Garrett Hawkins, MOFB president, congratulates Charlie Smith for placing in the top six in the FFA Public Speaking Contest.

Madilyn Cook of Forsyth won first place in the Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) FFA Speech Contest, earning a plaque, a $150 award for her, and $150 for her chapter at Forsyth High School. The daughter of Ashlae and Larry Cook, she placed first in the Southwest District FFA speech contest to compete at the state level.

Cook presented her speech a second time before several hundred Farm Bureau members during the Sunday evening program. The contest was part of Farm Bureau’s 108th annual meeting December 4 at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Farm Bureau supports the FFA Public Speaking Contest in its efforts to nurture the leadership qualities of future spokespersons for agriculture. The contest gives participants a better understanding of Farm Bureau and how the organization works for Missouri agriculture. Those participating in the contest include the top winner in each of six district competitions. All cash awards are provided by the Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation forAgriculture.

Eric Pinson, Mountain Grove, received a plaque and a $125 award for second place, and $125 for his chapter. He is the son of Kelly Pinson.

Other FFA members placing in the top six were: Charlie Smith of Fairfax, Noelle Abend of Rich Hills, Logan Kennedy of Alton, and Ashley Sjostrand of Ashland.