Press Release   March 2006

WANTED: YOUTH TO SPEAK FOR BEEF

            The 2006 South Dakota Beef Ambassador program is searching for energetic, knowledgeable, and motivated individuals to be representatives for the beef industry. The South Dakota Beef Ambassador competition will be held in Huron in conjunction with the Summer Spotlight All Breeds Show.  The contest will be held in the Beadle County 4-H Office on Friday, July 28.

            The state competition is open to beginners (10-12), juniors (13-16), and seniors (17 by Jan.1, 2005, but not over 20 as of Oct.1, 2005). Contestants may enter the state competition more than once unless they are a past senior winner. However the national competition can only be entered once.

            The contestant will present a five-to-eight-minute presentation.  It can be a specific idea or an overview about beef and/or the beef industry and must be based on facts provided in the information from the American National CattleWomen.

                The purpose of the Beef Ambassador competition is to train spokespersons for promotion of beef and the beef industry.  Through preparation for the competition contestants gain knowledge about the nutritional value, the economic value, cooking principles, safe handling and versatile use of beef and to understand the importance of beef as an agricultural product.  Focus is to be on the positive impact of the industry, our economy and our families as producers and consumers. The state and national competition will enhance personal leadership, career opportunities, speaking skills and everlasting friendships. 

            Each contestant will be presented with monetary gifts of at least $50, a South Dakota Beef Ambassador shirt, and other prizes.  The senior winner will receive a South Dakota Beef Ambassador fleece jacket, an all expense-paid trip to compete and represent South Dakota in the national competition to be held in Minneapolis October 5-7, 2006, as well as other monetary and special gifts.

            The state competition is sponsored by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and contributions from beef-related organizations and individuals.  The South Dakota CattleWomen will host the event with the Southern Belle CattleWomen coordinating.  We are proud to offer this opportunity for our young people. It is not only educational, but fun and exciting.

For rules/regulations and information go to www.nationalbeefambassador.org, or contact Ruth Anne Farnsworth, R.R. 3, Box 105, Carter, S.D. 57580, 605-879-2497, or Kodi Blotsky, HC 14, Box 41, Valentine, Neb., 69201, 605-378-3845.

South Dakota Beef Ambassador Program:

Encouraging spokespersons & creating opportunities for promotion of the beef industry.