Contact:           Carol Abrahamzon                    507-724-3905      cabrahamzon@beef.org

                        Diane Henderson                      303-850-3645        dhenderson@beef.org 

(Editor’s note: Attached is an electronic photo of Anna Groseta for use with story, if desired. ) 

STUDENT REPLACES BEEF AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE

WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTERNSHIP

Anna Groseta Earns Honor Based on Strong Ambassador Performance 

CENTENNIAL, COLO. - (Jan. 25, 2006) – Anna Groseta, whose family raises cattle in Arizona, has been appointed to a U.S. Department of Agriculture internship in Washington D.C. for the summer of 2006.  Groseta was selected for the position based on her scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities – including extensive experience in the livestock industry – and her tenure as a 2005 National Beef Ambassador. 

The National Beef Ambassador program is coordinated on behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board by the American National CattleWomen, Inc. Beef Ambassadors are chosen based on their dedication to the cattle industry, as well as their qualifications and ability to present the beef message to both industry and consumer audiences.  They each spend a year representing the industry at various functions throughout the country.    

Anna will serve the internship with the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Livestock and Seed Program.  She will also be exposed to other AMS activities that cover a wide range of commodities, including fruits and vegetables, poultry, cotton and dairy. 

The Livestock and Seed Program’s primary objective is to provide timely, high-quality, unbiased service that facilitates the orderly marketing and distribution of agricultural commodities, while simultaneously fostering goodwill in the global marketplace.   

As an agricultural economics major at the University of Arizona, with excellent grades in a rigorous curriculum, Anna was an ideal candidate for an internship, according to Jennifer Utz, who coordinates internships on behalf of the Livestock and Seed program.  “Anna’s experience as the 2005 National Beef Ambassador provided the opportunity to work with a number of consumer and producer groups, which fits with the Livestock and Seed Program mission,” Utz says. “In addition, her leadership positions with the University’s Agriculture Sorority and Arizona Association FFA clearly demonstrated her ability to communicate effectively, solve problems and make things happen.” 

“I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity, and I owe it all to the National Beef Ambassador Program for allowing me to network in our industry,” says Anna. “Being able to have an internship in Washington D.C. is something I’ve dreamed of since I was in middle school, and now that it’s finally happening, it’s hard to believe.  The best part is that I can be involved in my life-long passion – agriculture.” 

Anna is the daughter of Andy and Mary Beth Groseta of Cottonwood, Ariz. Andy, a third-generation cattle rancher, has been active in state and national cattle organizations for many years, and currently serves as vice chairman of the Policy Division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).  Mary Beth is active in the Arizona Cowbelles.  

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 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.

The American National CattleWomen, Inc., is one of the longest standing cattle women organizations, established in 1952 as a national, nonprofit organization.  It is a voice for women who share a passion for the U.S. beef industry, promoting and supporting the industry while encouraging women involved in beef and related agribusiness.