Candidates sought for Texas Beef Ambassador Speech Competition

The Texas Beef Ambassador Competition gives the beef industry's young leaders a chance to compete for $3,000 and the title of Texas Beef Ambassador. The checkoff-funded program is open to all youth between the ages of 17 to 20, but not over 20 as of Jan. 1, 2009.

During the competition, contestants are asked to deliver a five to eight minute speech on the overall importance of the beef industry, focusing on one common theme throughout the presentation. All information must be factual and referenced at the conclusion of the presentation or cited in written form.

Following the presentation, contestants will be asked questions based on the content of their speech.

They will be evaluated on their beef knowledge during an interview conducted by a panel of judges to determine one-onone communication strengths and weaknesses.

The judges will evaluate contestants by their depth of knowledge, composure, honesty, manners, confidence, humor and ability to think quickly.

Top winners will receive prize money, while the first place winner will also represent the state at various speaking engagements during the year and at the National Beef Ambassador Competition held in the fall of 2008.

The National Beef Ambassador Program is a national, competitive youth public speaking program for the beef industry.

"This is a great opportunity for our state's youth to develop important communication skills while learning more about the beef industry and meeting key leaders," said Melissa Muegge, chair of the Texas CattleWomen Beef Ambassador Competition. "This competition offers not only prize money and a title, but also the chance to travel and speak about the beef industry."

The competition will take place in Corpus Christi on March 15. The deadline to enter is Feb. 1.

For more information about the Texas Beef Ambassador Program, visit the Texas Cattle- Women Web site at www.texascattlewomen. org or contact Melissa Muegge with Texas CattleWomen at (713) 819-4603 or m_muegge2000@hotmail. com; or Rosemary Gambino at (281) 375-8836 or rgambino@consolidated.net.

The Texas Beef Ambassador Competition is funded by The Beef Checkoff Program and supported by the Texas Cattle- Women.