Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships presented by BURNCO is an exciting opportunity for youth who are passionate about public speaking & agriculture with over $15,000 in prizes and awards!
Winners also receive a travel credit to compete at the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Finals in Toronto in November.
NEW for 2026 is a preliminary location in Athabasca, Alberta, to increase our reach to youth in Northern Alberta. The youth speaking competition is a partnership between the Calgary Stampede (Calgary preliminary), the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture (Olds preliminary), and the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (Athabasca preliminary).
Contestants have the opportunity to speak 5-7 minutes on one of five agriculture-related topics, which are chosen annually. Youth participants are NOT required to have an agriculture background, rather only a desire to learn and speak about one of the topics related to agriculture, Agri-tech or Agri-Food (see topics in Entry Details section below).
The competition is open to youth ages 11-24 years old. Youth who are 11-15 years old are in the Junior Division; and youth who are 16-24 years are in the Senior Division (age & category is determined by exhibitor's age as of November 7, 2026).
DETAILS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the Olds or Calgary Preliminary Competition
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the Athabasca Preliminary Competition
Registration OPENS
February 1, 2026
Registration CLOSES
June 19, 2026
Youth will choose one of the below topics to create & deliver their 5-7 minute speech.
- How can Canada’s agriculture sector meet the publics' growing demand for food products that have enhanced nutrition, ethical food choices, and environmentally sustainable diets?
- How can the agriculture industry empower the next generation of Canadian farmers, breakdown barriers to grow the industry, and build inclusive pathways that will enhance growth?
- Innovation, sustainability and the empowerment of the next generation are increasingly important and play a crucial role in shaping agriculture. How should current governments and farmers respond?
- As metropolitan areas become more densely populated, the ‘concrete jungle’ often sacrifices ecological health for economic growth. In the face of rising food costs, climate instability and population growth, what recommendations would you suggest to your municipal government to promote urban agriculture in your community?
- Reflecting on the past, present and future of agriculture, what are or will be the important technologies and practices used and why?
RULES
Use the button below to review the program rules
HOW TO ENTER
Use the buttons below to register for the preliminary event closest to you!