
The Florida Farm Bureau is advocating for students in Volusia County. The local chapter is sponsoring a speech contest for highschool students in the county.
The topic for this year is “How does Florida Farm Bureau Federation help connect youth with the agriculture industry?”
I talked with Steve Crump, manager of Vo-LaSalle farms, a fourth-generation Volusia County farmer, as well as director of the Volusia County Farm Bureau to get the scoop on the contest.
“The purpose is to give people public speaking skills,” Crump said.
Last year, the Farm Bureau had eight contestants enter.. Students came from a variety of backgrounds — some were involved in their local 4-H clubs, The National FFA organization — others were from private schools or homeschooled.
“This helps them build confidence,” Crump said. “It can be difficult and scary but they can build on that and use it later in life.”
You can find more information on this on the local Florida Farm Bureau website. The speech contest will take place Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Farm Bureau office boardroom, 3090 E. New York Ave., DeLand.