Manitoba Young Speakers for Agriculture Announces Finalists

PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release

Brandon, MB

January 20, 2026

Manitoba Young Speakers for Agriculture (MYSA) is pleased to announce the winners in both the junior and senior categories of the competition, held in conjunction with Manitoba Ag Days.

The top four speakers in the junior category are:

• First - William Derksen
• Second - Janelle Gilmore
• Third - Gabriella Fewings
• Fourth - Leah Phillips

The top four speakers in the senior category are:

• First - Lillian Seward
• Second - Bianca Byers
• Third - Kaitlyn Hunt-Delaurier
• Fourth - Eve Campbell

Each of the top four finishers receive a cash prize of $1000, $800, $500 and $200 respectively. The first place winner of each age category will have the opportunity to move onto the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto Ontario, which takes place November 6-15, 2026. Manitoba Ag Days will provide a bursary of $1500 per competitor towards this experience, upon registration.

The junior judging team was composed of Fiona Jochum, Susan Kerr and Cameron Wollman. The senior judging team was made up of Kim Beilby, Scott Day and Signe De’Athe. The timekeeper for the event was Carlie Whetter. “Each of these individuals has a unique connection to agriculture and public speaking but they all have a common interest in advancing the next generation of leaders”, commented MYSA committee member Leanne Sprung.

Manitoba Young Speakers for Agriculture aims to encourage youth leadership, build public speaking confidence, and foster a deeper understanding of agriculture’s role in Manitoba and beyond. The competition is held with the collaboration and support of Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba 4-H Council, Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba, the University of Manitoba and Assiniboine College. For more information about MYSA or future competitions, visit agdays.com/mysa

Manitoba Ag Days is an annual three-day exposition of agriculture production expertise, technology and equipment that is held at the Keystone Centre in Brandon Manitoba. The speaking program will take place throughout the three-day event. The 2027 show dates are Tuesday, January 19 - Thursday, January 21st.

For more show information and the latest updates please visit https://www.agdays.com/ or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok @mbagdays.


For all media inquiries please contact:

Teresa Hildebrand - Media Coordinator at (204) 526-0574 media@agdays.com
Kristen Phillips, Manitoba Ag Days General Manager at (204) 728-4137 coordinator@agdays.com