Junior leaders: Apply to become the next Angus Ambassador

ST. JOSEPH, MO -- The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) is beginning its search for the next Angus Ambassador. It’s an elite position that provides an opportunity for a one-year term as spokesperson for the NJAA’s nearly 6,000 members, and connects with cattle producers, consumers and industry professionals nationwide. Applications are available online and must be submitted by June 15.

“As the Angus Ambassador, one junior member is given the opportunity to take his or her passion for Angus cattle to the next level by networking with other Angus producers and beef industry professionals, and by traveling to and attending a variety of engaging events over the course of the year,” says Jaclyn Clark, American Angus Association director of events and education.

Currently serving as the 2015-2016 Angus Ambassador is Will Pohlman of Prairie Grove, Ark. Pohlman is a junior at the University of Arkansas studying biochemistry and animal science. He will apply to medical school in the fall.

“It’s a really beneficial way to make new connections, travel to new places and push the limits of what a junior in the Angus Association can do,” Pohlman says. “It’s a great opportunity to make connections with older Angus breeders as you transition out of the junior program.”

The chosen Angus Ambassador will travel to the following events:

• American Angus Association Orientation in Saint Joseph, MO;

• Angus Convention in Indianapolis, IN;

• Certified Angus Beef Building Blocks Seminar in Wooster, OH;

• Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Nashville, TN;

• Beef Improvement Federation Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Athens, GA; and

• Guiding Outstanding Angus Leaders (GOAL) Conference in Canada.

Additonal and existing travel may vary based on the selected ambassador’s location, schedule and availability.

To be eligible for the Angus Ambassador competition, applicants must be Association members in good standing, between the ages 17-20 as of Jan. 1, who own purebred Angus cattle. They must submit a cover letter, résumé and two essay responses. Applications can be found online.

Pohlman encourages all junior members to apply for the position: “If you’re on the fence about it, go ahead and apply. Definitely get your application together and submit it. It’ll be worth it in the long haul.”

All applications must be postmarked by June 15 and sent to the Association’s Events and Education Department, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.

Once the applications are reviewed, five finalists will be invited to the Association headquarters on July 21 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.

For more information, please visit the NJAA website at www.angus.org/njaa.