Arizona FFA Students Compete in Second Annual Beef Advocacy Contest
TIFFANY SELCHOW, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MARKETING AND CONSUMER OUTREACH | April 17, 2024
To enter, students complete the MBA program, which is funded by the Beef Checkoff Program, then plan, conduct, and evaluate an informational lesson about cattle and/ or beef. Judges score a lesson plan, teaching video, and reflective essay, all developed by the student. 134 of the contestants’ peers were reached in the presentation portion. Each of the students’ advisors are also required to complete the MBA training course.
Edited to add: The ranch tour portion of the prize for our winners was conducted April 27 at the Quarter Circle U Ranch with Jordan Selchow, ranch manager, filling the roll of host. The students and their advisors were welcomed to the ranch for a full tour, learning how it operates to maximize animal care, sustainable land use practices, all while producing a product consumers love and trust. After the tour, contestants, Arizona Beef Council staff, family and friends enjoyed a delicious steak dinner with great company.
"Competing in the FFA Masters of Beef Advocacy Contest was an awesome experience because it helped me explore more about the beef industry. The experience helped me better understand the beef industry and its many facets. I would recommend this contest to anyone who’s looking to develop a broader sense of knowledge about the beef industry as well as increase their skills in agricultural advocacy!!”
"The Masters of Beef Advocacy contest was a very rewarding experience for me. I learned a lot about the beef industry from the online course and through the ranch tour that I went on where I got to see firsthand the work and dedication that goes into this honorable industry. I felt that it also was very rewarding for me to teach a class about beef and correct some of those misconceptions some may have about the welfare of the animals. And when I went on that tour, I knew for sure that I was right, these animals do have great lives and this industry is a good and strong one. I really couldn’t have asked for a better competition. Thank you again for putting on this event!”