80th Annual AFR Central District Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

TECUMSEH— American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) kick started its annual fall speech contest series Monday Nov. 10 at Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh.

 

This marks the 80^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, Animal Science 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 Conley Marshall, Harrah; 2^nd Jane Burchfield, Westminster; 3^rd Rory Marshall, Harrah

Junior: 1^st Dagny Burchfield, Westminster; 2^nd Taycie Baker, Bethel; 3^rd Amber Lune, Bethel

Intermediate: 1^st Blakley Demuth, Perkins-Tryon

Senior: 1^st Taylor Rose, Springer

 

Agriscience

Junior: 1^st Kyan Herrmann, Agra; 2^nd Anthony Kidangathazhe, Stillwater; 3^rd Parker Brockman, Wellston

Intermediate: 1^st Brady Hague, Edmond; 2^nd Ella Murray, Edmond; 3^rd Gabi Gunter, Waurika

Senior: 1^st Carli Thomas, Purcell; 2^nd Bailey Bumpes, Edmond; 3^rd Jolei Perry, Perkins-Tryon

 

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1^st Betsey Miller, Turner; 2^nd Grady Andrews, Purcell

Senior: 1^st Georgia Dobson, Turner; 2^nd Ellie Alridge, Perkins-Tryon; 3^rd Kynselie Deirio, Edmond

 

Animal Science

Intermediate: 1^st Izzy Byrd, Perkins-Tryon; 2^nd Max Mason, Jones; 3^rd Brody Fox, Purcell

Senior: 1^st Devyn Frazier, Meeker; 2^nd Bryson Jones, Wilson; 3^rd Jaxson Staggs, Purcell

 

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1^st Linney Treadwell, Lone Grove; 2^nd Jacee Harrell, Wilson; 3^rd Daisie Reed, Turner

Senior: 1^st Kaden Pliler, Purcell; 2^nd Kayden Staude, Meeker; 3^rd Avery Cook, Edmond

 

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1^st Sienna Marquez, Waurika; 2^nd Paisley Thorne, Marlow; 3^rd Brynlee Price, Stroud

Senior: 1^st Baylee Weeks, Meeker, 2^nd Kyndle Cathey, Jones; 3^rd Ava White, Chandler

 

Extemporaneous

Senior: 1^st Hailey Helmke, Fox; 2^ndKaden James, Wellston; 3^rd Layla Montgomery, Wilson

 

“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 80^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 Cara Comstock at (405)218-5566 or Cara [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 the AFR principles. 

 

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