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Willard, Mo. FFA alum wins national extemp title

Mercer Martin of the Willow FFA chapter in Missouri is the national extemporaneous speaking winner.  Martin won the competition in which speakers are given a topic and a limited time to prepare a speech.

“It was two of the most stressful days of my life,” said Martin, in an interview provided by the National FFA, “very difficult, stressful competition, but it was a great learning experience and I enjoyed it very much.”

In the final round of the national competition, Martin was given the topic “How do food and fiber systems protect United States national security?”

“And I talked about how the United States exports so much that we have political leverage with our agricultural products and also it’s an essential part of our economy,” said Martin, “and all those things are a vital part of our national security as well.”

Martin’s family are missionaries and raise Red Angus cattle at Willard, Missouri.  He’s attending Missouri State University studying agricultural communications with an aim to go to law school.

After speaking, contestants answer questions from judges.  Martin says it added to what he felt upon hearing his name announced as the top finisher out of the four finalists.

“I cannot express what a relief it was,” said Martin.  “All the stress went away immediately, so it was a great feeling.”