AFR announces Youth Ag Achievement Contest winners

American Farmers & Ranchers partnered with the Oklahoma Youth Expo to host the Youth Agricultural Achievement Contest, March 17.  The contest recognizes Oklahoma youth who excel in showmanship skills and demonstrate superior knowledge of the livestock industry including production, management, processing, and end product utilization. The top 12 finalists received over $5,000 in scholarships.

The top 12 winners are: 1^st place, Sydnee Gerken, Kingfisher FFA; 2^nd, Rhett Pursley, Locust Grove FFA; 3^rd, Jill Mencke, Hennessey FFA; 4^th, Chesley Comstock, Woodward FFA; 5^th, Dawson Haworth, Fairview FFA; 6^th, Brayden Foley, Kingfisher FFA; 7^th, Layne Kisling, Chisholm FFA; 8^th, Samantha Williams, Stillwater FFA; 9^th, Brittny Richards, Oktaha FFA; 10^th, Lexi Lerblance, McAlester FFA; 11^th, Nicole Stevens, Yukon FFA; and 12^th, Matt Lancaster, Cherokee FFA.

This year’s contest featured 84 Oklahoma high school students.  Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors who are exhibiting animals at the Youth Expo.  All contestants completed a written exam with questions pertaining to all phases of the livestock industry. Each participant was also evaluated on their showmanship ability with their animal. Combined test and showmanship scores determined the Top Ten contestants, who then participated in a personal interview.  This year there was a three way tie and we interviewed the top 12. Questions pertained to the applicant’s livestock project and the current livestock industry.

“American Farmers & Ranchers is proud to sponsor this and many other youth programs across our state,” said Terry Detrick, president of American Farmers & Ranchers.  “Investing in the youth of Oklahoma and being a part of the Oklahoma Youth Expo is extremely important.”

PHOTO CAPTION:  (Left to right) AFR President Terry Detrick, Jimmy Harrel. CEO and Chairman, Bank of Western Oklahoma, Sydnee Gerken, Kingfisher FFA; 2^nd, Rhett Pursley, Locust Grove FFA; 3^rd, Jill Mencke, Hennessey FFA; 4^th, Chesley Comstock, Woodward FFA; 5^th, Dawson Haworth, Fairview FFA; 6^th, Brayden Foley, Kingfisher FFA; 7^th, Layne Kisling, Chisholm FFA; 8^th, Samantha Williams, Stillwater FFA; 9^th, Brittny Richards, Oktaha FFA; 10^th, Lexi Lerblance, McAlester FFA; 11^th, Nicole Stevens, Yukon FFA; 12^th, Matt Lancaster, Cherokee FFA, Jill Smart, AFR Youth Development Coordinator, Bob Funk, CEO, Express Personnel Services.