Platte Youth Named SD Beef Ambassador

Participants in the SD Beef Ambassador Contests included: from left to right seated--Andy Jensen, Chelsea Rops, Suzanne Swett (SD Beef Ambassador), Jessica Osterman; second row--Morgan and Wyatt Janish, Lyndsey and Austin Effling, and Link Tucker; third row--Kaley Nolz, Gretchen Rops, Katherine Anderson, JoAnna Strom (2006 SD Beef Ambassador), Logan Tucker, and Bailey Hurlbert.

Suzanne Swett, Platte , took home the title of South Dakota Beef Ambassador during the competition July 27 in Huron.     

Swett will now represent the state’s beef industry at a number of events, including the 2008 National Beef Ambassador Contest in New Orleans , La. , October 18-20. The all-expense-paid trip gives her the opportunity to compete in the public speaking and interview contest with other 17 to 20-year-olds from across the United States . She will also have the chance for radio and television appearances throughout the year.

In the South Dakota contest, Jessica Osterman of Conde, and Andy Jensen of Wakonda, took second and third places respectively. In addition to the contest won by Swett, the state-wide event also includes a junior and junior-junior competition. The junior contest winners were first place Bailey Hurlbert, Raymond, and second place Logan Tucker, White River . Kaley Nolz, Mitchell, took first place in the junior-junior contest, while Gretchen Rops, Davis , came in second.

Swett, the daughter of Richard and Barbara, will be a sophomore at Dakota State University majoring in business marketing and graphic design. A member of the South Dakota Simmental Association, Swett has been active in the show ring as well as numerous speaking contests through her participation in 4-H and FFA.

In addition to the all-expense paid trip to the national contest, Swett received cash prizes, South Dakota Beef Bucks, a fleece jacket and other prizes. Each contestant received a Beef Ambassador shirt, cash and other prizes.

The Beef Ambassador Contest trains spokespersons for promotion of beef and the beef industry. Through their preparation for the competition, contestants gain knowledge about the nutritional and economic value of beef, environmental issues facing the industry, as well as cooking principles, safe handling and the versatile use of beef. Senior contestants present a five-to-eight-minute presentation based on facts provided by the American National Cattlemen and American National CattleWomen.

The state competition is sponsored by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council. The South Dakota CattleWomen hosted the event with coordination by the Southern Belle CattleWomen and the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary.

Both the national and state contests are funded in part by America ’s Beef Producers through the $1-per-head Beef Checkoff.