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Contest focuses on creativity in Oklahoma youth

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

The results of a poster contest focused on seeing agriculture from a young person’s perspective have been announced by American Farmers & Ranchers.

With the theme “I Believe in Oklahoma Agriculture,” the contest attracted over 2,000 entries from across the state.

“We saw a tremendous amount of creativity in how our young students portrayed agriculture,” said Terry Detrick, AFR president.

Through agriculture-based themes, the contest allows educators to promote agriculture and to introduce aspects of the industry to students and parents alike.  Students were encouraged to illustrate what agriculture meant to them or why they believed in agriculture in Oklahoma.

“We are proud to sponsor a contest that not only educates, but also encourages creativity among our state’s young people,” Detrick said.  “Agriculture is important to Oklahoma for many reasons, and we are pleased to provide an opportunity for families to learn about it.”

“It is exciting to think more than 2,000 young people sat at their family’s kitchen table and illustrated their vision and understanding of Oklahoma agriculture and where their food comes from.”

The contest consists of two age divisions—Division I for students in grades 1-2 and Division II for students in grades 3-4. The top five posters in each division received cash awards.

 AFR will recognize the top five winners at the organization’s convention, Feb. 19, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Norman.

Division I winners were, Kohlton Baker, Fort Cobb-Broxton Elementary, Ft. Cobb, first place; Marley Johnson, Maryetta Elementary, Stillwell, second; Addison Taron, Barnard Elementary, Tecumseh, third;  Rush Hunt, Seiling Elementary, Seiling, fourth; and in fifth place, Xander Graves, Laverne Elementary, Laverne.

Division II winners were Maryah Davis, Lindbergh Elementary, Tulsa, first place: Lexly Hernadez, Lindberg Elementary, Tulsa, second; Reagan Fourkiller, Maryetta Elementary, Stilwell, third; Nicholas Tsatigh, Canton Elementary, Seiling, fourth; and in fifth place, Ceanna Bagby, Fairview Elementary, Elk City.

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