The Volusia County Farm Bureau invites young people to show their talents and earn some cash on April 20, 2026. Each year, the local Farm Bureau hosts a Youth Speech Contest. The contest pays cash prizes and it opens the door into the regional and state-level speech competition.
Who qualifies to compete? Students both in public schools and home-based schools can apply to participate.
The student must be a resident of Volusia County.
Students will compete in divisions by age – intermediate students, ages 11-13 (as of September 18, 2026, not 14) and senior students, ages 14-18 (as of September 18, 2026, not 19).
New for 2026 – 1. Judges will ask each speaker one question related to their presentation. 2. Students need to dress in professional attire. 3. New guidelines regarding the use of AI have been added to the rules. (See all contest rules here 2026 Youth Speech Contest Rules) 4. Students need to fill out an online entry form to be in the competition. Entry form deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026. Please register at Youth Speech Contest Entry Form.
No Farm Bureau membership is required. There is no cost to enter. The 2026 Youth Speech Contest topic is: “What are some of the proactive, collaborative steps that farmers, ranchers, local communities and organizations like Farm Bureau can take to help guard against invasive species threatening Florida agriculture?”
Students must prepare a five-minute speech on the selected topic and deliver it in front of members of the Volusia County Farm Bureau board of directors and other invited guests on April 20 at 6 p.m. in the Agricultural Center Auditorium, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL.
Winners are selected based on content, how well the student demonstrates knowledge of the topic, accuracy of information, effective delivery, clarity and expression.
Senior division winners receive $300, $250 and $200 respectively for first, second and third place. Intermediate division winners receive $200, $150, and $100 respectively for first, second and third place.
First-place winners move on to District competition. Winners of the District competition go to the State championship held during the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the end of October.
The Volusia County Farm Bureau is always on the lookout for talented young speakers. Call Amanda Tyler at 386-734-1612 or Amanda.tyler@ffbf.orgto register or for more information.