Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Young people with a passion for agriculture are once again being invited to step up to the microphone and share their stories as the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition returns for its 11th year.
The program is being delivered in partnership with the Calgary Stampede Youth Agricultural Speaking Championships and the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, providing youth from across the province with an opportunity to build public speaking skills while promoting agriculture.
Preliminary competitions will be held in Athabasca, Olds and Calgary, with successful competitors advancing to the finals during the Calgary Stampede.
Schedule of Events:
Registration Deadline: June 19
Prelims
- Athabasca University: Saturday, June 27
- Olds College: Friday, July 10
- Stampede Park: Friday, July 10
Finals
- Stampede Park: Saturday, July 11
The competition is open to youth between the ages of 11 and 24. Participants will compete for a share of $15,000 in prize money, along with the opportunity to advance to the national championships in Toronto.
Organizer Eric Dalke says the competition offers much more than the chance to win prizes.
“You know, we’ve had such great alumni that have participated in the competition over the years,” says Dalke. “What I typically will hear from youth is just how exciting it is. Of course, they have the opportunity to win a cash prize as a part of the speaking competition.”
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW: RRC Podcast – S2E16 – The Cypress Farm & Ranch show and the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition
Dalke says the program helps young people develop valuable communication skills while creating stronger connections between consumers and the agriculture industry.
“I know the youth that are involved in the program are just so passionate and just so interested in sharing that message,” he says. “I think it’s a real positive aspect of the program that we’ve been able to accomplish.”
The competition encourages participants to explore agricultural topics that matter to them and communicate those ideas to a broader audience.
Registration for this year’s competition closes on June 19. Additional information, including competition details and registration requirements, is available through the Calgary Stampede website.
