2026 Conservation Speaking Contest:

Contest Divisions:

• Elementary Division (3-5 minute speeches, required). Students enrolled in grades 5-6.
• Junior Division (4-6 minute speeches, required). Students enrolled in grades 7-8.
• Senior Division (5-7 minute speeches, required. Students enrolled in grades 9-12.

Subject Matter:

Speeches must promote the conservation of natural resources and the protection or enhancement of environmental quality. Topics should address soil and water conservation issues. Emphasis should be placed on the subject as it relates to your locality or to the state of Wisconsin.

Authenticity and accuracy of information is important, and the speaker should demonstrate familiarity with the subject matter. Feel free to contact Natural Resource professionals as they can provide knowledge on numerous topics. The internet is rich resource; however, not all internet sources are reliable. when using the internet, be sure to consider your source!

All speeches should be backed up by facts. Both sides of an issue should be presented in a fair and non-accusatory manner. Using names of people or business for slander will not be accepted and shall result in disqualification.

Visual Aids:

Use of visual aids (posters, charts, etc.) is prohibited; however, notes may be used.

Speeches:

A speech, in part or whole, used in this contest in previous years may not be used again. However, speeches used for other speaking events may be used. Group presentations are not allowed.

County Contest:

An individual student may only enter one County Level speech contest, either in the County which they reside or in the county in which they attend school. If the County an individual lives in does not hose a speaking contest, the individual may seek permission from another County to enter their contest. The winners of each division in each County may compete in the Area Association contests. Students must compete in a County and/or Area contest to quality for the state contest. All contest entry forms must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Entry Form: 2026-SPEAKING-Contest-Registration

Area Contest:

Local County winner will advance to their area contest. Please view this website for your area contest dates: Area Contest Dates. The results of the Area contest (including the parental/guardian signature, legible names, addresses and counties of residence of the winners) shall be sent by the Area contest coordinator to all County contest coordinators immediately following the contest for State contest set-up and publicity purposes.

Speech Due Date to County: January 12, 2026