Lanessa Aurand, Republic County FFA was announced as the winner of the Kansas FFA Extemporaneous Speaking Career Development Event (CDE) during the fourth session of of the 87th Kansas FFA Convention on the Kansas State University campus Thursday, May 28.

This CDE challenges members to present on a current agricultural issue after only 30 minutes of preparation. Aurand’s speech focused on the impacts of climate change on agriculture production.

By winning at the state level, Aurand is eligible to compete in the National Extemporaneous Speaking CDE at the National FFA Convention in fall 2015.

Elizabeth Meyer, Marion FFA, placed second; Karl Wilhelm, Holton FFA, placed third; and Jacob Brubaker, Cheylin FFA chapter, placed fourth. These finalists all had the same speech topics focusing on advances in technology improving the image of production agriculture.

This event is sponsored by Casey and Tammy Niemann.

Photos are available upon request.

The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of 8,850 agricultural education students in 176 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 610,240 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,665 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.