Contestants write and deliver a six- to eight-minute speech in accordance with the year’s theme selected by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Prior to competition the speech must be presented to the local chapter and to at least one civic or school group if competing above the district level. 

The Soil and Water Stewardship Public Speaking Contest is open to high school agricultural science students interested in conservation. The contest is aimed at broadening students' interest and knowledge of conservation and how people must depend on and take care of the world around them for survival.

The contest is conducted through the Texas FFA, with contests at the local, area, and state level. To prepare for the contest, students are to consult with their agricultural science teacher and work with their local soil and water conservation district. Students are encouraged to visit with their local soil and water conservation district to find out more about conservation practices in their area.

The contest is a partnership between the Texas FFA, the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Event Chairman: Clyde Gottschalk - cgottschalk@tsswcb.texas.gov