SAPULPA— American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) kick started its annual fall speech contest series Tuesday Nov. 12 at Lone Star School in Sapulpa.
This marks the 79th year of the statewide contests. 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, Extemporaneous 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 Grace Harrington, Nowata; 2nd Tell Robbins, Oklahoma Union
Junior: 1st Dacen DeLozier, Adair; 2nd Colton Rudd, Ketchum; 3rd Dawson Ramsey, Fairland
Intermediate: 1st Sutton Brown, Jenks; 2nd Kannon Lawley, Haskell; 3rd Haylee Dallis, Keys
Senior: 1st Adasyn Hayes, Nowata
Agriscience
Junior: 1st Hadlie Bell, Bristow; 2nd Daylyn Fesmire, Oklahoma Union; 3rd Bow Bailey, Fairland
Intermediate: 1st Jade McPeak, Checotah; 2nd Josie Crain, Jenks; 3rd Reese Hartman, Jenks
Senior: 1st Lilly Baker, Owasso; 2nd Bailey Johnson, Jenks; 3rd Lexi Rose, Kiefer
Agribusiness
Intermediate: 1st Cate Newman, Jenks; 2nd Addison Swift, Adair; 3rd Nicci Davis, Sallisaw
Senior: 1st Colby Rogers, Owasso; 2nd LeAundre Delonia, Okmulgee; Austin Brown, Jenks
Natural Resources
Intermediate: 1st Annie Slater, Kellyville; 2nd Jenna Rene Bandy, Vinita; 3rd Paxton Brown, Jenks
Senior: 1st Darla Fesmire, Oklahoma Union; Tylor Aary, Miami; 3rd Rylan Mosley, Owasso
Ag Policy
Intermediate: 1st Kinna Turner, Owasso; 2nd James Procter, Adair; 3rd Grace Braden, Ketchum
Senior: 1st Isabella Clay, Coweta; 2nd Kendall Spriggs, Afton; 3rd Alexander Westfall, Afton
Extemporaneous
Senior: 1st Lynlee McCurry, Salina; 2nd Seth Vann, Owasso; 3rd Anna Dostal, Mannford
“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 79th 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 Michell Noggle at (405)218-5566 or [email protected].
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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