May 5, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Carrie Heitman, communications coordinator, at 816-383-5100 or cheitman@angus.org; or
Jaclyn Upperman, director of junior activities, at 816-383-5100 or jupperman@angus.org
ONLINE: Download an Angus Ambassador application
Angus
Seeks Applicants for the Next Junior Breed Ambassador
Submit an
application by June 15 to be considered for the NJAA ambassador position
The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) is now accepting applications for the Angus Ambassador competition. An elite representative for the Angus breed, the ambassador serves a one-year term as spokesperson for the NJAA’s nearly 6,000 members. Applications must be postmarked by June 15.
“In the Angus business, we are fortunate to have an extremely dedicated and talented group of junior members,” says Jaclyn Upperman, American Angus Association®’s director of junior activities. “The selected ambassador is given a chance to interact with other Angus producers, seek out industry mentors and build upon their passion for raising cattle.”
The current Angus Ambassador, Maci Lienemann, says the experience is a solid reassurance of her future in the beef cattle industry. Lienemann is a sophomore studying animal science at the University of Nebraska and hopes to serve the industry through cattle breeding and genetics.
“Being in the ambassador position has been a tremendous opportunity to jump start my career in this industry,” Lienemann says. “Meeting producers, different people within the Association, and countless other influential individuals and organizations will truly be vital someday, especially in genetics with the American Angus Association leading the way.”
Throughout her year as the Angus Ambassador, Lienemann has traveled to a number of industry events throughout the United States and Canada, giving her a complete look at the cattle business from both a domestic and international perspective.
“The Angus Ambassador position has been a great opportunity not only for me, but I think for the entire junior program,” Lienemann says. “When I attend Angus events, I have the privilege to represent the junior membership and show that we want to be involved, and try to bridge the gap between the junior and adult association. I think it will be a positive return in the end for both organizations.”
On July 24, the Association will select a new NJAA member to serve as the Angus Ambassador. While serving in the position, the Ambassador will travel to the Angus Means Business National Convention and Trade Show in Kansas City, Mo.; a Certified Angus Beef® Building Blocks Seminar in Wooster, Ohio; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas; the Beef Improvement Federation Annual Research Symposium and Convention; and the Guiding Outstanding Angus Leaders Conference in Canada.
Additonal travel options vary on the selected ambassador’s location, schedule and availability.
Ambassador applicants must be Association members, ages 17-20 as of Jan. 1, of good standing and who own purebred cattle. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and two essay responses. More information on the application process can be found online.
All applications must be postmarked by June 15 and sent to the Association’s Junior Activities Department, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.
Once the applications are reviewed, five finalists will be invited to the Association headquarters on July 24 to participate in the final round of competition, which includes an interview and formal presentation with a panel of judges. The new Angus Ambassador will be chosen at the conclusion of the day.
“I strongly encourage any junior who is passionate about the breed and the beef industry as a whole to apply,” Lienemann says. “Even being selected as a finalist is a beneficial experience, as you are able to tour the Association headquarters, meet with staff and present to a panel of influential industry leaders.”
About the National Junior Angus Association
The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for more than 6,000 active members nationwide.
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. Explore how the Angus breed impacts every sector of the cattle business – from the feedlot to the meatcase – during the 2014 Angus Means Business National Convention and Trade Show. Hosted by the American Angus Association, the event takes place Nov. 4-6 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo.
Participants will hear from top-flight speakers, conduct Association business, visit the trade show featuring allied industry partners and have the opportunity to attend the first-ever Angus University.
The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. For more information about Angus cattle and the 2014 convention, visit www.ANGUS.org.
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