By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Four high school students were recognized by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) for their discussion of agricultural issues and solutions through the annual Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge.

“The contest encourages young students to engage with Farm Bureau, network with their peers across the state and better understand challenges facing agriculture,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

The winner of this year’s contest was Charlie Rodriguez of Rusk County. Rodriguez earned a $2,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.

Rodriguez is a senior homeschooled student and is active in FFA, 4-H, runs cross country and participates in archery. He also serves on the Texas 4-H Council and is a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador. Rodriguez plans to major in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University and pursue a career in agricultural policy and advocacy.

Kade Davis of Johnson County was named runner up and received a $1,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.

Davis is a senior at Grandview High School, president of the Grandview FFA Chapter and an Area VIII FFA officer. He also plays baseball and serves on the Texas 4-H Council. Davis plans to major in animal science at Texas A&M University.

Two finalists—Louden McConlogue and Caitlyn Grange—were each awarded $750 scholarships, jackets and banners.

McConlogue is a senior at Canyon High School and serves at the Area I FFA president. He also participates in UIL speaking events and wrestling. McConlogue plans to study agriculture and pursue a career as a lawyer.

Grange is a senior at Giddings High School and is active in FFA and 4-H. She is also a Sunday school teacher and started the Lee County Champion Drive: Special Edition. Grange plans to attend Texas A&M University and double major in agribusiness and agricultural economics and minor in animal science and agricultural leadership.

The top 16 contestants received a $125 gift card. They included:

  • Armando Pereira, Cinco Ranch FFA
  • Ben Weindorff, Longview FFA
  • Brayden Dodd, Clear Brook FFA
  • Caitlyn Grange, Lee County 4-H
  • Charlie Rodriguez, Rusk County 4-H
  • Colt Nelson, Woodson FFA
  • Gunnar McConlogue, Canyon FFA
  • Ivy Braden, Glasscock County 4-H
  • Kade Davis, Johnson County 4-H
  • Kayson McAfee, Hunt County 4-H
  • Louden McConlogue, Canyon FFA
  • Natalie Vaughn, North Hopkins FFA
  • Savanna Swanson, Corsicana FFA
  • Sophia Robbins, Cinco Ranch FFA
  • Steven Streetman, Grapeland FFA
  • Vanessa Guzman, Mildred FFA

The event, now in its fifth year, was open to high school students who are active in Texas 4-H and Texas FFA with an interest in agriculture, membership organization involvement or public policy.

Nearly 70 students participated in the contest, which began with 90-second speeches in the preliminary rounds. Additional contest rounds featured discussions on food labeling and policy.

The contestants were responsible for the exchange of ideas and information to solve the problem addressed in the topic and to develop action plans for a solution.

The 2025 SOFA Challenge was sponsored by TFB and hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco Sept. 27-28.

For more information on youth opportunities and scholarships available through TFB, visit texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.