77th Annual AFR State Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

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STILLWATER—American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) wrapped up its annual fall speech contest series Saturday Dec. 3 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.

This marks the 77th year of the statewide contest. The event has gone through many changes over the years but has always maintained its central agricultural theme. Varying by grade level, this year’s speech categories are AFR/OFU, Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, and Agri-Science.

Nearly 500 students will compete in AFR district speech contests this fall, resulting in more than 160 finalists advancing to the state contest. At the state level, the top three competitors in each category receive cash awards.

AFR/OFU

Novice: 1st Kyan Herrman, Agra; 2nd Claire Stafford, Altus; 3rd Brigham Bunt, Ringwood

Junior: 1st Fletcher Inman, Mulhall-Orlando; 2nd Jalyn Lundry, Haworth; 3rd Kourtney Campbell, Jet

Intermediate: 1st Hadley Ott, Lomega; 2nd Kaden James, Wellston; 3rd Zane Sander, Silo

Senior: 1st Cooper Kline, North Rock Creek; 2nd Claycey Rowland, Silo; 3rd Kolton Hunt, Wellston

Agriscience

Junior: 1st Cason Ebert, Haworth, 2nd Lincoln Stafford, Altus; 3rd Jade McPeak, Checotah

Intermediate: 1st Bonham Eslick, Elgin; 2nd: Darla Fesmire, Oklahoma Union; 3rd Rylee Tobin, Guthrie

Senior: 1st Maci Flowers, Tecumseh; 2nd Annabella Aitken, Guthrie; 3rd Gianna Nichols, Edmond

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1st Taryn McCaa, Elmore City-Pernell; 2nd Jacob Mannen, Fletcher; 3rd Josie Murray, Wellston

Senior: 1st William Meinert, Granite; 2nd Trey Myers, Perkins-Tryon; 3rd Pedro Valles, Dover

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1st Lillie Reed, Turner; 2nd Coy Davidson, Elgin; 3rd Meredith Pye, Mtn. View Gotebo

Senior: 1st Zell Freeman, Hobart; 2nd Kayla Poling, Silo; 3rd Alec Anderson, Ringwood

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1st Abby Brooks, Navajo; 2nd Isabella Whitlock, Silo; 3rd Heath Lacebach, Mooreland

Senior: 1st Chloe Kelsey, Tecumseh; 2nd Abi Shofler, Ketchum; 3rd Alexa Schaufele, Hobart

“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can gain for their future careers,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “We are honored to host the 77th Annual AFR Speech Contest, which has a long-standing tradition of fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahoma’s youth.”

The AFR Annual Speech Contest is just one of many AFR Youth Program traditions. The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities. For more information on this contest or other AFR Youth Program projects, contact AFR Youth Development Coordinator Tailor Atkinson at (405)218-5566 or tailor.atkinson@afrmic.com.

AFR Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR principles.

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AFR Youth Program Announces 2022-2023 Youth Advisory Council

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OKLAHOMA CITY—American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Cooperative has announced its 2022-2023 AFR Youth Advisory Council. This year’s council members were chosen by popular vote during the organization’s 2022 Senior Leadership Summit, which was held July 27-30.
Members of the 2022-2023 AFR Youth Advisory Council are Kolton Hunt, Wellston; Callen Cox, Crescent; Kelby Ott, Lomega; Morley Griffith, Dale; and Halee Pullen, Stratford.
The AFR Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for high school seniors who are active in the AFR Youth Program to further their leadership and program management skills. Council members assist in planning many AFR Youth Program events, facilitate general AFR events and act as mentors for younger Oklahoma youth. Council members also participate in agriculture-based service projects throughout the year.
“The AFR Cooperative is proud to invest in the future of Oklahoma through our state’s youth,” said AFR President Scott Blubaugh. “The AFR Youth Council is a unique opportunity to recognize and encourage some of our exceptional program participants.”
To become an AFR Youth Advisory Council member, the student or an immediate family member must be an AFR Insurance policyholder and have attended a Senior Leadership Summit prior to the year applying.
The AFR Youth Advisory Council is just one of many AFR Youth Program traditions. The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, speech contests, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities. For more information, visit the AFR Cooperative website at www.afrcoop.org.
For more information about the 2022-2023 Youth Advisory Council, contact AFR Youth Coordinator Tailor Atkinson at 405-218-5566.
AFR Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR principles.
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AFR -Sponsored Commercial Cattle Grading Contest a Success

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BRISTOW—FFA and 4-H youth from across Oklahoma demonstrated their knowledge of the commercial cattle industry, Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Oklahoma State Commercial Cattle Grading Contest in Bristow. AFR Cooperative sponsored the inaugural event, which boasted approximately 400 individual participants in more than 100 teams.

To excel in the contest, participants employed their knowledge of high-quality cattle traits to choose breeding and market animals that would prove profitable in real-life production situations. The contestants ranked animals by structural soundness of replacement heifers, profitability of cull cows, market steer yield potential, and more. Ultimately, contestants were rewarded for their recognition of high-quality cattle—just as a producer would profit from similar selection within their own herd.

“The ability to identify the best animals within the herd or in the auction ring is of utmost importance to a successful cattle operation. Developing this skill early in life ensures contestants’ success as future cattle producers,” said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “We are proud to sponsor a competition that translates to real-life situations and encourages Oklahoma’s youth to pursue careers in production agriculture.”

The contest offered competition opportunity for individuals in three age brackets—4-H, FFA and adult—and three- or four-person 4-H or FFA teams. Awards were presented to the top five individual or team in each bracket.

The top-placing FFA teams were:

1st Place: Stillwater FFA (Abigail Burton, Lilly Cooper, Brandt Gazaway, Preslee Watley)

2nd Place: Oklahoma Union FFA (Ashlyn Hough, Hannah Long, Charli Moore, Kyla Taylor)

3rd Place: Wyandotte FFA (Jaret Burney, Taylor Fent, Kallie Morisset, Taylor Post)

4th Place: Stillwater FFA (Sarah Hatfield, Austin Hooten, Riley Luginbill, Payton Piparato)

5th Place: Henryetta FFA (James Martin, Austin Palmer, Ethan Palmer)

The top-placing 4-H teams were:

1st Place: Oklahoma Union 4-H (Addison Dick, Bradon Kuehn, Daniel Moody, Bodee West)

2nd Place: Crescent 4-H (Kylee Bell, Ridge Garrett, Leighton McNair)

3rd Place: Hulbert 4-H (Landon Chester, Nathan Rowoan, Calan Teague, Dusty Tedd)

4th Place: Porum 4-H (Freedom Barnes, Waylon Dishman, Cooper Franklin, Isaiah Sallee)

5th Place: Porter 4-H (Addie Criner, Cash Criner, Karlie Guinn, Rylie Rush)

High individuals in the FFA division were:

1st Place: Bridgett Arnhart, Eufaula FFA

2nd Place: Dax Delozier, Adair FFA

3rd Place: Maysen Garrett, Crescent FFA

4th Place: Sarah Belden, Nowata FFA

5th Place: Cooper Kline, North Rock Creek FFA

High individuals in the 4-H division were:

1st Place: Bodee West, Oklahoma Union 4-H

2nd Place: Calan Teague, Hulbert 4-H

3rd Place: Kylee Bell, Crescent 4-H

4th Place: Addison Dick, Oklahoma Union 4-H

5th Place: Isaiah Sallee, Porum 4-H

High individuals in the adult division were:

1st Place: Jason Couch

2nd Place: Christy Snider

3rd Place: Alan Jennings

4th Place: Cody Dawson

5th Place: Devin Delozier

For more information on the Oklahoma State Commercial Cattle Grading Contest or other AFR Youth Program sponsorships, contact AFR Interim Youth Coordinator Jim Pilkington at 918-830-0017 or jim.pilkington@afrmic.com.

AFR Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR principles.

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AFR Youth Program Announces 2020-2021 Youth Advisory Council

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OKLAHOMA CITY—American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) has announced its 2020-2021 AFR Youth Advisory Council. This year’s council members were chosen by popular vote during the organization’s 2020 Senior Leadership Summit, which was held virtually July 22-25.

Members of the 2020-2021 AFR Youth Advisory Council are Cassidy Baughman, Lone Grove; Abby Bell, Bristow; Katelyn Blevins, Hobart; Jace James, Blair; and Paike McNiel, Bristow.

The AFR Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for high school juniors or seniors who are active in the AFR Youth Program to further their leadership and program management skills. Council members assist in planning many AFR Youth Program events, facilitate general AFR/OFU events and act as mentors for younger Oklahoma youth. Council members also participate in agriculture-based service projects throughout the year.

“The AFR/OFU Cooperative is proud to invest in the future of Oklahoma through our state’s youth,” said AFR/OFU President Scott Blubaugh. “The AFR Youth Council is a unique opportunity to recognize and encourage some of our exceptional program participants.”

To become an AFR Youth Advisory Council member, the student or an immediate family member must be an AFR Insurance policyholder and have attended a Senior Leadership Summit prior to the year applying.

The AFR Youth Advisory Council is just one of many AFR/OFU Youth Program traditions. The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, speech contests, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities. For more information, visit the AFR/OFU Cooperative website at www.afrcoop.org.

For more information about the 2020-2021 Youth Advisory Council, contact AFR/OFU Youth Coordinator Vanessa Wiebe at (405)218-5561 or vanessa.wiebe@afrmic.com.

AFR/OFU Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR/OFU provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR/OFU principles.

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2019 AFR Ag Achievement Contest Winners Announced

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The 2019 AFR Agricultural Achievement Contest began with 80 contestants competing for $5,000 in scholarship money. The top 10 were announced Thursday, March 21st prior to the Oklahoma Youth Expo Grand Drive.

The results include: 1st: Jentry Squires, Kingfisher FFA; 2nd: Tanner Stevens, Yukon FFA; 3rd: Chace McCoy, Oklahoma County 4-H; 4th: Wyatt Brown, Tecumseh FFA; 5th: Keegan Carrera, Shawnee FFA; 6th: Whitney Glazier, Lomega FFA; 7th: Morgan Nipp, Wilson FFA; 8th: Allison Galindo, Alva FFA; 9th: Katy Leard, Caney Valley FFA; 10th: Sydney Bean, Newcastle FFA.

The contest was open to 11th and 12th grade 4-H and FFA members exhibiting an animal at OYE. Contestants completed a 100 question multiple choice test and then were required to show their animal in an AFR showmanship contest.

Our showmanship judge was Chris Hall who currently serves as the head livestock judging coach at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, Okla.

Test and showmanship scores were combined to determine the top 10 contestants. The top 10 individuals then competed in the final round of the contest consisting of a personal interview with a panel of agricultural industry leaders as judges.

“This is a highly competitive contest,” said Scott Blubaugh, AFR/OFU President. “The opportunity to be recognized and earn scholarships in this contest is an outstanding accomplishment for these students. We are proud to invest in Oklahoma’s youth.”

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Thousands of Oklahoma Students Participate in 2018 AFR Poster Contest

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The 2018 AFR poster contest attracted more than 5,000 Oklahoma elementary school students, indicating the popularity of a project that has endured through several decades of Oklahoma families. The poster winners were announced at the recent AFR/OFU Convention, Feb. 16, in Norman, Okla.

“This is a fun and educational way for students to learn about agriculture,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “We are impressed with the many creative ways students expressed our theme, ‘fresh from the farm,’ with their original artwork.”

Guidelines for the poster contest included:

  • Posters must solely be the work of the student.
  • Students may use crayons, markers, pens, pencils, etc.
  • Posters were judged on originality, creativity, neatness, content and overall effect.
  • There were two age divisions: Division I: Grades 1st and 2nd; and Division II: Grades 3rd and 4th.
  • Visa gift cards were awarded to students in each division: First Place: $100; Second Place: $75; Third, Fourth & Fifth Place: $50.

The winners are:

Division I

1st          KJ Smith, Canton Elementary, Canton

2nd        Markie Hallmark, W.R. Teague Elementary, Wagoner

3rd         Brady Miller, Maryetta Elementary, Stilwell

4th         Tate Clawson, Dahlonegah Elementary, Stilwell

5th         Amalyn Switzer, Leedey Elementary, Leedey

 

Division II

1st          Lawson Wells, Maryetta Elementary, Stilwell

2nd        Kairi Ann Harris, Wright City Elementary, Wright City

3rd         Taylor Little, Carnegie Elementary, Carnegie

4th         Makinlee Carpenter, Leedey Elementary, Leedey

5th         Lindzee Wessels, Cherokee Elementary, Cherokee

 

PHOTO CAPTION:  Pictured are four of the winners from Division II, left to right, Kairi Ann Harris, Wright City Elementary; Taylor Little, Carnegie Elementary; Makinlee Carpenter, Leedey Elementary; Lindzee Wessels, Cherokee Elementrary;

 

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Youth Excel at AFR State Speech Contest

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Some of Oklahoma’s top students competed for more than $10,000 in scholarships and awards in the annual AFR State Speech Contest, Saturday, Dec. 1 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Each of the state contestants previously participated in their district contests, where they must have placed first or second in their respective category and division in order to advance to state. In total, more than 120 students advanced to the state contest from the five districts across Oklahoma.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1st: Merrick Ballou, Elgin; 2nd: Kord Campbell, Jet; 3rd: Chance Kennedy, Edmond

AFR/OFU Junior: 1st: Maci McCorkle, Snyder; 2nd: Morley Griffith, Dale; 3rd: Alec Anderson, Ringwood

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1st: Hayley Lundry, Haworth; 2nd: Karla McConnell, Calumet; 3rd: Paige Huckaby, Snyder

AFR/OFU Senior: 1st: Peyton Burns, Kingfisher; 2nd: Tate Ott, Lomega; 3rd: Tanner Stevens, Yukon

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1st: Madi Myers, Lomega; 2nd: Alli Themer, Kingfisher; 3rd: Cherokee Sanders, Snyder

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1st: Cora Taylor, Kingfisher; 2nd: Lillie Plane, Kiefer; 3rd: Grace Schneberger, Burns Flat-Dill City

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1st: Bree Kisling, Chisholm; 2nd: Victoria Gerken, Kingfisher; 3rd: Emily Kennedy, Edmond

Agribusiness Junior: 1st: Kayla Poling, Silo; 2nd: Ivy Hartman, Kingfisher; 3rd: Gentry Taylor, Kingfisher

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1st: Katon Lunsford, Kingfisher; 2nd: Samuel Snider, Glencoe; 3rd: Connor Brooks, Granite

Agribusiness Senior: 1st: Weston Church, Fairview; 2nd: Brett Forgy, Silo; 3rd: Madison Hutton, Owasso

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1st: Georgia Griffeth, Cushing; 2nd: Chloe Kelsey, Tecumseh; 3rd: Kelby Ott, Lomega

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1st: Colter Esparza, Granite; 2nd: Rebekah Rake, Owasso; 3rd: Ally Newman, Ringwood

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1st: Jentry Squires, Kingfisher; 2nd: Krista Carroll, Tishomingo; 3rd: Madison Stephens, Weatherford

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy.

This year marks the 74th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR Youth Development Coordinator. “The fall speech contest proves to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

 

Photos of the winners are posted to the AFR/OFU website, afrcoop.org, and the AFR youth Facebook page.

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74th Annual Speech Contest in Central District

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74th Annual Speech Contest – Central District

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Central District speech contest was held Nov. 15 in Tecumseh, Okla.

 

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1st: Chance Kennedy, Edmond; 2nd: Taryn McCaa, Elmore City-Pernell; 3rd: Kash Moser, Norman

AFR/OFU Junior: 1st: Morley Griffith, Dale; 2nd: Kolton Hunt, Wellston; 3rd: Lawson Hunt, Wellston

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1st: Ethan Phillips, Tecumseh; 2nd: Emily Wendt, Tecumseh; 3rd: Anna Pratt, Tecumseh

AFR/OFU Senior: 1st: Addison Hunt, Wellston; 2nd: Keegan Carrera, Shawnee; 3rd: Jessica Kenville, Edmond

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1st: Makayla Berg, Wellston; 2nd: Jessica Walker, Harrah

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1st: Lexie Evers, Edmond; 2nd: Emma Janes, Wellston; 3rd: Logan Barber, Elmore City-Pernell

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1st: Megan Johnson, Meeker; 2nd: Emily Kennedy, Edmond; 3rd: Emma Rich, Prague

Agribusiness Junior: 1st: Logan Bays, Wellston

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1st: Taylor McConnell, Wellston; 2nd: Gracie Price, Edmond; 3rd: Samuel Snider, Glencoe

Agribusiness Senior: 1st: Piper Turner, Edmond; 2nd: Kabrin Martin, Harrah; 3rd: Seth McCaa, Elmore City-Pernell

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1st: Georgia Griffeth, Cushing; 2nd: Chloe Kelsey, Tecumseh

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1st: Lexi Malaske, Harrah; 2nd: Adam Sack, Tecumseh; 3rd: Paisley Sturgill, Bethel

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1st: Lillie Snider, Glencoe; 2nd: Paige Nagy, Wellston; 3rd: Jacob Nunley, Tecumseh

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

 

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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74th Annual Speech Contest in Northwest District

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74th Annual Speech Contest – Northwest District

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Northwest District speech contest was held Nov. 13 in Enid, Okla.

 

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1st: Kord Campbell, Jet; 2nd: Hadley Ott, Lomega; 3rd: Adam Anderson, Ringwood

AFR/OFU Junior: 1st: Alec Anderson, Ringwood; 2nd: Kole Campbell, Jet; 3rd: Emma Stover, Okarche

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1st: Stran Wagner, Boise City

AFR/OFU Senior: 1st: Peyton Burns, Kingfisher; 2nd: Tate Ott, Lomega

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1st: Alli Themer, Kingfisher; 2nd: Madi Myers, Lomega; 3rd: Sarah Simons, Morrison

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1st: Cora Taylor, Kingfisher; 2nd: James Perdue, Kingfisher;  3rd: Kale Campbell, Jet

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1st: Bree Kisling, Chisholm; 2nd: Victoria Gerken, Kingfisher; 3rd: Lane Dobrovolny, Kingfisher

Agribusiness Junior: 1st: Ivy Hartman, Kingfisher; 2nd: Gentry Taylor, Kingfisher

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1st: Katon Lunsford, Kingfisher; 2nd: Alexa Anderson, Ringwood; 3rd: Cati Pendergraph, Fairview

Agribusiness Senior: 1st: Weston Church, Fairview; 2nd: Reagan Detrick, Ringwood; 3rd: Emma Detrick, Ringwood

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1st: Kelby Ott, Lomega; 2nd: Sara Brashears, Fairview; 3rd: Rylee Glazier, Lomega

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1st: Ally Newman, Ringwood; 2nd: Katy Brashears, Fairview; 3rd: Loren Smith, Kingfisher

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1st: Cade Jenlink, Timberlake; 2nd: Jentry Squires, Kingfisher; 3rd: Koda Oller, Garber

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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