The National Beef Ambassador Program is funded in part by the national beef checkoff, and managed by the American National Cattlewomen on behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The program identifies and trains young people to be effective advocates and spokespersons for the beef industry, helping to promote beef demand. Amanda Nolz, a high school senior from Mitchell, South Dakota, was recently named the winner of the National Beef Ambassador Competition held in Austin, Texas. Even at her young age, Amanda has an extensive background in the beef business.

Cut #1         :24          Outcue: "...the agriculture industry."

She credits her grandmother for getting her involved in the National Beef Ambassador Program.

Cut #2         :17          Outcue: "...come true for me."

Amanda took a unique approach in crafting her winning presentation.

Cut #3         :25          Outcue: "...they provide us."

She noted that the National Beef Ambassador Competition was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cut #4         :35          Outcue: "...for the best, I guess."

As she heads off to college next year, Amanda pledges to stay involved in promoting the beef industry.

Cut #5         :25          Outcue: "...really great opportunity."

The national Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, a group of 108 beef producers appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.  They represent producers from coast-to-coast and volunteer their time to help identify programs that can help increase beef demand.  The checkoff was created in the 1985 Farm Bill, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle and a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

The American National CattleWomen, Inc. is a trade association of America's affiliated CattleWomen, with the primary focus of promotion and consumer education regarding beef as a safe and nutritious food, and the production of beef cattle as an industry.