Program Overview
Activities are geared toward developing the youth of our state to be the next generation of leaders. All Oklahoma youth, first grade through college, can participate.
Contests
This popular AFR event is held in the fall of each year and is available to both members and non-members. Students in grades 3rd-12th compete in their respective category at five district contests held across the state. First and second place winners in each category advance to the state speech contest held in Stillwater on the Oklahoma State University campus. More than 350 students participate in this event every year.
2026 Speech Contest Dates:
Monday, November 9- Central District, Tecumseh High School
Tuesday, November 10- Northeast District, Lone Star Schools, Sapulpa
Thursday, November 12- Southeast District, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton
Monday, November 16- Southwest District, Cache High School
Thursday, November 19- Northwest District, Autry Technology Center, Enid
Saturday, December 5- State Speech Contest, OSU, Stillwater
The AFR Ag Achievement Contest at the Oklahoma Youth Expo is designed to recognize youth who have an interest in livestock, excel in showmanship and have knowledge of the livestock industry including production, management, processing and end product utilization.
Competition is limited to 4-H and FFA members exhibiting breeding or market beef, sheep, goat or swine at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and who are classified as high school juniors and seniors. Contestants compete in showmanship written animal science exam and an interview.
2026 Ag Achievement Schedule
Contestants are rewarded for their recognition of high-quality cattle- just as a producer would profit from similar selection within their own herd. AFR is proud to be a continued sponsor of these contests at Connors State College, Eastern Oklahoma College, Redlands Community College and OKC West Cattle Grading Contest.
- TSF Cattle Grading Contest, Tulsa State Fair
- Livestock Handling Contest, OKC Stockyards
The AFR Youth Program captures the creativity of students with our annual AFR Poster Contest. The contest begins in the fall and any 1st-4th grade student is eligible to participate. Order forms are due October 20, 2025 and posters are due December 1, 2025. Posters will be judged on December 8, 2025.
Each year we receive an outstanding response – more than 4,000 posters pour in from across Oklahoma. The top winner will be recognized at the annual AFR Convention in February 14-16, 2026.
2025 Poster Contest Theme:
The livestock handling contest provides youth the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skillsets through real world, hands on cattle handling. Students are tested on their knowledge of all aspects of the beef production industry and their abilities to safely and correctly process live cattle.
