Wanjuras make finals in HSLR speaking events
Agriculture Public Speaking Contest Superintendent David Waggoner, Capital Farm Credit Representative Tanya Forester, Brooke Wanjura, Zane Wanjura, Committee Member John Vachala, Judging Contest Committee Chairman Chase Griffin, and three of the four final round judges at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo last week.
HOUSTON—Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known around the world as one of the largest and most prestigious stock shows, welcoming exhibitors and fans from around the world. In addition to exhibiting 4-H and FFA projects youth from across Texas have the opportunity to participate in 21 competitive events over the 20-day show. The Agriculture Public Speaking Contest is one that continues to grow each year and is the largest Public Speaking Contest of its kind in the world.
Competing in the junior division, Brooke Wanjura advanced from the preliminary round with over 70 contestants to compete against 20 junior finalists with her speech entitled, “Veterinarians, Vaccinations, and Herd Health, OH My!”
The competition welcomed a talented group of junior contestants and Brooke placed 15th overall. Brooke’s speech is aimed at educating the public about the importance of vaccinations, having a relationship with your local veterinarian, and how to establish an effective herd health management plan to improve the productivity of the cow herd, decrease losses related to sickness, and improve public perception of the cattle industry.
In the senior division, Zane Wanjura competed against 170 contestants, advancing to the top 20 and making the final round. Zane’s speech focuses on advocating for agriculture and defining the differences in animal rights verse animal welfare. In an extremely talented group of finals competitors Zane placed 10th overall. The duo was the only two siblings to both advance to the finals! These two were proud to represent Colorado County 4-H and Columbus FFA at the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Agriculture Public Speaking Contest.