Arizona FFA Students Compete in Second Annual Beef Advocacy Contest
TIFFANY SELCHOW, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MARKETING AND CONSUMER OUTREACH | April 17, 2024
Tiffany Selchow, Arizona Beef Council, with Abigail Hurst, Katherine Johnson and Dylan Erwin.
The second annual Arizona FFA Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) contest kicked off in August 2023, and the awards were announced on February 24, 2024 at the Arizona FFA Spring Conference. The purpose of the MBA Career Development Event is to provide FFA students with knowledge and understanding of beef and the beef lifecycle and the tools to share that information.
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.
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.
This year’s winner, Dylan Erwin from the Basha FFA Chapter, provided an exceptional entry, showcasing his deep understanding of the beef community. Katherine Johnson from the Canyon View FFA Chapter received 2nd place, and 3rd place went to Abigail Hurst from the Dobson FFA Chapter. All entrants demonstrated outstanding knowledge and dedication. These top 3 winners won cash prizes and will join the Arizona Beef Council for an in-person industry tour and steak dinner.
Thank you to the Arizona Cattle Growers’, Arizona Cattle Feeders and Arizona Farm and Ranch Group for sponsoring the prizes.