American Farmers and Rancher Ag Achievement Contest winners announced

The 2018 American Farmers & Ranchers Agricultural Achievement Contest began with 109 contestants competing for $5,000 in scholarship money. The top 12 were announced Thursday, March 15th prior to the Oklahoma Youth Expo Grand Drive.

The results include: 1. Chase McCoy, Oklahoma County 4-H; 2. Danielle Dodd, Moore FFA; 3. Morgan Nipp, Wilson FFA; 4. Morgan Harless, Elgin FFA; 5. Elizabeth Buckmaster, Porter 4-H; 6. Madelyn Gerken, Kingfisher FFA; 7. Bree Kisling, Chisholm FFA; 8. Tyler Wilkinson, Calumet FFA; 9. Wyatt Hancock, Oologah FFA; 10. Natally Owen, Mustang FFA; 11. Elizabeth Schneider, Seiling FFA; 12. Katy Leard, Caney Valley FFA.

The contest was open to 11th and 12th grade 4-H and FFA members exhibiting breeding or market animals at OYE. Contestants completed a 100-question multiple choice test and then were required to show their animal in an AFR showmanship contest. During the showmanship portion, contestants were asked questions pertaining to the species they were exhibiting and judged on their showmanship abilities.

Our showmanship judge was Lindsay Henricks who currently serves as the communications specialist with the Oklahoma Pork Council.

Test and showmanship scores were combined to determine the top 12 contestants. The top 12 individuals then competed in the final round of the contest consisting of a personal interview with a panel of agricultural industry leaders as judges.

“This is an excellent achievement for these students,” said Micaela Danker, AFR youth development coordinator. “The opportunity to be recognized and earn money for their education is extremely important. We are proud to invest in Oklahoma’s youth.”