American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) wrapped up its annual fall speech contest series Saturday Dec. 7 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.
This marks the 79th 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: 1st: Charlie Johnson, Drummond; 2nd: Haddie Roller, Cashion; 3rd: Saige Glover, Wetumka
Junior: 1st: Kreed Campbell, Jet; 2nd: Cason Ebert, Broken Bow; 3rd: Jeryn Lundry, Haworth
Intermediate: 1st: Gracey Rich, Strother; 2nd: Shaylee Davis, Silo; 3rd: Emma Haken, Morrison
Senior: 1st: Denver McBride, Silo; 2nd: Taylor Rose, Springer; 3rd: Adasyn Haynes, Nowata
Agriscience
Junior: 1st: Kourtney Campbell, Jet; 2nd: Jalyn Lundry, Haworth; 3rd: Fletcher Inman, Mulhall-Orlando
Intermediate: 1st: Layla Senters, Chattanooga; 2nd: Jade McPeak, Checotah; 3rd: Hannah Hays, Chisholm
Senior: 1st: Bonham Eslick, Elgin; 2nd: Karsyn Pendegraft, Fairview; 3rd: Faith Wright, Stratford
Agribusiness
Intermediate: 1st: Emma Carter, Seiling; 2nd: Kaydence Staude, Meeker; 3rd: Addison Swift, Adair
Senior: 1st: Jake Vulgomore, El Reno; 2nd: Colby Rogers, Owasso; 3rd: Hadlee Bryan, Dover
Natural Resources
Intermediate: 1st: Lincoln Stafford, Altus; 2nd: Rylan Compton, Mooreland; 3rd: Georgia Dobson, Turner
Senior: 1st: Carli Thomas, Purcell; 2nd: Luke Lundry, Idabel; 3rd: Tylor Aary, Miami
Ag Policy
Intermediate: 1st: Madilyn Norvell, Amber-Pocasset; 2nd: Kinna Turner, Owasso; 3rd: Audrey Warner, Turner
Senior: 1st: Heath Laubach, Mooreland; 2nd: Callen Veit, Morrison; 3rd: Gage Grimes, Fletcher
Extemporaneous
Senior: 1st: Lynlee McCurry, Salina; 2nd: Kelton Arthur, Ripley; 3rd: Laela Begley, Elgin
“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 Michelle Noggle at (405)218-5566 or michelle.noggle@afrmic.com.
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.
