Sulphur Springs FFA member Jordan Vanwinkle (left) engages in a conversation with Lorena FFA member Calee Scoggins (right) during the 2024 SOFA Challenge. Photo courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau.
In partnership with the Texas Farm Bureau and the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, the Speak Out for Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge is cultivating young advocates for the agriculture industry. By engaging high school students in discussions on pressing issues, the competition sharpens communication, problem-solving and cooperative skills essential for future leaders.
“It’s a really great contest to shake off the nerves and jitters when it comes to public speaking,” says Texas Farm Bureau Youth Outreach Coordinator McKenna Bush. “This contest is about more than knowledge — it’s about listening, building consensus and sharing respectful viewpoints rooted in research and experience.”
Since its inception five years ago, the SOFA Challenge, hosted in Waco, Texas, has seen remarkable growth, expanding from around 30 participants to more than 80 statewide. “As word gets out and people have a good experience, we see more and more people who are interested,” Bush says.
Promoting Collaboration
The SOFA Challenge emphasizes impromptu discussions rather than memorized speeches. Preliminary rounds require 90-second responses to pressing agricultural topics, while Sweet 16 and Final Four rounds engage participants in collaborative problem-solving exercises.
Cinco Ranch FFA members Armando Pereira (left) and Sophia Robbins (right) placed in the top 16 during the 2024 SOFA Challenge. Photo courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau.
The competition is open to all Texas FFA members or dues-paying Texas 4-H members in grades 9–12. Participants receive a manual before the event, which includes discussion questions for each round.
“This competition is really about showcasing knowledge and, more importantly, showcasing the professional skill of listening to understand,” Bush adds.
Inspiring Future Leaders
Last year’s discussions tackled critical challenges, including labor force issues, right-to-farm laws and balancing water needs between agriculture and communities. Final round topics explored foodborne illness liability and tax policy complexities within the agricultural sector.
“The discussions were incredibly thoughtful,” Bush says. “It was inspiring to see students explore both sides of these complex issues.”
To prepare, SOFA participants can stay informed on agriculture-focused topics by studying Farm Bureau publications, reading newspapers and listening to podcasts.
“This competition challenges participants to do their own primary research and base their opinions on it,” Bush says. “That’s important because we should learn from our mentors, but there’s also something to be said for doing that research and coming to your own conclusions. We want these students to be thoughtful, independent, confident and respectful people who can come to the table with their ideas, but also collaborate and come to a consensus.”
The top four contestants in the 2024 SOFA Challenge include McKenna Bush (far left), Calee Scoggins (left center), Rockwell County 4-H member Avery McInvale (right center) and Katy Taylor FFA member Lillian Crawley (far right). Each finalist received a scholarship, jacket and banner. Photo courtesy of Texas Farm Bureau.
The 2025 SOFA Challenge is scheduled for Sept. 27–28 at the BASE Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas, with registration opening on Aug. 4. Winners will receive scholarships (first, $2,500; second, $1,500; third and fourth, $750; top 16, $125 gift cards) and merchandise.
Share Your Passions
If you love to discuss agriculture with others, review the four-step effective advocacy model, then dive into current hot topics, watch #SpeakAg Showcase videos and dialogues and apply to become a #SpeakAg Pioneer.
