2007 National Beef Ambassador Anxious To Teach - And Learn
Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2006
ANNCR: PEEBLES: Cut #1 :12 Outcue: "...”represent the beef industry.” ANNCR: PEEBLES: Cut #2 :20 Outcue: "...much benefit to the consumer.” ANNCR: PEEBLES: ANNCR:
College sophomore Matthew Peebles is a fifth-generation cattle producer who rides, ropes and now steps into a highly visible industry role as the 2007 National Beef Ambassador, a program for young people funded in part by the beef checkoff.
“I’m so excited about winning the competition—there was such a great group of young people that competed. I’m just ecstatic to have won and have the opportunity to represent the beef industry.”
Peebles has had a commercial herd since age 10 and is passionate about his profession. As ambassador, he’ll travel the country in 2007, attending large events, handing out beef recipes and samples and talking with consumers, especially about facts they may not realize about beef and the beef checkoff.
“Along with my passion, I have the desire to educate others and help them realize that cattle are environmentally friendly—that they are healthy and nutritious and provide so much benefit to the consumer.”
During his travels, Peebles knows that consumers won’t be the only ones getting a great education.
“I’m very much looking forward to the year to promote the beef industry—and to learn more myself.”
The National Beef Ambassador program is a scholarship and leadership development experience for young people, ages 17-20. It was conceived in 1988 by the American National Cattle Women Inc., and in 1990, was accredited as a national event by the Cooperative Extension of the National 4-H Program.
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.
