Monday, October 19, 2009

2010 Beef Ambassadors

2010 National Beef Ambassadors announced
High Plains Journal, Oct 19, 2009

Ellen Hoffschneider, Arlington, Neb., Malorie Bankhead, Livermore, Calif., Rebecca Vraspir, Laramie, Wy., Jackson Alexander, Anadarko, Okla., and Mandy-Jo Laurent, Winnsboro, Texas were chosen as the 2010 National Beef Ambassador Team winners at the annual competition, funded in part by the beef checkoff, held Oct. 9 to 11 in Fort Smith, Ark. Contestants were judged in the areas of consumer promotion, classroom presentation, media interview technique and issues response.

Contestants from throughout the country vied for a place on this elite team of agriculture advocates and $5,000 in cash prizes sponsored exclusively by Groseta Ranches, LLC. Additionally five educational scholarships totaling $3,750 were given by the American National CattleWomen Foundation, Inc. For the past three years, one Beef Ambassador has been chosen for a prestigious USDA internship in Washington D.C.

While preparing for this national beef promotion and education competition, youth across the nation learn about beef and the beef industry within their family and with support from state CattleWomen, Cattlemen's associations and state beef councils. The preparation highlights industry issues of current consumer interest. Winners of the state competitions compete at the national level receiving additional media training. After the event, as youth ambassadors, they speak to industry issues and misconceptions, while educating peers and others about food safety, nutrition and the Beef Checkoff Program at consumer events, in the classroom and online.

Read more about the new Beef Ambassadors!

The Beef Ambassador program is a shining example of of not only the outstanding caliber of young people involved in beef production, but it also highlights the importance of actively promoting agriculture. These young adults will have a busy and exciting year ahead of them. As has been the case with previous ambassadors, we should expect to see great things from this group.

No comments: