78th Annual AFR State Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

STILLWATER—American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) wrapped up its annual fall speech contest series Saturday Dec. 2 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.

 

This marks the 78^th 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, 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: 1^st Jeryn Lundry, Haworth; 2^nd Jamie Parson, Valliant; 3^rd Kreed Campbell, Jet

Junior: 1^st Brigham Bunt, Ringwood; 2^nd Claire Stafford, Altus; 3^rd Sutton Brown, Jenks

Intermediate: 1^st Kaden James, Wellston; 2^nd Attisyn Knight, Silo; 3^rd Taylor Rose, Springer

Senior: 1^st Leala Begley, Elgin; 2^nd Dayla Connors, Silo; 3^rd Claycey Rowland, Silo

 

Agriscience

Junior: 1^st Lincoln Stafford, Altus, 2^nd Jayln Lundry, Haworth; 3^rd Fletcher Inman, Mulhall-Orlando

Intermediate: 1^st Paxton Brown, Jenks; 2^nd Paige Morris, Hydro-Eakly; 3^rd Camila Carter, Perkins-Tryon

Senior: 1^st Callen Veit, Morrison; 2^nd Jacob Mannen, Fletcher; 3^rd Gabby Cervantes, Dover

 

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1^st Lilly Roush, Arapaho-Bulter; 2^nd Claire Meyers, Lomega; 3^rd Isabella Clay, Coweta

Senior: 1^st Maci Flowers, Tecumseh; 2^nd Madison Walker, Red Oak; 3^rd Braden Hamilton, Durant

 

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1^st Luke Lundry, Haworth; 2^nd Meredith Pye, Mtn. View Gotebo; 3^rd Ben Eddy, Lone Grove

Senior: 1^st Coy Davidson, Elgin; 2^nd Aubrey Rakestraw, El Reno; 3^rd Darla Fesmire, Oklahoma Union

 

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1^st Ellie Aldridge, Perkins-Tryon; 2^nd Kinna Turner, Owasso; 3^rd Emma Carter, Seiling

Senior: 1^st Addyson Schneberger, Hydro-Eakly; 2^nd Jocelyn James, Latta; 3^rd Kate Meyers, Lomega

 

Extemporaneous

Senior: 1^st Cooper Kline, North Rock Creek; 2^nd Taylor Marrs, Tecumseh; 3^rd Chance Kruger, Atoka

 

“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 78^th 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 [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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