WILBURTON – Two Latta students ranked in their respective categories at the Southeast District of America’s Farmers and Ranchers (AFR) Speech Contest held in Wilburton on November 11. Kyndal Schlup placed third in the Senior Natural Resources category; and Shelby Little placed fifth in the Senior Agribusiness category.
This marks the 76th year of the statewide competition. The event has seen 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, agro-industry, natural resources and agro-science. All students, from grades 4 to 12, are eligible to compete.
Nearly 500 students will compete in the AFR District Speech Contests this season, which will allow more than 160 finalists to advance to the state contest held on Dec. 4 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.
“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can learn for their future careers,” said Scott Blubaugh, president of the AFR cooperative. “We are honored to host the 76th Annual AFR Speech Contest, which has a long tradition of promoting professionalism and confidence among Oklahoma youth. “
The AFR Annual Speech Contest is just one of the many traditions of the AFR / OFU Youth Program. The organization also hosts a Youth Leadership Summit, statewide scholarships, cattle judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities. For more information on this competition or other AFR Youth Program projects, contact AFR Youth Development Coordinator, Tailor Atkinson at (405) 218-5566 or tailor.atkinson@afrmic.com.
AFR Cooperative is a member service organization established in 1905 as the Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR offers educational, legislative and cooperative programs statewide and serves as a watchdog for farmers and family ranchers in Oklahoma and rural communities. The organization actively supports the state’s agricultural industry and the rural population with members made up of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voices in favor of AFR principles.
