At the 100th Oklahoma State FFA Convention in Stillwater, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays caught up with 2026 State Prepared Public Speaking Champion Cierra Collins, a standout student from Frederick FFA who is bringing a unique and timely topic to the national stage.
“I appreciate it,” Collins said after earning the top honor. “It’s a very unique topic.” Her award-winning speech focuses on how fungi—specifically mushrooms—can play a role in both agriculture and environmental solutions.
Turning Mushrooms into a Solution for Pollution
Collins’ speech explores how mushroom growth can break down plastics while also improving soil health.
“My speech is about how mushroom growth is actually able to decompose plastic,” she explained. “And I also talk about how the fungi is essential to crop health, and how it can benefit farmers by implementing fungi into their soil.”
Her inspiration came from an agricultural publication and a deeper curiosity about solving real-world problems. “My mom and I were reading Drovers magazine… and we came across a man… using fungi to help his soil,” Collins said. “Then we dug a little deeper and found how these mushrooms can break down plastic.”
She added, “I wanted to be able to tie a problem with our society back to agriculture, because I believe agriculture is the basis of all things.”
From Construction Waste to Crop Yields
A key highlight of Collins’ speech centers on innovation already happening in the field. “A major highlight is the company Mycocycle,” she said. “They’re able to use mushroom growth to break down construction waste like asphalt shingles and insulation board.”
She also pointed to the broader plastic problem:
“Polypropylene is a type of plastic that is widely used, but only 1% of it is recycled—but mushrooms are able to decompose that plastic.”
Beyond environmental benefits, Collins emphasized the agricultural upside: “Mushroom growth can increase crop yields by 40%, so it’s something that can be very beneficial for farmers.”
A Proven Competitor on the Big Stage
Now a junior at Frederick High School, Collins is no stranger to success in FFA speaking events. “I was very fortunate to win state FFA Creed my freshman year, and I went on to Nationals and made it to the top four,” she said.
This year alone, she competed across multiple categories.
“I gave speeches in plant science, animal science, and natural resources, and I was fourth in extemp,” Collins added. “Extemp was a new thing for me. It really got me out of my comfort zone.”
Looking Ahead to Nationals
With another trip to Indianapolis ahead, Collins is preparing to represent Oklahoma once again on the national stage.
“It’s surreal. This is such an incredible opportunity,” she said. “I experienced the pressure of representing Oklahoma well… and I know how much of a responsibility it is.”
She’s determined to continue the state’s strong reputation in public speaking. “Oklahoma is frankly feared when it comes to public speaking, and I look forward to maintaining that reputation,” Collins said.
As she refines her speech for nationals, Collins welcomes feedback and growth. “I’m someone that loves helpful criticism… I’m always looking to learn and better myself.”
Our coverage of the 2026 Oklahoma FFA Association State Convention is sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, proud to support the young men and ladies of the Oklahoma FFA as they strive for excellence in all they do. Oklahoma Farm Bureau- We Are Rural Oklahoma.
Learn more about the 100th Annual Convention of the Oklahoma FFA by clicking here for the convention highlights.
