Youth Speech Contest

Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Program sponsors an annual Youth Speech Contest for students ages 11–18 to promote interest in agriculture and the development of public speaking skills.

The topic for 2026 is:
“What are some of the proactive, collaborative steps that farmers, ranchers, local communities and organizations like Farm Bureau can take to help guard against invasive species threatening Florida agriculture?”

The contest includes three levels of competition: County → District → State. Some counties and districts may offer two divisions, Senior and Intermediate, based on participation. Senior Division winners (ages 14-18) advance through each level for a chance to earn prizes up to $1,000 and speak at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.

For county contest information, contact your local County Farm Bureau.

Eligibility

• Must reside in the sponsoring county
• Must be within the ages of 11-13 for the Intermediate Division or 14-18 for the Senior Division (as of Sept. 18, 2026)
• Farm Bureau membership is encouraged but not required
• Previous state winners cannot compete again

Rules

• Speech length: Five minutes (+/- 30 seconds)
• No visual aids allowed
• AI may be used for research and brainstorming, but the speech must be written in the contestant’s own words
• Must wear professional attire
• County and District competitions must be held before Sept. 18, 2026

Past winners continued:

2022 – Mackenzie Cunningham, Volusia County