OKLAHOMA CITY — American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Cooperative will celebrate a legacy of support for Oklahoma youth with its AFR State Speech Contest Dec. 4 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater. This marks the 76th year of the contest.
Each year, the contest encourages young Oklahomans to hone their public speaking ability through district contests. This year, nearly 500 students competed throughout the state, resulting in more than 160 finalists advancing to the state level. At the state contest, the top three competitors in each category will receive cash awards.
The event has gone through many changes over the years, but has always maintained its central agricultural theme. Varying by grade level, this yearâs speech categories are AFR, Ag Advocacy and Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, and AgriScience. All students, grades fourth through 12th, are eligible to compete.
âPublic speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can gain for their future careers,â said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. âWe are honored to host the 76th Annual AFR Speech Contest, which has a long-standing tradition of fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahomaâs youth.â
The AFR 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 how to participate in the AFR Speech Contest or other youth activities, visit the AFR Cooperative website at www.afrcoop.org.
For more information about the 2021 AFR Speech Contest, contact AFR Youth Coordinator Tailor Atkinson at (405)218-5566 or tailor.atkinson@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 Oklahomaâs family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the stateâs 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.
–American Farmers & Ranchers Cooperative