Today there are tons of programs involving youth in Agriculture. For many of us what comes to mind is programs like 4-H and FFA. These are both programs that I was heavily involved with as a youth in Arkansas, but there are so many more opportunities for professional development, networking, character building, and getting the opportunity to learn about Agriculture on a national level.
Today I want to feature the National Beef Ambassador Blog. This blog caught my eye for many reasons. The main reason being that there are several youth involved in the National Beef Ambassador program that author the blog and share their experiences not only in program activities, but also day-to-day activities while being involved in the Beef industries. Ellie Hoffschneider is one of these Ambassadors and I asked her to share a little about the blog and her story of being involved in Agriculture.
The National Beef Ambassador blog is by the National Beef Ambassadors a group of 5 young people traveling across the US spreading the good word about the Tasty nutritious beef. The National Beef Ambassador program has been going for more than 20 years and each team serves one year (jan 1-dec 31) The blogs goal is to provide touch both consumers and farmers/ranchers. We want to help consumers understand more about how their beef is raised, and educate and encourage farmers/ranchers to share their stories. Each ambassador has a day of the week. Becky, WY-Mondays, Mandy-Jo, TX-Tuesdays, Ellie, NE-Wednesdays, Jackson, OK-Thursdays, and Malorie, CA-Fridays. Each blogger also posts their blog to the facebook page (National Beef Ambassadors) and twitter page on their day. Every ambassador has an agriculture background, and we all have a passion for sharing our stories.
I grew up in Eastern Nebraska with a small registered Angus herd. My passion for cattle stems from my grandfather Otto, a man with a big heart, big smile, and a love for his cows. I never met him, as he passed away before I was born, but every time I work with our cattle, I feel just a bit closer to him. I have enjoyed showing cattle in 4-H, FFA, and as a member of the National Jr. Angus Assoc. My second passion is speaking. I love communicating, and have been combining both passions since my first speech about my bucket calf at age 8. I am currently a Sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agricultural Journalism. I plan to continue to serve as a beef ambassador my entire life, and hope to serve as a voice for agriculture as my career, and of course, continue my own small herd of Angus cattle.
Ellen also have a personal blog www.nebeefgal.blogspot.com You can find many of the beef Ambassadors sharing their story on Facebook and Twitter so be sure to look them up as well!
Do you have a story related to being involved in a similar youth organization? Send me your story so I can share it as well! agricultureproud@hotmail.com
