Several area students placed in their respective categories at the American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Northwest District Speech Contest held Nov. 17 in Enid.

Among them were four from Lomega, one from Okarche and another from Crescent.

For Lomega, three placed first in their respective categories: Saidee Wright in Intermediate Ag Policy, Hadley Ott in Intermediate AFR/OFU and Maddy Pope in Junior Agriscience.

Kelby Ott placed third in the Senior Agriscience. Jace Rother of Okarche placed fourth in the Senior Agribusiness category.

Crescent’s Calen Cox was fifth in that category.

This marks the 77th 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 were AFR/OFU, Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, and Agri-Science.

All students, grades 4-12 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 set Dec. 3 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.

“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 77th annual AFR Speech Contest, which has a long-standing tradition of fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahoma’s youth.”

The annual AFR Speech Contest is just one of many AFR Youth Program traditions.

The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities.