Student participants wanted for Resource Conservation Speech Contest

Each year, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry, assists in sponsoring a statewide speech contest for high school students. Any South Dakota student in grades 9-12 is eligible to compete for $2,500 in scholarships at the state level contest.

Along with the possibility of winning a scholarship, the students will gain skills in public speaking and increase their knowledge about South Dakota’s natural resources. This year’s speech topic is, “Working Grassland, Why Should We Care?” Students who are interested in learning and advancing in the area of agriculture and natural resources are encouraged to compete.

Students who would like to enter the contest should submit a form to their local conservation district in South Dakota by March 9, 2024. Students who are unable to contact their conservation district should call (605) 773-5623.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, including East River Electric Power Cooperative, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, and South Dakota Rural Electric Association, contribute towards the scholarship. The state first-place winner receives $1,200, second place $800, and third place $500. For more information, visit the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources speech contest webpage, or email Alex Roeber. Please put “2024 Speech Contest” in the subject line.