Nebraska

The third annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium Nov. 5 to 7 will offer high school students across the state opportunities to learn more about careers and current issues in the beef industry.

The three-day event will be at the Animal Science Complex on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus.

This year six $500 College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources scholarships will be presented during the awards luncheon.

"This educational symposium will allow students to practice their leadership skills in a community setting while defining their career paths and encouraging their interests in pursuing a college degree," said Dennis Brink, UNL animal scientist.

The symposium will begin with a presentation on goal setting and leadership development. Several hands-on presentations are planned on assuring beef quality and the latest technologies in meat science. Presentations ranging from food safety to international beef promotions also will be a part of the program.

The symposium will conclude with a career opportunity panel discussion and banquet. UNL graduates serve as panel members and give their perspective on the importance of a college education and what it takes to make it in the "real world." Several careers within the beef industry also will be represented by panel members.

A business simulation called Beefville will again be a part of the symposium. In Beefville, students take on characters and roles within a community.

"It is important to be active in your community," a past participant said about the simulation. "If you want to make a difference you have to be involved."

Registration of $50 must be received by Oct. 15. Registration includes all materials, meals and lodging.

For more information about the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium, including a schedule and registration form, visit the website http://animalscience.unl.edu/youth/beefsymp.htm or contact Brink at 402-472-6446 or e-mail dbrink@unlnotes.unl.edu.

The departments of animal science and agricultural leadership, education and communication in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL; the Nebraska Beef Council; Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation, Nebraska Corn Board, Cargill, Inc., Sweet Bran, Midwest PMS, and 22 other beef producers and allied groups are sponsoring the symposium.