Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow

Austin Joyce, Pearland, TX., Trevor King, Winnsboro, TX., Jordan Symon, Pearland, TX., Bo/David Williford, Lufkin, TX., were chosen as the 2011 Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Team winners at the annual competition, held recently in College Station, TX.

Austin Joyce the high point winner will go on to represent Texas at the National Beef Ambassador Contest in Rapid City, South Dakota on October 2, 2010.

This competition was established on behalf of cattle producers in 1988 and is funded by the Beef Checkoff. The competition in Texas is hosted by the volunteers of Texas CattleWomen.

Twelve contestants ages 17-20 years old from throughout Texas vied for a place on this elite team of agriculture advocates and $4,000 in cash prizes and $2000 in educational scholarships, a total of $6000 sponsored by the Beef Checkoff and the Butler Foundation.

Austin Joyce, entering Texas A&M University as a freshman, majors in Agricultural Business. He was President of his FFA Chapter and competed in all aspects of FFA. He exhibited Red Brangus cattle and is especially interested in physical fitness.

Trevor King, entering Texas Tech University as a freshman, majors in Agricultural Communications. He served as President of his FFA Chapter and served on the Texas 4H Council. He started showing livestock at an early age showing Jersey, Holstein, Simmental and Brahman heifers. He also played Varsity Basketball and was voted Most Valuable Player.

Jordan Symon, entering Texas A&M University as a freshman, majors in Agricultural Communications. She served as Vice President of her FFA Chapter and was Brazoria County Fair Queen. Showing Santa Gertrudis heifers she currently serves as a Director on the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Board.

Bo/David Williford is entering Texas A&M University as a freshmen studying bio medical science. Throughout high school he participated in the National Honor Society, KYSSED (drug free group), CIA (Christians in Action), Leadership Tomorrow, Student Council, UIL Debate, FFA and 4H.

While preparing for this national beef promotion and education competition, youth learn about the importance of the beef industry and beef as an agricultural product. The program highlights the positive impact the cattle industry has on our economy and families. Trained youth ambassadors address industry issues and misconceptions, while they help educate peers and consumers about food safety, nutrition and the Beef Checkoff Program.

Contestants participating in the Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest were judged in the areas of consumer promotion, classroom presentation, media interview and issues response. Each contestant was trained through a checkoff-funded education workshop sponsored by the Texas Beef Council and presented by Senior Manager of Communications, Erin Johnston.

For more information, visit www.txbeef.org or www.txcattlewomen.org.

Novartis Animal Health (NAH) sponsored the Awards Dinner and the Competition Video. NAH is a leader in developing new and better ways to prevent and treat diseases in pets, livestock and cultivated fish.