Youth Development – Gradient Technology

2019 AFR Ag Achievement Contest Winners Announced

The 2019 AFR Agricultural Achievement Contest began with 80 contestants competing for $5,000 in scholarship money. The top 10 were announced Thursday, March 21^st prior to the Oklahoma Youth Expo Grand Drive.

The results include: 1^st: Jentry Squires, Kingfisher FFA; 2^nd: Tanner Stevens, Yukon FFA; 3^rd: Chace McCoy, Oklahoma County 4-H; 4^th: Wyatt Brown, Tecumseh FFA; 5^th: Keegan Carrera, Shawnee FFA; 6^th: Whitney Glazier, Lomega FFA; 7^th: Morgan Nipp, Wilson FFA; 8^th: Allison Galindo, Alva FFA; 9^th: Katy Leard, Caney Valley FFA; 10^th: Sydney Bean, Newcastle FFA.

The contest was open to 11^th and 12^th grade 4-H and FFA members exhibiting an animal at OYE. Contestants completed a 100 question multiple choice test and then were required to show their animal in an AFR showmanship contest.

Our showmanship judge was Chris Hall who currently serves as the head livestock judging coach at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, Okla.

Test and showmanship scores were combined to determine the top 10 contestants. The top 10 individuals then competed in the final round of the contest consisting of a personal interview with a panel of agricultural industry leaders as judges.

“This is a highly competitive contest,” said Scott Blubaugh, AFR/OFU President. “The opportunity to be recognized and earn scholarships in this contest is an outstanding accomplishment for these students. We are proud to invest in Oklahoma’s youth.”

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March 26, 2019/by

Thousands of Oklahoma Students Participate in 2018 AFR Poster Contest

News, Press, Youth Development

The 2018 AFR poster contest attracted more than 5,000 Oklahoma elementary school students, indicating the popularity of a project that has endured through several decades of Oklahoma families. The poster winners were announced at the recent AFR/OFU Convention, Feb. 16, in Norman, Okla.

“This is a fun and educational way for students to learn about agriculture,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “We are impressed with the many creative ways students expressed our theme, ‘fresh from the farm,’ with their original artwork.”

Guidelines for the poster contest included:

Posters must solely be the work of the student.
Students may use crayons, markers, pens, pencils, etc.
Posters were judged on originality, creativity, neatness, content and overall effect.
There were two age divisions: Division I: Grades 1^st and 2nd; and Division II: Grades 3^rd and 4th.
Visa gift cards were awarded to students in each division: First Place: $100; Second Place: $75; Third, Fourth & Fifth Place: $50.

The winners are:

Division I

1st KJ Smith, Canton Elementary, Canton

2nd Markie Hallmark, W.R. Teague Elementary, Wagoner

3rd Brady Miller, Maryetta Elementary, Stilwell

4th Tate Clawson, Dahlonegah Elementary, Stilwell

5th Amalyn Switzer, Leedey Elementary, Leedey

Division II

1st Lawson Wells, Maryetta Elementary, Stilwell

2nd Kairi Ann Harris, Wright City Elementary, Wright City

3rd Taylor Little, Carnegie Elementary, Carnegie

4th Makinlee Carpenter, Leedey Elementary, Leedey

5th Lindzee Wessels, Cherokee Elementary, Cherokee

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured are four of the winners from Division II, left to right, Kairi Ann Harris, Wright City Elementary; Taylor Little, Carnegie Elementary; Makinlee Carpenter, Leedey Elementary; Lindzee Wessels, Cherokee Elementrary;

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February 21, 2019/by

2019 AFR Convention Schedule

Legislative News, Legislative Press, News, Press, Women's Cooperative, Youth Development

Youth Excel at AFR State Speech Contest

News, Youth Development

Some of Oklahoma’s top students competed for more than $10,000 in scholarships and awards in the annual AFR State Speech Contest, Saturday, Dec. 1 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Each of the state contestants previously participated in their district contests, where they must have placed first or second in their respective category and division in order to advance to state. In total, more than 120 students advanced to the state contest from the five districts across Oklahoma.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1^st: Merrick Ballou, Elgin; 2^nd: Kord Campbell, Jet; 3^rd: Chance Kennedy, Edmond

AFR/OFU Junior: 1^st: Maci McCorkle, Snyder; 2^nd: Morley Griffith, Dale; 3^rd: Alec Anderson, Ringwood

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1^st: Hayley Lundry, Haworth; 2^nd: Karla McConnell, Calumet; 3^rd: Paige Huckaby, Snyder

AFR/OFU Senior: 1^st: Peyton Burns, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Tate Ott, Lomega; 3^rd: Tanner Stevens, Yukon

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1^st: Madi Myers, Lomega; 2^nd: Alli Themer, Kingfisher; 3^rd: Cherokee Sanders, Snyder

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1^st: Cora Taylor, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Lillie Plane, Kiefer; 3^rd: Grace Schneberger, Burns Flat-Dill City

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1^st: Bree Kisling, Chisholm; 2^nd: Victoria Gerken, Kingfisher; 3^rd: Emily Kennedy, Edmond

Agribusiness Junior: 1^st: Kayla Poling, Silo; 2^nd: Ivy Hartman, Kingfisher; 3^rd: Gentry Taylor, Kingfisher

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1^st: Katon Lunsford, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Samuel Snider, Glencoe; 3^rd: Connor Brooks, Granite

Agribusiness Senior: 1^st: Weston Church, Fairview; 2^nd: Brett Forgy, Silo; 3^rd: Madison Hutton, Owasso

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1^st: Georgia Griffeth, Cushing; 2^nd: Chloe Kelsey, Tecumseh; 3^rd: Kelby Ott, Lomega

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1^st: Colter Esparza, Granite; 2^nd: Rebekah Rake, Owasso; 3^rd: Ally Newman, Ringwood

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1^st: Jentry Squires, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Krista Carroll, Tishomingo; 3^rd: Madison Stephens, Weatherford

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy.

This year marks the 74th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR Youth Development Coordinator. “The fall speech contest proves to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners are posted to the AFR/OFU website, afrcoop.org, and the AFR youth Facebook page.

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December 3, 2018/by

74th Annual Speech Contest in Central District

News, Youth Development

74^th Annual Speech Contest – Central District

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Central District speech contest was held Nov. 15 in Tecumseh, Okla.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1^st: Chance Kennedy, Edmond; 2^nd: Taryn McCaa, Elmore City-Pernell; 3^rd: Kash Moser, Norman

AFR/OFU Junior: 1^st: Morley Griffith, Dale; 2^nd: Kolton Hunt, Wellston; 3^rd: Lawson Hunt, Wellston

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1^st: Ethan Phillips, Tecumseh; 2^nd: Emily Wendt, Tecumseh; 3^rd: Anna Pratt, Tecumseh

AFR/OFU Senior: 1^st: Addison Hunt, Wellston; 2^nd: Keegan Carrera, Shawnee; 3^rd: Jessica Kenville, Edmond

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1^st: Makayla Berg, Wellston; 2^nd: Jessica Walker, Harrah

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1^st: Lexie Evers, Edmond; 2^nd: Emma Janes, Wellston; 3^rd: Logan Barber, Elmore City-Pernell

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1^st: Megan Johnson, Meeker; 2^nd: Emily Kennedy, Edmond; 3^rd: Emma Rich, Prague

Agribusiness Junior: 1^st: Logan Bays, Wellston

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1^st: Taylor McConnell, Wellston; 2^nd: Gracie Price, Edmond; 3^rd: Samuel Snider, Glencoe

Agribusiness Senior: 1^st: Piper Turner, Edmond; 2^nd: Kabrin Martin, Harrah; 3^rd: Seth McCaa, Elmore City-Pernell

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1^st: Georgia Griffeth, Cushing; 2^nd: Chloe Kelsey, Tecumseh

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1^st: Lexi Malaske, Harrah; 2^nd: Adam Sack, Tecumseh; 3^rd: Paisley Sturgill, Bethel

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1^st: Lillie Snider, Glencoe; 2^nd: Paige Nagy, Wellston; 3^rd: Jacob Nunley, Tecumseh

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74^th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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November 16, 2018/by

74th Annual Speech Contest in Northwest District

News, Youth Development

74^th Annual Speech Contest – Northwest District

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Northwest District speech contest was held Nov. 13 in Enid, Okla.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1^st: Kord Campbell, Jet; 2^nd: Hadley Ott, Lomega; 3^rd: Adam Anderson, Ringwood

AFR/OFU Junior: 1^st: Alec Anderson, Ringwood; 2^nd: Kole Campbell, Jet; 3^rd: Emma Stover, Okarche

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1^st: Stran Wagner, Boise City

AFR/OFU Senior: 1^st: Peyton Burns, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Tate Ott, Lomega

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1^st: Alli Themer, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Madi Myers, Lomega; 3^rd: Sarah Simons, Morrison

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1^st: Cora Taylor, Kingfisher; 2^nd: James Perdue, Kingfisher; 3^rd: Kale Campbell, Jet

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1^st: Bree Kisling, Chisholm; 2^nd: Victoria Gerken, Kingfisher; 3^rd: Lane Dobrovolny, Kingfisher

Agribusiness Junior: 1^st: Ivy Hartman, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Gentry Taylor, Kingfisher

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1^st: Katon Lunsford, Kingfisher; 2^nd: Alexa Anderson, Ringwood; 3^rd: Cati Pendergraph, Fairview

Agribusiness Senior: 1^st: Weston Church, Fairview; 2^nd: Reagan Detrick, Ringwood; 3^rd: Emma Detrick, Ringwood

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1^st: Kelby Ott, Lomega; 2^nd: Sara Brashears, Fairview; 3^rd: Rylee Glazier, Lomega

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1^st: Ally Newman, Ringwood; 2^nd: Katy Brashears, Fairview; 3^rd: Loren Smith, Kingfisher

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1^st: Cade Jenlink, Timberlake; 2^nd: Jentry Squires, Kingfisher; 3^rd: Koda Oller, Garber

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74^th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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November 14, 2018/by

74th Annual Speech Contest in Southwest District

News, Youth Development

74^th Annual Speech Contest – Southwest District

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Southwest District speech contest was held Nov. 8 in Cache, Okla.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1^st: Addy Schneberger, Carnegie; 2^nd: Merrick Ballou, Elgin; 3^rd: Peyton Deel, Elgin

AFR/OFU Junior: 1^st: Maci McCorkle, Snyder

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1^st: Karla McConnell, Calumet; 2^nd: Paige Huckaby, Snyder; 3^rd: Kelby Shumaker, Navajo

AFR/OFU Senior: 1^st: Tanner Stevens, Yukon; 2^nd: Emily Moore, Hammon

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1^st: Cherokee Sanders, Snyder; 2^nd: Konner Shebester, Alex; 3^rd: Emily Alexander, Mangum

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1^st: Grace Schneberger, Burns Flat-Dill City; 2^nd: Morgan Bailey, Tipton; 3^rd: Lana Sherry, Yukon

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1^st: Landri Chaplin, Weatherford; 2^nd: Tayten Lierle, Hydro-Eakly; 3^rd: Tiffani Snow, Lawton

Agribusiness Junior: 1^st: Wyatt Jensen, Altus; 2^nd: Luke Gallager, Altus

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1^st: Connor Brooks, Granite; 2^nd: Austin Smith, Hydro-Eakly; 3^rd: Abbie Johnston, Snyder

Agribusiness Senior: 1^st: Allie Dixon, Burns Flat-Dill City; 2^nd: Gabby Barber, Lawton; 3^rd: Dixie Boyce-Smith, Cheyenne

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1^st: Kylee Dodd, Cache; 2^nd: Jett McIntyre, Temple

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1^st: Jesse Bui, Elk City; 2^nd: Colter Esparza, Granite; 3^rd: Caleb Rainwater, Thomas-Fay-Custer

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1^st: Madison Stephens, Weatherford; 2^nd: Jordan Mason, Burns Flat-Dill City; 3^rd: Alison Moore, Hammon

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74^th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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November 9, 2018/by

74th Annual Speech Contest in Southeast District

News, Youth Development

74^th Annual Speech Contest – Southeast District

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Southeast District speech contest was held Nov. 6 in Wilburton, Okla.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1^st: Kyleigh Eppler, Silo; 2^nd: Isabella Whitlock, Silo; 3^rd: Kale Brister, Silo

AFR/OFU Junior: 1^st: Gage Bradley, Silo; 2^nd: Madison Walker, Red Oak; 3^rd: Claycey Rowland, Silo

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1^st: Hayley Lundry, Haworth; 2^nd: Kendyl Eppler, Silo; 3^rd: Jordan Jones, Haworth

AFR/OFU Senior: 1^st: Colt Crowson, Madill; 2^nd: Cord McDonald, Silo; 3^rd: Kaylan Plemmons, Battiest

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1^st: Sam Whitlock, Silo; 2^nd: Scotlynn Hatton, Vanoss; 3^rd: Caleb Willoughby, Byng

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1^st: Hayden Harper, Madill; 2^nd: Mollie Westfall, Canadian; 3^rd: Sydney Williams, Durant

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1^st: Britt Duncan, Silo; 2^nd: Jaycie Shelburne, Durant; 3^rd: Natalee Richardson, Latta

Agribusiness Junior: 1^st: Kayla Poling, Silo; 2^nd: Carlee Harrington, Vanoss; 3^rd: Raegan Reid, Silo

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1^st: Halle Rowland, Silo; 2^nd: Kristian Thralls, Calera; 3^rd: Abby Inman, Byng

Agribusiness Senior: 1^st: Kaycee Reeves, Latta; 2^nd: Brett Forgy, Silo; 3^rd: Calley Martin, Byng

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1^st: Brooklyn Toney, Silo; 2^nd: Lexi Nations, Silo; 3^rd: Mary Alice Wise, Vanoss

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1^st: Andrea Martin, Byng; 2^nd: Preston Pratt, Silo; 3^rd: Ashlynn Barnes, Byng

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1^st: Rio Bonham, Madill; 2^nd: Krista Carroll, Tishomingo; 3^rd: Paxton Hutchings, Achille

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74^th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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November 7, 2018/by

74th Annual Speech Contests Kicks Off With Northeast District

News, Youth Development

Oklahoma City, Okla. - The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Northeast District speech contest was held Nov. 1 in Sapulpa, Okla.

The winners include:

AFR/OFU Novice: 1^st: Jancie Cantrell, Dewey; 2^nd: Dade DeLozier, Adair; 3^rd: Danika Spaulding, Keys

AFR/OFU Junior: 1^st: Jack Taylor, Adair; 2^nd: Lacey Laymon, Keys

AFR/OFU Intermediate: 1^st: Dax DeLozier, Adair; 2^nd: Tanner Franklin, Porum; 3^rd: Laine Forrest, Keys

AFR/OFU Senior: 1^st: Payton McGowin, Keys

Science & Natural Resources Junior: 1^st: Grace VanWagner, Cleveland; 2^nd: Ellie Walls, Keys; 3^rd: Braden Hopkins, Keys

Science & Natural Resources Intermediate: 1^st: Kadie Kellogg, Oologah; 2^nd: Lillie Plane, Kiefer; 3^rd: Averee Murray, Owasso

Science & Natural Resources Senior: 1^st: Carley Schroeder, Sequoyah; 2^nd: Tanner Taylor, Adair; 3^rd: Allie McCracken, Claremore

Agribusiness Intermediate: 1^st: Blake Long, Adair; 2^nd: Paige Kitterman, South Coffeyville

Agribusiness Senior: 1^st: Madison Hutton, Owasso; 2^nd: Emma Lewellen, Oologah; 3^rd: Ryan Clark, Henryetta

Ag Advocacy & Policy Junior: 1^st: Josie Heston, Olive 4-H; 2^nd: Jaycie Gideon, Keys; 3^rd: Sage Budde, Sequoyah

Ag Advocacy & Policy Intermediate: 1^st: Rebekah Rake, Owasso; 2^nd: Callie Moseley, Owasso; 3^rd: Emily Dangott, Kiefer

Ag Advocacy & Policy Senior: 1^st: Kayli Hasselbring, Owasso; 2^nd: Madalynn Banks, Kellyville; 3^rd: Lara Hays, Sequoyah

The AFR Speech Contests consist of five district contests and a state contest. At each contest, students in grades 4-12 compete in one of four categories – American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union, Science & Natural Resources, Agribusiness and Ag Advocacy & Policy. First and second place winners of each category will advance to the state speech contest to be held at Oklahoma State University on Dec. 1.

This year will mark the 74^th year of the AFR speech contests.

“We are proud to host a contest that highlights outstanding youth across Oklahoma,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “The fall speech contests prove to be a successful event every year. It gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about current issues and topics facing the agricultural industry as well as improve their public speaking skills.”

The AFR speech contests are just one of several ways for Oklahoma’s youth to become involved in AFR. Poster contests, summer youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading contests and many other leadership opportunities are available.

AFR/OFU had its beginning in 1905 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization is actively supportive of Oklahoma’s agricultural industry and rural population, and provides educational, legislative and youth leadership development programs across the state. AFR Insurance provides automobile, home, farm and life insurance with an emphasis on quality products and exceptional customer service. Available statewide, AFR Insurance is recognized as a leading domestic insurance carrier with 162 agencies serving communities throughout Oklahoma.

Photos of the winners will be posted to the AFR youth Facebook page.

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November 2, 2018/by

Special Needs Students Connect With Livestock

News, Youth Development

The special connection between humans and animals was never more evident than during the Gold Star Classic-AFR Special Needs Livestock Show, Aug. 30, at the Grady County fairgrounds in Chickasha.

“This is why we wanted to put on this livestock show, to provide an opportunity for special needs students to interact with and exhibit livestock,” said Terry Detrick, president of AFR/OFU.

The inaugural event featured 19 special needs students, mostly from the Grady County area. Each student was paired with two volunteers who helped lead the student and animal through the exhibit ring. Area 4-H and FFA members provided livestock for the show.

Medallions, banners and a stuffed animal replica were presented to each participant.

After showing their respective animals, the students had the opportunity to further interact with livestock in a separate petting farm corral. This area featured ponies, a baby lamb, pigs, goats and a bucket calf.

“Our youth are passionate about the livestock industry and they love caring for livestock so they wanted to share that passion with special needs students,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator.

The human-animal connection was important for the students, said Keith Alcorn, Alex, and father of a special needs son.

“This is just amazing, as it gives the students a chance to interact with the animals,” Alcorn said.

Debbie Fancher, special services coordinator and teacher at Alex Public Schools, brought five students to the livestock show.

“It’s very meaningful for these students to be around animals and other young people,” said Debbie Fancher, special services coordinator and teacher at Alex Public Schools. “They learn by touch, watching others, and become more like other kids, rather than different.”

Fancher said this is a great educational opportunity.

“One of my students said this was the first time she had touched a sheep and said it was soft and fluffy,” Fancher said. “So we will go back and do things with wool so she can make that connection.”

Fancher added the students really connected with the animals.

“Sometimes the student may find it difficult to communicate with people, but there is not that barrier with animals,” Fancher said. “They feel secure and happy when they are with the animals.”

Danker said the event showcased the tremendous caring nature and generosity of Oklahomans.

“We had 80 volunteers, mostly FFA and 4-H students, from around the state help shepherd the special needs students,” Detrick said.

“It’s really great these students wanted to give up their free time to come here and help with this event,” Danker said.

Payton Reynolds, a member of the Harrah FFA, said volunteer work is very rewarding.

“For me, to see the smiles on their faces, it just makes me smile too,” Reynolds said.

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PHOTO CAPTION:

The Gold Star Classic-AFR Special Needs Livestock Show, Aug. 30, at the Grady County fairgrounds in Chickasha featured 19 special needs students, mostly from the Grady County area. Each student was paired with two volunteers who helped lead the student and animal through the exhibit ring. More than 80 volunteers from around the state helped with the event.

October 10, 2018/by