Angus Junior selected as National Beef Ambassador

Fifth-generation Angus breeder Will Pohlman, Prairie Grove, Ark., was recently named part of an elite group of young people responsible for promoting beef to consumers nationwide. Pohlman is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas studying biochemistry and animal science. He joins Rachel Purdy, Wyoming; Alicia Smith, Texas; Kalyn McKibben, Oklahoma; and Demi Snider, Ohio, as a member of the 2015 National Beef Ambassador Team.

Representatives were selected at the annual National Beef Ambassador competition, which is funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and managed by the American National CattleWomen, Inc., contractor to the beef checkoff. Twenty senior contestants ages 17-21, were judged in the areas of consumer promotion, education and outreach strategy, media interview technique and issues response at the event held in Denver.

Contestants from throughout the country vied for a place on this team of agriculture advocates and $5,000 in cash prizes sponsored exclusively by Farm Credit. Additionally, five educational scholarships totaling $5,000 were given by the American National CattleWomen Foundation, Inc. and Monsanto.

This year’s contest also hosted a junior competition for youth beef industry advocates ages 12-16. Ten passionate contestants vied for cash prizes, competing in three judged categories: consumer promotion, media interview technique and issues response.

The first place winner was Phillip Saunders, Virginia. The second place winner was Bret Lee, Louisiana, and the third place winner was Abbey Schiefelbein, Minnesota. They all took home checks sponsored exclusively by Farm Credit for their top scores.

While preparing for this national beef promotion and education competition, youth across the nation learn about beef and the beef industry with support from state CattleWomen and 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 where they receive additional training.

After the event, the youth ambassadors speak to industry issues and misconceptions and educate their peers and meal-time decision makers about beef nutrition, cattle care, safety and more during consumer events, in the classroom and online.

Follow the National Beef Ambassadors on Twitter at @beefambassador and visit www.nationalbeefambassador.org or www.ancw.org for more information.