2009 Oklahoma Beef Ambassadors named

The 2009 Oklahoma Beef Ambassador Competition was recently held in Stillwater, Okla., as one of the lead off events of the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association Summer Preview. About a dozen contestants were at the Payne County Fairgrounds for the event and winners in the three divisions include:

—Senior Division, first place, Jackson Alexander, Anadarko; second place, Shelby Stidham, Stillwater; —Junior Division, first place K.C. Barnes, Hulbert; second place, Levi Shelby, Madill; third place, Chasey Hull, Poteau;

—Novice Division, first place, Vivian Hasenbeck, Elgin; second place, Will Shelby, Madill; third place, Michelle Helm, Geary.

The mission of the contest is to train spokespersons for the beef industry, by providing an opportunity for youth to educate consumers and youth about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of the beef industry.

There are two areas of competition, the media interview and a mock consumer promotion event.

The contestants participated in a mock media interview. The interviewer asked pre-determined questions with the option to ask follow-up questions. A panel of judges observed the interaction for knowledge, articulation, poise and each contestant’s ability to “Tell the Beef Production Story” and present the beef industry positively.

A mock consumer promotion event was set up for the contestants. Each contestant was provided a beef “sample” to serve as well as industry production and nutrition literature and recipe pamphlets. “Consumers” approached the table and asked questions to determine the contestant’s knowledge, ability to perform in the field and positive representation of the beef industry. A panel of judges observed each contestant on ability to educate the consumer and provide consumers with appropriate information.

All information provided by the contestants must be factual, based on data provided on the Beef-From-Pasture-to-Plate website at www.beeffrompasturetoplate.org, and through personal research.

Prizes for the Novice and Junior divisions were first place, $100; second place, $75; third place, $50. The prizes for the Senior Division were first place, $850 and an all-expense paid trip to the national contest; second place, $200; third place, $100. The contest was sponsored by the Oklahoma CattleWomen, Inc. For more information, call 405-235-4391.