Three Dover and three Kingfisher students placed in their respective categories at the American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) State Speech Contest held Dec. 4 in Stillwater.

For Dover, Colton Burns placed fifth in the Junior AFR/OFU category; Gabby Cervantes placed third in Intermediate Agri-Science; and Aliyah Bowers placed third in the Intermediate Ag Policy category.

And for Kingfisher, Kylie Hood placed fourth in the Intermediate Agri-Science category; Allison Themer placed second in Senior AFR/OFU; and Katon Lunsford placed second in the Senior Natural Resources category.

This marks the 76th year of the statewide contest.

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, Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, and Agri-Science.

All students, grades four through 12, are eligible to compete.

Nearly 500 students competed in AFR district speech contests this season, resulting in more than 160 finalists advancing to the state contest.

“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can gain for their future careers,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh.

“We are honored to host the 76th Annual AFR Speech Contest, which has a long-standing tradition of fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahoma’s youth.”

The AFR Annual Speech Contest is just one of many AFR/OFU Youth Program traditions. The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities.