Introducing the 2010 National Beef Ambassadors!

It was certainly a late evening traveling back home from Ft. Smith, Ark. last night, but my adrenaline is still pumping with the excitement as the 2010 National Beef Ambassadors were selected yesterday! I had a fun weekend serving as their keynote speaker and judge for the event, and the caliber of young people who showed up to compete was incredible. I'm proud to say that after an intense weekend of media training, these ambassadors are equipped to represent America's farmers and ranchers in their travels and on the online conversations. As many of you know, in 2006, I was on the National Beef Ambassador Team, a program that enlists youth to become spokespersons for our industry. It was one of the most formative years of my life, and I'm excited for this year's team and the many opportunities that will come their way during the course of the year. After the awards program, I had a chance to interview the team of five whom will be traveling across the country on behalf of all of us beef producers, and I'm excited to introduce the team to all of you today!

I'm proud to introduce the 2010 National Beef Ambassadors: Malorie Bankhead (California), Rebecca Vraspir (Wyoming), Ellen Hoffschneider (Nebraska), Jackson Alexander (Oklahoma), and Mandy-Jo Laurent (Texas). Listen to my interview with the new team below. Congratulations again to all of the participants! I'm certain you will continue to do a great job working on behalf of America's beef producers.

The National Beef Ambassador Program strives to provide an opportunity for youth to educate consumers and students about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of the beef industry. To learn more about the program, link here.