Registration open for Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition

Do you have a passion to speak up for agriculture?

The eighth-annual Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture (AYSA) competition is coming this summer, and registration is now open for speakers between the ages of 11-24.

This year’s competition, taking place Monday, July 10 at Olds College in Olds, Alberta, provides young people with “the opportunity to share your passion while developing skills in communications and leadership, and expanding your knowledge of the agriculture industry,” as stated in an AYSA press release.

“The insight and energy the students put into their speeches make it a must-attend event,” said AYSA President Mark Fournier.

“We look forward to the great ideas the agricultural leaders of tomorrow will present.”

Competitors will present a five to seven-minute speech on one of the following topics:

• What opportunities and challenges does climate change provide to Canadian farmers?
• Farming the future: how can young producers meet the challenges and opportunities of farm transitions?
• Telling our story: how do we better communicate agriculture and food production practices to consumers?
• The future farmer: what new skills and training will future farmers need to successfully operate their farm?
• What steps does Canadian agriculture have to take to remain competitive in the world market?

In addition to the chance to compete at the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture event at this year’s Royal Winter Agricultural Fair, several cash prizes are up for grabs:

Junior Competition (ages 11-15)

• Champion: $500
• First Runner-up: $300
• Second Runner-up: $150

Senior Competition (ages 16-24)

• Champion: $1,000
• First Runner-up: $500
• Second Runner-up: $350
• Three Honourable Mentions: $150 each

Registration closes on June 30, 2023. For more information and to register, visit the AYSA website.