By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

High school students who are members of Texas 4-H or Texas FFA are invited to participate in the 2026 Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge.

Sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo, the competition helps students strengthen their communication, critical thinking and agricultural advocacy skills.

Students interested in agriculture, leadership, membership organizations or public policy are encouraged to compete.

“SOFA is different than any other contest offered to 4-H and FFA members because it combines stand-and-deliver and discussion formats into one contest,” Dr. Clarissa Darby, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “This allows students to use skills they’ve developed through other contests in a way that’s applicable to real-world situations.”

The contest encourages students to analyze current agricultural issues and offer solutions.

“The topics challenge students to think critically about issues affecting agriculture and develop practical solutions,” Darby said. “Participants also receive valuable feedback from industry representatives and learn how to strengthen their communication styles.”

The competition begins with two oral reasons rounds. Contestants will respond to a pre-selected question and have time to prepare before delivering a 90-second response to the judges.

Scores from the first two rounds determine the Sweet 16, where contestants advance to a discussion meet-style competition. During this round, participants will engage in a 20-minute discussion on an agricultural issue. The final round features a 25-minute discussion on one of the remaining topics.

Throughout the discussions, contestants are responsible for exchanging ideas, evaluating potential solutions and developing action plans to address the issue presented.

“Being able to effectively communicate in both in-person and digital settings is an essential skill,” Darby said. “SOFA helps students become stronger agricultural advocates and more confident communicators. It’s also an opportunity for students to earn scholarship money as early as their freshman year of high school.”

The champion will receive a $2,500 scholarship, jacket and banner. The runner-up will receive a $1,500 scholarship, jacket and banner. Two additional finalists will each receive $750 scholarships and jackets, and the top 16 contestants will each receive a $125 gift card.

Registration opens Aug. 3 and closes Aug. 31. The SOFA Challenge will be held Oct. 3-4 at the BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco.

Former SOFA Challenge champions are not eligible to compete.

Discussion topics, contest details and online registration are available at texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.

For additional information, contact youthactivities@txfb.org or call 254-313-9204.