Beef Bash 2006

                
Youth Beef Team

Involving younger generations is crucial to keep the industry alive and flourishing. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation (ICF) fosters involvement of youth through the Youth Beef Team. This program trains and educates young beef industry advocates to positively promote Iowa’s Beef industry.

A training session equips youth with the knowledge and skills to conduct beef promotional activities in their own and surrounding communities. Activities include presentations, letters to the editor, farm tours, brochure and recipe distributions, beef grilling events and more.

“Involvement in the Youth Beef Team was beneficial to me. I felt I was helping to promote my family’s livelihood and I gained speaking skills, rewards and friends across the state.”

- Charise Carstensen, Odebolt

Young people are rewarded for their efforts as they earn points for completed activities. Prizes are awarded according to points earned.

A year-end awards event called “Beef Bash” is held to recognize youth for their efforts. In addition to receiving prize awards, young people participate in skill-building exercises, informational workshops and industry tours. Additionally, senior beef team members are eligible to compete for college scholarships.

As of June 2006, more than 900 young people have been trained and more than $35,000 in scholarships have been awarded to young people involved in the Youth Beef Team program.