The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture (AYSA) announced their winner for the public speaking competition at the Calgary Stampede Wednesday,  July 11.

This year's winner, Carmen White from Claresholm, was one of the five competitors tasked with delivering a formal speech on a variety of topics surrounding Alberta agriculture, such as diversity, how to attract new workers to the industry, and promising concepts for agriculture's future.

Contestants aged 11 to 24 chose their topic, and were required to write a compelling five to seven minute speech to be delivered in front of a panel of judges.

White says the topic she chose, focused on long-term sustainability.

"I discussed what we do on our ranch, and what we can do to make it better for the future. I talked about how we can make our water sources and grazing land more bountiful for our herd and animals."

For her speech, White was awarded $500 and an all expenses paid trip to the Toronto Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to compete at the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition.

The AYSA, is a group that promotes and provides a platform for young, upcoming professionals in the agriculture industry.

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