A speech competition has been launched to get young people talking about agriculture.

Eric Dalke with Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture says it's a chance to get up and display their passion and leadership abilities.

"Basically it's about getting youth communicating about agriculture, youth that are passionate about agriculture that are involved in the industry or interested in it, we want to give them an opportunity to discuss their passion and share their ideas about agriculture for an interested audience," Dalke says. "Agriculture isn't just about plowing the field, it's about communications, it's about leadership, it's about showing skills in a whole variety of ways and we think that this competition will really add to that diversity that is reflected in the ag business."

He says there's a need for leaders in the industry and it's hoped through a competition like this it will develop leadership skills.

There are five topics speakers can chose from

• What is the impact of public opinion on Canadian farmers?
• How would you explain a GMO to a non-farmer?
• What does the next generation of agriculture bring to the table?
• How can we improve the media’s perception of Canadian agriculture?
• Old MacDonald had a farm … But what about Mrs. MacDonald?

The competition will be held July 13 in the BMO Centre at the Calgary Stampede.

The winner gets a $1,000 and trip to the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition at the Royal Winter fair in Toronto.

For more information visit www.albertayoungspeakers.com or email albertayoungspeakers@gmail.com.