2002 NATIONAL BEEF AMBASSADOR COMPETITON

Seth Malley, Bentonville, Ark., won the title of National Beef Ambassador for 2002 at the National Beef Ambassador Competition, November 7-9 in Orlando, Fla. The competition is funded by beef producers through their $1-per-head check-off and produced for the Cattlemen's Beef Board and state beef councils by the American National CattleWomen, Inc.

Twenty-two contestants from throughout the country vied for the national title and for $4,500 in cash prizes distributed among the top three places, in addition to three scholarships totaling $2,000 from the American National CattleWomen Foundation, Inc. Malley received $2,500 cash and a $1,000 scholarship to the school of his choice.

Second place goes to Kay Marino, Sonora, Calif., who received $1,200 and a $500 scholarship. Third place of $800 and a $500 scholarship went toWravenna Phipps, Kearney, Neb. Honorable Mentions went to Lora Young, Lansing, N.C., and Katherine Shivy, Laramie, Wyo.

Malley is a member of 4-H, County Teen Leaders, Arkansas Jr. Cattlemen's Association, Arkansas Jr. Maine Anjou Association and the Arkansas Purple Circle Club. He enjoys working with his cattle, public speaking, waterskiing, tennis and friends. His future career ambition is to be in business and marketing.

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 16-19.

The purpose of the National Beef Ambassador Program is to train youth spokespersons for the beef industry. In preparation 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, urban and rural alike. Contestants participating in the National Beef Ambassador competition presented a five to eight minute illustrated talk on the promotional aspects of beef, and also completed a mock interview with media and industry people and participated in a hands-on beef education workshop.

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 during the coming year.

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