The Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture (CYSA) Competition is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 competition which took place Saturday, November 5, at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
2016 Junior Champion Douglas Archer
Senior Champion: Spencer Graling from St. Paul, Alberta
Senior First Runner-up: Daniel Vander Hout from Waterdown, Ontario
Senior Second Runner-up: Katelyn Ayers from Severn, Ontario
Junior Champion: Douglas Archer from Mount Pleasant, Ontario
Junior First Runner-up: Maxwell Archer from Mount Pleasant
Junior Third Place: Aleri Swalwell from Strathmore, Alberta
This 32nd edition of CYSA welcomed 30 competitors aged 11 to 24 from across Canada who offered their insight and solutions regarding the following topics:
- What is the impact of public opinion on Canadian farmers?
- How would you explain a GMO to a non-farmer?
- What does the next generation of agriculture bring to the table?
- How can we improve the media’s perception of Canadian agriculture?
- Old MacDonald had a farm – but what about Mrs. MacDonald?
“Once again it was wonderful to see the continuing interest of the very talented young people across Canada that want to speak out about agriculture. From a board perspective, we all take great pleasure in ensuring this exciting competition prevails annually to capture the thoughts of each and every participant,” said Ted Young, CYSA Board Chair.
2016 Senior Champion Spencer Graling
“There is never a CYSA competition I don’t hear myself saying ‘Wow!’ after each speech!” said incoming CYSA president April Stewart. “The insight, the preparation, the passion injected into each competitor’s speech is nothing short of astounding.”
CYSA also took the opportunity to present long-time board member and past president John J. MacDonald with a plaque recognizing his more than 10 years with CYSA and naming him Honourary President. CYSA also presented a recognition plaque to honour board member and past president Richard Kutnz who is concluding his term on the CYSA board.
This year also saw a change in board members with Gerry Sullivan (Newfoundland) becoming past-president; April Stewart (Quebec) stepping into the role of president; Christina Crowley- Arklie (Ontario) becoming vice-president; and D.E. ‘Ted’ Young remains Board Chair.
Each year the renowned public speaking competition is held at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. The competition is open to youth ages 11 to 24 with a passion for agriculture whether raised on a farm, in the country or in the city.
