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2012 AFR State Speech Contest Winners Announced

Saturday, December 1st, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY - American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) concluded its 68th annual AFR Fall Speech Contest series with the state competition in Stillwater, Dec. 1. More than 150 finalists from across Oklahoma showcased their public speaking skills for a chance to win at the state level.

The fall speech contest series is divided into five AFR district competitions, giving youth in every part of the state an opportunity to participate. This year, more than 500 youth statewide competed to advance to the state level. At each district contest, students grades 4-12 competed in five categories—American Farmers & Ranchers, Natural Resources, Student Organizations, Agribusiness and Agriscience. Competitors in this year's contest wrote speeches based on the theme "I Believe in Oklahoma Agriculture."

"AFR and its sister organization, Oklahoma Farmers Union, provide Oklahoma youth many opportunities to develop into the leaders of tomorrow," said AFR President Terry Detrick. "It is an honor to support and encourage our state's young people as they gain confidence and skill through such activities as the AFR speech contest."

The AFR speech contest is just one of several AFR Youth Program traditions. In addition, AFR also offers a poster contest, a summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contests, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other leadership opportunities.

For more information on the AFR fall speech contest or other AFR youth events, contact AFR Youth & Education Coordinator Lin Fariss at (405)218-5561 or lfariss@afrmic.com

American Farmers & Ranchers was established in 1905, and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. AFR is actively supportive of Oklahoma's agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative, and cooperative programs across the state. AFR also provides insurance products statewide, and is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier in the state of Oklahoma.

2012 AFR Speech Contest Winners