2001 News Archive
2001 NATIONAL BEEF AMBASSADOR COMPETITON
Crystal Mathews of Carthage, MO, won the title of National Beef Ambassador for 2002 at the National Beef Ambassador Competition October 18-20, 2001 in Little Rock, AR. Mathews is a senior in high school and is currently the FFA state Vice President. She has been very active in 4-H, MO Junior Cattlemen’s Association, and is owner of 35 head of cattle. Mathews is very active in her church and school activities for instance, sports, student government, National Honor Society, Math Club, Future Teachers of America, and DARA Role model. She enjoys dancing and singing. He future career ambition is to be in Agriculture Education. Twenty-seven contestants from around the country vied for the national title and for $4,500 in cash prizes distributed among the top 3 places, and 3 scholarships totaling $2,000 in scholarships from the American National CattleWomen Foundation. Mathews received $2,500 cash and $1,000 scholarship to a school of her choice. Andrew John Dunckelman, Houma, LA, received $1,200 and $500 scholarship to a school of his choice. Third place and $800 and $500 scholarship to a school of his choice went to Scott Poague, Auburn, AL. Honorable Mention were: Lindsey Gibson, Arroyo Grande, CA and Alicia Randall, Pine Bluffs, WY.
The National Beef Ambassador Program was conceived in 1988 by the American National CattleWomen, Inc. In 1990, the competition was accredited as a national event by the Cooperative Extension National 4-H Program. In 1995, the American National CattleWomen received beef check-off funding from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board to expand the program which today involves all youth ages 15-19.
The purpose of the National Beef Ambassador Program is to train youth spokespersons for the beef industry. Through preparing for the competition, contestants become knowledgeable about the nutritional and economic values, by-products, food safety, and versatile uses of beef. Trained youth ambassadors can address issues and misconceptions in schools, workplaces and in their communities both urban and rural. Contestants participating in the National Beef Ambassador competition presented a five to eight minute illustrated talk on the promotional aspects of beef and participated in a hands-on beef education workshop.
The national winners have the opportunity to travel throughout the country and speak to various clubs and organizations in both rural and urban settings on behalf of the American National CattleWomen, Inc., and the beef industry.
“This project was funded by beef producers through their $1-per-head checkoff and was produced for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and state beef councils by the American National CattleWomen, Inc.”