Allie Dixon, Burns Flat-Dill City, placed third in her category at the American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) State Speech Contest held at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Dec. 7. She competed in Senior Agribusiness.
This marks the 75th year of the AFR Speech Contest. Each year, the contest encourages young Oklahomans to hone their public speaking ability through district contests. All students, grades fourth through 12th, are eligible to compete.
This year, nearly 500 students competed in AFR district speech contests, resulting in 130 finalists advancing to the state contest. At the state level, the top three competitors in each category 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 year’s speech categories are AFR/OFU, Ag Advocacy and Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, and Science.
“Public speaking is an indispensable skill students will use throughout their lives,” said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “Competitors in our contest will go on to lead their communities, promote our great state and be champions for agriculture. We are honored to host the 75th Annual AFR Speech Contest and to continue fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahoma’s youth.”