79th Annual AFR Northwest District Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

ENID— American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) continued its annual fall speech contest series Thursday, Nov. 21 the Autry Technology Center in Enid.

 

This marks the 79^th 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: 1^st Charlie Johnson, Drummond; 2^nd Haddie Roller, Cashion; 3^rd Harper Roller, Cashion

Junior: 1^st Kreed Campbell, Jet; 2^nd Gracie Sawyer, Lomega; 3^rd Callen Frantz, Cashion

Intermediate: 1^st Kilee Blehm, Mulhall-Orlando; 2^nd Emma Haken, Morrison; 3^rd Emmerson Belt, Dover

Senior: 1^st Rebecca Taylor, Morrison

 

 

Agriscience

Junior: 1^st Kortney Campbell, Jet; 2^nd Fletcher Inman, Mulhall-Orlando; 3^rd Adalyn Compston, Mooreland

Intermediate: 1^st Hannah Hayes, Chisholm; 2^nd Emory Cowley, Morrison; Clancy Broome, Dover

Senior: 1^st Karsyn Pendergraft, Fairview; 2^nd Isabel Hansen, Lomega; 3^rd Marlee Pecha, Timberlake

 

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1^st Claire Myers, Lomega; 2^nd Emma Carter, Seiling; 3^rd Lane Brown, Mulhall-Orlando

Senior: 1^st Kate Myers, Lomega; 2^nd Hadlee Bryan, Dover; 3^rd Kinsley Fisher, Lomega

 

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1^st Rylan Compston, Mooreland; 2^nd Frolyn Rivera, Lomega; 3^rd Talyn Hager, Chisholm

Senior: 1^st Kord Campbell, Jet; 2^nd Hadley Ott, Lomega; 3^rd Annie Schneider, Seiling

 

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1^st Maggie Carrol, Cashion; 2^nd Merritt Mantz, Alva; 3^rd Braylea Lawson, Mulhall-Orlando

Senior: 1^st Heath Laubach, Mooreland; 2^nd Callen Veit, Morrison; 3^rd Avery McMurphy, Alva

 

Extemporaneous

Senior: 1^st Kynseth Zubrod, Guthrie; 2^nd Jace Taylor, Mulhall-Orlando; Colby Barnes, Balko

 

“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 79^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 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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