Suggested Lead: Caitlin Williams, Tucson, Ariz., won the title of 2008 National Beef Ambassador at the annual competition, held Oct. 18-20 in New Orleans, La. The competition was established on behalf of cattle producers in 1988 and is funded by the Beef Checkoff. Williams, a sophomore at the University of Arizona, is pursuing a degree in Agriculture Education and is part of the Collegiate Cattle Growers Association. She devotes her life to agriculture and the beef industry and feels that she can make a positive difference in the lives of many through education and promotion…tape
Cut #1 :32 O.C...”the pig operations.”
Being am ambassador gives Williams the opportunity to do what she loves: speak about the beef industry and through words, educate and promote the beef industry. But in order to be effective, she says you have to have passion…tape.
Cut #2 :22 O.C...”is your passion.”
The industry has hopes that our trained youth stay in agriculture. Williams describes her future vision and plan after her college career, not her beef ambassador role, is over...tape
Cut #3 :33 O.C...”for the USDA.”
Beef ambassadors are required to complete one media interview (local, state or national, print, radio or television media); two classroom presentations – made to elementary level 3rd or 4th grade students; two consumer promotions – consumer events such as in-store demonstrations and health fairs; and one issues response – an editorial piece written in response to a negative beef industry article included in the national registration package. These trained youth ambassadors ultimately address industry issues and misconceptions, while they help educate peers and consumers about food safety, nutrition and the Beef Checkoff Program. For more information go to www national beef ambassador dot org (www.nationalbeefambassador.org).
The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval. For more information, visit www dot beef board dot org (www.beefboard.org).
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