News Release

South Dakota Beef Ambassador

Top winners in the National Beef Ambassador Competition are, from left to right: Christie Molinaro, Pennsylvania; JoAnna Strom, South Dakota ; Matthew Peebles, Florida ; Amanda Rankin, California ; and Londa Johnson, Minnesota .

South Dakotan Takes Third in National Beef Ambassador Contest

            For the second year in a row, a South Dakota youth has placed in the top category of contestants vying for the National Beef Ambassador Contest. JoAnna Strom, Beresford, took third place among 20 contestants from across the U.S.

            Strom, currently serving as South Dakota Beef Ambassador, received $800 and a $500 scholarship. One year ago, Amanda Nolz, of Mitchell, was the first South Dakotan ever to receive first place in this national speaking competition. As National Beef Ambassador for the past year, Nolz has been traveling the nation speaking on behalf of beef and the beef industry to consumers, the media, and beef producers.

            This year, a Florida youth, Matthew Peebles, won the title of 2007 National Beef Ambassador at the annual competition held October 5-7 in Minneapolis . He took home $2,500 cash and a $1,000 college scholarship. Second place went to Amanda Rankin of California , who received $1,200 and a $750 scholarship. Christie Molinaro, Pennsylvania , and Londa Johnson , Minnesota , received $250 each as honorable mention awards.

            As one of the top contenders in the contest, Strom will also have opportunities to travel as part of the Beef Ambassador program on behalf of beef and beef producers.

            Strom is the daughter of Philip and Dorothy Strom, beef producers south of Beresford. She is a 2006 graduate from Beresford High School and is attending South Dakota State University majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Human Nutrition.

            The National Beef Ambassador competition was established on behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and state beef councils by the American CattleWomen, Inc. (ANCW). The ANCW serves as one of the Beef Board’s contractors for checkoff-funded programs.

            While preparing for the contest, youth learn about the importance of the beef industry and beef as an agricultural product. The program highlights the positive impact the cattle industry has on our economy and families. Trained youth ambassadors address industry issues and misconceptions, while they help educate peers, consumers and producers about food safety, nutrition and the beef checkoff program.

            Contestants participating in the National Beef Ambassador Competition presented a speech about the promotional aspects of beef, completed interviews with media and beef-industry representatives and attended a checkoff-funded educational workshop titled “Telling the Production Story.” The workshop was presented by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and state beef councils.