Angus seeks applicants for the next Junior Breed Ambassador

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.

“The Angus Ambassador position has been a great opportunity not only for me, but I think for the entire junior program,” Lienemann says. “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 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.

–National Junior Angus Association