Hannah Nave earns spot on ambassador team

Hannah Nave, a senior at Cannon County High School, has earned a place on the 2016 National Beef Ambassador Team. The team consists of five young people from across the country who will travel the United States next year sharing the story of beef from pasture to plate with U.S. consumers and students, and visiting with cattle producers about their efforts to advocate for the industry.

Hannah, 17, is the seventh generation to live on Heritage Hollow Farm near Woodbury, Tenn., and has been very involved in agriculture education through 4-H and FFA. She serves as the Tennessee 4-H All Star Chief and Woodbury FFA President.

"The beef ambassador program is important because as the industry's next generation, young people should be educated and trained to tell our story," says Hannah. "I am so excited to serve the beef community of the United States over the next year on the national team."

The National Beef Ambassador Team is made up of young people ages 17-20, and was selected at the 2016 National Beef Ambassador contest in Denver, Colo. Sept. 25-26. Other young people on the team are Mackenzie Kimbro (Arizona), Lauren Schlothauer (New Mexico) Ashtyn Shrewsbury (Nebraska) and Kylee Sigmon (Arkansas). Individuals selected are required to attend a set number of appearances during the year and complete weekly social media activities.

Lindsey Parsley,16, of Readyville, Tenn., was the first runner-up in the Junior Division (ages 13-16) of the competition. Lindsey is a junior at Oakland High School, and hopes someday to secure a career in agricultural communications. She lives on a third generation commercial cow-calf farm, and has a passion for agriculture.

"My experience with the Beef Ambassador Program has been phenomenal," says Lindsey. "I was proud to represent the country music state in this program, which works diligently to educate the next generation of cattle farmers on how to promote the industry."

Young people involved with the beef industry from all across the country competed in three areas: Issues Response Essay, Consumer Promotions and Media Interview. Contest judges observed each contestant on their interaction of knowledge, articulation, poise, and overall ability to effectively educate the consumer.
The National Beef Ambassador Program is sponsored by the American National Cattlewomen. The Beef Ambassador Program in Tennessee is sponsored by the Tennessee Beef Industry Council and the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. Its purpose is to identify and train young people to become spokespersons for the beef industry. Students participating in the program will be better able to help educate consumers and youth about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of the industry.