ASHLAND — Ashland FFA member Haley McNaull traveled to Marysville High School to continue her Extemporaneous Public Speaking journey on March 7.
In the first round of the state competition, Haley spoke on the topic: How is biotechnology transforming food production? Haley was given 30 minutes to prepare her four-six minute speech, where she discussed Mendelian genetics and GMOs.
After giving her speech she was asked topic-based questions, which she was also judged on. She placed in the top four and proceeded to the final round.
Her final speech topic was: In what ways are modern technologies redefining growing environments for U.S. agriculture? Haley spoke on the impact of tillage, climate, fertilization, variable rate technology and new robotic technologies.
Following her topic-based questions, she was judged on her verbal and nonverbal communication and questions.
After lots of hard work and quick thinking, Haley placed 3rd in the state.
The chapter hopes that Haley’s public speaking endeavors will benefit her future as she lays down her hat as chapter president and will be starting at The Ohio State University in the fall to study Horticulture & Crop Science.