Texas Tech Student Chosen for 2010 National Beef Ambassador Team
October 27, 2009
Participants were judged on the depth of their industry knowledge, impromptu, informative, verbal expression, composure, confidence, manners and appearance.
Written by: Jessica Behnham
Mandy-Jo Laurent is an agricultural communications major from Winnsboro, Texas.
A Texas Tech University student was chosen as a National Beef Ambassador Contest winner at an event hosted Oct. 9-11 by the American National CattleWomen.
Mandy-Jo Laurent, an agricultural communications major from Winnsboro, was one of five winners chosen. Together the winners will make up the 2010 National Beef Ambassador Team.
Contestants were judged in the areas of consumer promotion, classroom presentation, media interview technique and issues response.
Students from throughout the country competed for a place on the team of agriculture advocates and a chance to win $5,000 in cash prizes sponsored exclusively by Groseta Ranches LLC.
Additionally five educational scholarships totaling $3,750 were given by the American National CattleWomen Foundation Inc.
While preparing for the national beef promotion and education competition, youth across the nation learn about beef and the beef industry with support from state CattleWomen, Cattlemen’s associations and state beef councils.
The preparation highlights industry issues of current consumer interest. Winners of the state competitions compete at the national level, receiving additional media training. After the event, as youth ambassadors, they speak to industry issues and misconceptions, while educating peers and others about food safety, nutrition and the Beef Checkoff Program at consumer events, in the classroom and online.