South Dakota seeking new beef ambassadors

PIERRE — The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) is seeking youth beef industry enthusiasts to compete in the 2014 South Dakota Beef Ambassador Contest in Huron, SD, at the Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center on July 24, 2014.

The contest is open to youth ages 8 to 20. The South Dakota Beef Ambassador Contest provides participating youth with the skills and information needed to educate consumers and fellow students about beef nutrition, food safety, best animal handling practices, and environmental stewardship.

The South Dakota Beef Ambassador’s Contest involves three age divisions: beginner (ages 8-11), junior (ages 12-16), and senior (ages 17-20). Senior contestants must be 17 but not over 20 years old by Sept. 1, 2015, and will compete in the National Beef Ambassador Contest in the fall of 2015. Senior and junior contestants will be judged in four categories: Media Interview, Consumer Promotion, Education & Outreach/Personal Interview, and Issues Response. Youth in the beginners’ division will be judged solely on a 3-5 minute presentation. Senior contestants will be required to complete the Masters of Beef Advocacy Program, an online course about the beef industry.

“The South Dakota Beef Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for youth to learn how to engage in conversation to help answer questions consumers have about modern beef production and the healthful aspects of beef. ,” said Briana Burgers, SDBIC nutrition assistant/director of online communications. “Today’s anti-beef messages are finding their way into the hands of our youth through the various forms of social media. This program is not only an ideal avenue to educate and influence, but also a valuable leadership opportunity with great incentives.”

All participants will receive a cash prize. The winning beginner will be awarded $50. The winning junior will be awarded $200. Finally, the senior finalist will win $500 plus an all-expense paid trip to the National Beef Ambassador Contest in the fall of 2015 (exact national contest date and location TBD).

“Getting involved with the Beef Ambassador Program is an amazing opportunity to share your passion for the industry,” said Kelsey Repenning, 2013 South Dakota Beef Ambassador from Mitchell, SD. “I have loved every chance to tell my beef story to consumers and make an impact on their lives.”

For complete information on the program visit www.sdbeef.org.

The deadline to enter is July 11, 2014.

To find out more about the National Beef Ambassador program go to nationalbeefambassador.org. You can also contact SDBIC Director of Nutrition and Consumer Information Holly Swee at 605-957-5283, hswee@sdbeef.org, or Burgers at 605-359-4027, bburgers@sdbeef.org.