By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Discussing agricultural issues and solutions earned four high school students recognition from the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) through the annual Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge.

“This contest provides an environment for students to better understand issues facing agriculture and how they can provide ideas and solutions,” McKenna Bush, TFB youth outreach coordinator, said. “High school students are also able to grow and build on basic critical thinking and discussion skills through this challenge.”

As the winner, Tracer Rice earned a $2,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.

Rice is a senior at McGregor High School where he is active in FFA, Ford Leadership Scholars, National Honor Society and sports. He plans to attend Texas A&M University and pursue a career as an equine veterinarian.

Jordan VanWinkle was named runner-up and received a $1,500 scholarship, jacket and banner. She is a junior at Sulphur Springs High School where she is active in FFA and Key Club. She plans to attend West Texas A&M University and major in agricultural communications.

Two finalists—Mattison Smith of Quitman and Emily Glaze of El Campo—were each awarded $750 scholarships, jackets and banners.

Smith is a senior at Quitman High School where she is active in FFA, Key Club and serves as the class treasurer. She plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in animal science.

Glaze is a senior at El Campo High School. She is active in FFA, National Honor Society, Anchor Club and 4-H. She plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in business and agricultural economics.

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

  • William Adkison
  • Sarah Beck
  • Rendyn Brooks
  • Kaylee Eaton
  • Emily Glaze
  • Caitlyn Grange
  • Alexandria Hargraves
  • Neel Hiremath
  • Kasadi Neel
  • Kenley Pack
  • Joseph Polster
  • Tracer Rice
  • Trey Schronk
  • Mattison Smith
  • Natalie Troyer
  • Jordan VanWinkle

The event 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.

Over 40 students participated in the contest, which began with 90-second speeches in the preliminary rounds. Additional contest rounds featured discussions on agritourism and managing natural resources.

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 contest encourages young students to engage with Farm Bureau, network with their peers across the state and better understand challenges facing agriculture,” Bush said.

The 2023 SOFA Challenge was sponsored by TFB and hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

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