainly not least, Slytherin is known for cunning, ambition, pride, and a tough exterior. Slytherins work their way to the top and not accept anything less than excellent. For that reason, these are the contests Slytherins would thrive in:
- Agricultural Issues Forum
- Agricultural Sales
- Extemporaneous Public Speaking
- Farm and Agribusiness Management
- Marketing Plan
- Parliamentary Procedure
If you’re a Slytherin, you think fast on your feet, enjoy a lively argument, and are pretty good at talking your way in and out of situations. You know your strengths and rely on your ability to read others in your daily life. Professor Snape would be the best in Agricultural Issues Forum while Draco Malfoy would be best in Agricultural Sales.
What do you think? Does your preferred CDE line up with your Hogwarts House?
Jessy Woodworth is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she studied agricultural communication and animal sciences.
