About Us

The Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition is held annually in November at the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair in Toronto, as part of Youth Weekend.

It’s an opportunity to develop your public speaking skills and a forum to express community concerns. The competition originated in 1985 in honour of International Youth Year, and was originally sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Farm Credit Canada joined as a co-sponsor in 1987.

There are cash prizes for the six finalists in both the Junior Competition (ages 11-15) and Senior Competition (ages 16-24). The Senior Champion will receive $1000, while the Junior Champion is awarded $500.

Explore the Enter the Competition menu above to get started.

Who We Are

Winner Profile

Rebecca Hannam
2006 Senior Champion

Since winning the CYSA competition in 2006, Rebecca has pursued agricultural business studies in the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph and is currently in her fourth year.

She has worked with the Egg Farmers of Ontario, Farm Credit Canada, and AgCareers.com – in addition to freelance writing and public speaking.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys giving back to the CYSA program as an active committee member and also volunteers her time with the Fergus Agricultural Society and other community groups.

How Did You Hear About Us?

Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Inc.
Box 25015, Stone Road Mall, Postal Outlet
370 Stone Road West, Unit 17
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2X0