American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) wrapped up its annual fall speech contest series Saturday, Dec. 6, at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.
This marks the 80th 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, 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: 1st: Haddie Roller, Cashion; 2nd Cricket Collins, Frederick; and 3rd Mack Schnaithman, Garber
Junior: 1st: Jaime Parson, Valliant; 2nd Claira Stafford, Altus; and 3rd Molly Murphy, Silo
Intermediate: 1st: Jalyn Lundry, Haworth; 2nd Sutton Brown, Jenks; and 3rd Maggie Carroll, Cashion
Senior: 1st: Taylor Rose, Springer; 2nd Shaylee Davis, Silo; and 3rd Zoe Linhares, Broken Arrow
Agriscience
Junior: 1st: Kamon Fisher, Seiling; 2nd Kreed Campbell, Jet; and 3rd Lacey Grimes, Fletcher
Intermediate: 1st: Rylan Compston, Mooreland; 2nd Lincoln Stafford, Altus; and 3rd Ella Murray, Edmond
Senior: 1st: Claire Myers, Lomega; 2nd Denver McBride, Silo; and 3rd Bailey Johnson, Jenks
Agribusiness
Intermediate: 1st: Paige Redman, Timberlake; 2nd Abby Goodman, Pawnee; and 3rd Addie Chestnut, Lomega
Senior: 1st: Bailey Matlock, Cyril; 2nd Emma Carter, Seiling; and 3rd Georgia Dobson, Turner
Animal Science
Intermediate: 1st: Noah Crawford, Copan; 2nd Layla Smith, Calera; and 3rd Reese Hartman, Jenks
Senior: 1st: Emry Lee, Elgin; 2nd Olivia Lunow, Kiefer; and 3rd Landry Hunt, Grandfield
Natural Resources
Intermediate: 1st: Kortney Campbell, Jet; 2nd Gracey Rich, Strother; and 3rd Merritt Mantz, Alva
Senior: 1st: Hadley Ott, Lomega; 2nd Cierra Collins, Frederick; and 3rd Kaden Pliler, Purcell
Ag Policy
Intermediate: 1st: Jenna Bandy, Vinita; 2nd Kreece Griffin, Latta; and 3rd Olivia Harris, Sapulpa
Senior: 1st: Hannah Hays, Chisholm, 2nd Hudsyn Boren, Leedey; and 3rd Audrey Clemmer, Silo
Extemporaneous
Senior: 1st: Hailey Helmke, Fox; 2nd Rowan Beck, Mannford; and 3rd Katelee Martin, Alva
“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 Cara Comstock at (405)218-5556 or cara.comstock@afrmic.com.
