July 29, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Laurin Spraberry, public relations and communications intern, at 816-383-5100 or printern@angus.org; or

Jaclyn Upperman, director of junior activities, at 816-383-5100 or jupperman@angus.org.

PHOTOS:  Available upon request at 816-5155 or prphotos@angus.org.

Angus Selects Youth Breed Ambassador

Nebraska’s Maci Lienemann to represent Angus at industry events throughout the next year.

     The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) announces Maci Lienemann of Princeton, Neb., as the 2013-2014 Angus Ambassador, serving a one-year term as a spokesperson for the organization’s nearly 6,000 members at cattle industry events across the United States and Canada.

“Angus is known as the business breed because of all the potential the Association has to offer to cattlemen,” Lienemann says. “As the Angus Ambassador, I will hear other people’s stories from every sector of the industry, and possibly help someone get started in the Angus business, which will ultimately improve the sustainability of the nation’s cow herd.”

Lienemann, an animal science sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was named the new Angus Ambassador during a competition held July 25 at the American Angus Association^® headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo. Joining Lienemann in the group of top finalists were:  Emma Jumper, Paragould, Ark.; Jacob Steph, Tatum, Texas; and Jennifer Keyes, Springfield, Neb.

“The Angus Ambassador program is an excellent opportunity for Angus youth to represent our entire organization,” says Jaclyn Upperman, Association director of junior activities. “I have full confidence that all of our candidates have bright futures ahead, and we are fortunate to have these young people as part of our breed.”

A proud and passionate beef producer, Lienemann can trace her love for Angus cattle back to one of her earliest childhood memories: conducting cattle shows in her family’s living room. She started by helping her dad, Trevor Lienemann, around their family’s operation, Lienemann Cattle Company. When she was 10 years old, he paid her with her first Angus heifer. Since then, she has built her personal herd up to 20 registered Angus cattle. She has also participated in numerous NJAA contests and events over the years.

To be considered for the position, earlier this spring, each junior member submitted a cover letter, résumé and two essay responses. The top candidates were invited to the Association to give a 15-minute presentation addressing current beef industry challenges.

The current cattle inventory was the topic of Lienemann's presentation, and she discussed how the industry needs long-term solutions to ensure sustainable beef production in the years to come. Lienemann offered five potential solutions to the inventory challenges: anticipating improved weather conditions, continuing advancements in genetic research, developing advocates for the beef industry, and encouraging young people to get involved in the beef business.

Funded by the Angus Foundation, the Angus Ambassador will represent the breed at industry events throughout the United States and Canada, including the National Angus Conference and Tour in New York; a Certified Angus Beef ^® Building Blocks Seminar in Wooster, Ohio; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.; the Beef Improvement Federation Annual Research Symposium and Convention; and the Guiding Outstanding Angus Leaders (GOAL) Conference in Canada.

            Judging this year’s competition were Kara Lee, Certified Angus Beef^® supply programs manager; Chris Stallo, Association assistant director of information systems; Tonya Amen, Association genetic service director; Doug Schroeder, Association Board of Directors; and James Humphrey, University of Missouri Extension.

For more information about the NJAA or the Ambassador program visit www.ANGUS.org.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. 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. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by nearly 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.ANGUS.org.

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