SOPHIE GEPPERT: “GIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING A TRY”
Ten-year-old Sophie Geppert stood terrified at a youth public speaking contest, but as a college sophomore she claimed the senior division title at the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando. After delivering the winning speech analyzing the global dairy industry, Sophie reflects on how a decade of public speaking competitions will influence her future endeavors.
Sophie says the place to start any speech should come naturally: “When you are passionate about a subject, you write a better speech. It makes it easier to remember.”
First, Passion
Sophie is the 4th generation to grow up on her family’s farm near Kingdom City in Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County where they raise registered Holstein replacement heifers and beef cattle. She and her mom celebrate their heritage and share their passion for dairy as members of the National Holstein Association; the organization’s annual convention is one of their treasured traditions. Sophie is vice-president of the Missouri Junior Holstein Association and a member of the National Junior Holstein Association, serving as a national advisory committee member.
Next, Practice
Sophie purposefully pursues different speaking experiences. She is a youth leader for the Callaway Youth Expo. She placed in the Missouri Pork Producers speech contest and Missouri FFA state extemporaneous speaking. She participated in national impromptu speaking in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). She also served as a 2025-26 Missouri FFA State Vice-President.
“I participated in the national Holstein speaking contest for nearly a decade, only earning modest placings. It was hard but I didn’t give up,” Sophie remembers. “This year I took the pressure off myself to do well. I presented a speech I really liked which made me more comfortable than in years past.”
Then, Add Experience
As a University of Missouri-Columbia CAFNR student, Sophie studied abroad this spring, exploring grazing-based dairies in Ireland.
“It was eye opening. European dairies focus on grazing because there isn’t ample grain like in the U.S. I had never thought about that,” Sophie explains. “It doesn’t matter if you have attended classes, or done internet research, when you actually go see something it really makes sense. And, I love to travel!”
Sophie returned from her travel experience and updated her 2026 speech.
“I focused on recounting my personal experience. My genuine interest in the topic removed the worry of memorization, a common barrier in public speaking.”
Speaking Opens Doors
“The service mindset instilled in me through 4-H and FFA, my leadership and public speaking skills, growing up on the family farm, being a part of the agriculture community of Callaway County: all culminated in the right place at the right time and opened another door for me,” Sophie says.
Governor Mike Kehoe announced Sophie’s appointment as the youth representative to the Missouri Community Service Commission (ServMO) on July 10th.
“I am excited to bring new ideas born from my connections and experiences to the commission. I get the opportunity to bring an agricultural perspective to a statewide commission made up of members from all industries,” Sophie says.
Speaking Reflections
“I wouldn’t have known that I love public speaking if I hadn’t tried it,” Sophie shares. “My mom and mentors constantly encouraged me. A simple high five can be all it takes.”
“The best public speaking advice is to ‘just do it’. Try a 3-5 minute speech. You may hate it. But what if you don’t?” Sophie finishes with a smile.
More About Sophie
Sophie was a Youth in Agriculture Foundation intern for the 2026 Missouri State Fair. She is a member of Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau, an at-large member of CAFNR Student Council, and an alumnus of the Hatton 4-H Club. Sophie is the 2026-27 Missouri FFA State Officer Mentor and will receive her American FFA Degree this October as a member of the North Callaway FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Kate Geppert and the late Doug Geppert.
University of Missouri Extension 4-H programs, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri FFA are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
4-H Wants You!
October is 4-H month, when youth enroll for their next year of membership. 4-H has programming for kids ages 5-18. For more information on how to sign up and active groups in your area, contact the local university extension office. 4-H is the youth development program of the United States’ Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System.
What is the Missouri Community Service Commission (ServMO)?
The non-partisan state commission develops a service plan for the state of Missouri and administers AmeriCorps funding to enhance community service and investment across the state.
Info: Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County. Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $121.1 million in value-added products, over 2,500 jobs, and adds $90.2 millionto household incomes in Callaway County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
What is Agri-Ready County Designation?
Agri-Ready County Designation is a voluntary program that recognizes counties committed to supporting and growing their agricultural industry. To qualify, a county must agree to support agricultural stewardship, growth, and economic interests. The designation helps counties promote themselves as agricultural hubs, attracting and supporting agribusiness. More information can be found at https://mofarmerscare.com/agri-ready-county-designation/.
As of January 2026, 82 Missouri counties have been designated Agri-Ready.
What is Missouri Farmers Care?
Missouri Farmers Care unites the state’s agricultural community to support the men and women who provide the food and jobs that sustain Missouri. With the partnership of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and 45 other member organizations, MFC works to ensure all Missourians understand the truth about modern agriculture, food production, and the farm families behind it. https://mofarmerscare.com/