By Julie Tomascik
Editor
High school students with an interest in agriculture and a desire to develop solutions to issues facing the industry can cultivate conversations through the new Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge.
The contest, which is sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), will be hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco Oct. 2-3.
The event is open to high school students who are active in Texas 4-H and Texas FFA. Students should be interested in agriculture, membership organization involvement or public policy.
“The SOFA Challenge is a special contest that helps individuals and groups build the skills necessary to create action plans for the betterment of agriculture, organizations and communities,” said Dakota Massey, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Urban Outreach. “It is a leadership training and self-improvement event for 4-H and FFA members.”
Massey noted the challenge will help students stimulate logical thinking and foster a desire for accurate information.
“This contest will also help participants develop a concise manner of speaking and teach the value of compromise and problem-solving through group discussion,” she said. “All of these skills are beneficial for working toward change in membership organizations and in agriculture.”
Contestants will draw a topic for the preliminary round and will give a speech before the judges.
In the Sweet 16 round, contestants will participate in a discussion for 15 minutes on another topic. The final round will be a 20-minute discussion on one of the remaining topics.
The contestants are responsible for the exchange of ideas and information to solve the problem addressed in the topic and to develop action plans for the solution.
“The strength of Texas Farm Bureau is largely in its ability to involve members in analyzing agricultural problems and deciding on solutions that best fit the needs of farmers and ranchers,” Massey said. “The SOFA Challenge will provide this opportunity to high school students and help them develop basic discussion skills.”
The winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship, jacket and banner. The runner-up will receive a $1,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.
Two finalists will receive $750 scholarships and jackets, and the top 16 contestants will receive a $125 gift card.
Click here to register for the challenge by Sept. 24.
The discussion questions and additional program details are available on texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.
For more information, email youthactivities@txfb.org or call 254.751.2258.