U of G graduate Tammy Fischer of Teeswater, Ont., won first place in the senior division of the annual Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition held Nov. 5 during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Two Guelph undergrads were among the finalists: Robin Callaghan of Reaboro, Ont., and Martin Straathof of Arnprior, Ont., who was named first runner-up.

All finalists received cash prizes, with Fischer winning $1,000.

Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture is a national, bilingual competition that gives participants an opportunity to share their opinions, ideas and concerns about the Canadian agri-food industry in a five- to seven-minute prepared speech.

Since the first competition was held at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in honour of the International Year of the Youth in 1985, it has gone on to become the premier public speaking event in Canada for young people interested in agriculture.