Twenty-two senior contestants ages 17-20, were judged in the areas of consumer promotion, classroom presentation, media interview technique and issues response at the event held in Sacramento, California.

Contestants from throughout the country vied for a place on this elite team of agriculture advocates and $5,000 in cash prizes sponsored exclusively by Farm Credit.

Additionally five educational scholarships totaling $5,000 were given by the American National CattleWomen Foundation, Inc. and Monsanto.


This year’s contest also hosted a junior competition for youth beef industry advocates ages 12-16.  Nine passionate contestants vied for cash prizes, competing in two judged categories:  Media Interview and Consumer Demonstration.  

The first place winner was Austin Gaspard (Louisiana).  This was a repeat first place win for Gaspard, as he was the JR winner in last year’s contest.  The second place winner was Annie Belden (California), and the third place winner was Sage Mijares (New Mexico). They all took home checks sponsored exclusively by Farm Credit for their top scores.    


While preparing for this national beef promotion and education competition, youth across the nation learn about beef and the beef industry with support from state CattleWomen and 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 where they receive additional training. After the event, the youth ambassadors speak to industry issues and misconceptions and educate their peers and meal-time decision makers about beef nutrition, cattle care, safety and more during consumer events, in the classroom and online.

-- American National CattleWomen