The Manitoba Young Speakers for Agriculture (MYSA) is a provincial public speaking competition that empowers youth to develop communication skills while discussing important agricultural topics. Enter the competition and share your passion while developing skills in communications and leadership in the agricultural industry.
Mission: MYSA is a partnership between Manitoba Ag Days, Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba 4-H Council, Ag in the Classroom-MB, University of Manitoba and Assiniboine College. MYSA aims to provide Manitoba youth with a platform to gain valuable experience in public speaking, critical thinking and advocacy, which are crucial for future careers in agriculture and beyond. The competition fosters communication and workforce skills essential for the industry. The committee is committed to educating and enhancing the speakers abilities throughout the yearly competition.
Competition Details: The competition is open to youth ages 11 to 24, divided into Junior (11 – 15 years of age) and Senior (16 – 24 years) categories. Participants prepare a 5 to 7 minute speech on 1 of the 5 provided topic questions. The Winners of each category will have the opportunity to move onto the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario, the week of November 7th, 2026.
Participants: Manitoba youth born, raised or currently living in Manitoba aged 11 to 24 are eligible to participate (age range is dated as of November 7, 2026 in order for finalists to qualify for the Canadian Youth Speakers for Agriculture event at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON).
2026 Topics for Manitoba Young Speakers For Agriculture Competition:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being implemented in many different applications: How do you see AI and / or technology being integrated into the agriculture industry today and in the future?
- Canadian Agricultural exports have consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the world. How can Canadian agriculture continue to be competitive & relevant in an age of increased protectionism and globalization?
- What lessons have been learned in Canadian agriculture in the past 25 years and how has the industry benefitted?
- Myths about Canadian Agriculture: How can we challenge a common myth and better inform consumers about the ‘real facts’?
- One in four jobs in Manitoba are connected to agriculture, ranging from primary agriculture to value added processing. How can we increase awareness of the diverse opportunities available in the agriculture and agri-food sectors?
Dates:
Preliminary Competition Junior January 6th, 2026 at 6 PM (CST) (Virtual live presentations via video conference call)
Preliminary Competition Senior January 8th, 2026 at 6 PM (CST) (Virtual live presentations via video conference call)
Finalists Competition Junior January 20th at 9 AM (CST) (Mandatory in person presentations at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon MB)
Finalists Competition Senior January 20th at 9 AM (CST) (Mandatory in person presentations at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon MB)
MYSA Orientation Webinar – Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 7:00 – 8:30 PM CST – keynote speaker Eric Dalke, founding member of the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture will share his experiences as a competitor in the Canadian competition and the impact of having the skill to speak in public on his career. MYSA representatives will present some information about the Manitoba competition and respond to questions. To register please go to: December 2nd, Webinar Registration
Prizes: Top Competitors and Finalists receive cash prizes and recognition for their communication skills, providing them with opportunities for media exposure and potential speaking engagements.
Preliminary Competition (per category)
- Top 4 – $200 each
- Runners Up (5th and 6th) $100 each
The Top 4 in each category will advance to the Manitoba Young Speakers for Agriculture Finals held at Canada’s Largest Indoor Farm Show – Manitoba Ag Days on January 20th, 2026 in Brandon, Manitoba Canada at the Keystone Centre.
Finalists Competition (per category)
- 1st – $1000
- 2nd – $800
- 3rd – $500
- 4th – $200
The Winners of each age category will have the opportunity to move onto the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto Ontario in November. Manitoba Ag Days Inc. will provide a bursary of $1500 per competitor for their experience in Toronto, ON (upon receipt of their registration in the Royal Competition). The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is slated to take place November 6th to 15th, 2026.
*Please note: should you not receive the bursary, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON, CYSA Competition is open to anyone that chooses to apply. For further information please visit: CYSFA Competition Information
Goals of the Program:
Skill Development: Participants gain valuable experience in public speaking, critical thinking and advocacy, which are crucial for future careers in agriculture and beyond.
How to register: Registration Link 2026 Competition
Email for more information: manitobaspeakers@gmail.com
Rules of the Manitoba Young Agriculture Speaking Championships
Rules & Judging Criteria:
This competition is open to any youth between the ages of 11 and 24 years old as of the date of the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition, which will be Nov. 7, 2026. Proof of age may be asked to be shown upon request.
Competitors must be born, raised or currently living in Manitoba.
All speeches will be timed and are required to fall within the 5-7 minute timeframe. Speakers who exceed or do not meet the time limit will be penalized. Deductions are as follows for under 5 minutes or over 7 minutes: 1-10 seconds – 2 pts; 11-20 seconds – 5 pts.; more than 20 seconds – 15 pts.
Contestants may use a flip chart or appropriate posters to illustrate their speech; however, any PowerPoint, electronic or audio-visual aids are NOT allowed. Prerecording of speeches is not permitted in either the preliminary or the final competition.
Contestants are scored out of 125 possible points; 60 points for presentation and 60 points for speech content. Five additional points will be awarded for authenticity and originality of presentation.
Content takes into consideration speech development, arguments, organization, originality, creativity and informational, as well as appropriateness for the purpose & audience.
Speech presentation includes the effectiveness of the speaker, physical attributes, poise, posture, etc. delivery, voice control and accuracy in grammar, word choice and pronunciation. It is important to us that contestants cite their research and prepare the presentation as authentically as possible.
All contestants will receive a copy of the judging scorecard prior to the competition.
In the essence of learning all contestants will receive feedback from the judges post competition.
All contestants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
By registering, contestants agree to be photographed, taped or quoted, as well as agree to have their names and speeches used for promotional purposes.
Contestants who qualify for the Finals round, must use the same speech that they used in the preliminary competition (with minor adjustments based on judges feedback).
The judges’ decisions are final. No Exceptions
We would like to thank all of the partners that have made the MYSA Program possible for 2026 – Manitoba Ag Days, Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba 4-H Council, Ag in the Classroom-MB, the University of Manitoba and Assiniboine College.
