The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) announces Will Pohlman of Prairie Grove, as the 2015-2016 Angus Ambassador, serving a one-year term as a spokesperson for the organization's nearly 6,000 members at cattle industry events across the United States and Canada.
"Angus producers have a responsibility to be advocates," Pohlman says. "As Angus Ambassador there is an ability to empower producers, whether it's one-on-one with consumers at a store or writing articles and giving presentations."
Pohlman, a junior at the University of Arkansas double majoring in biochemistry and animal science, was named the new Angus Ambassador during a competition July 23 at the American Angus Association® headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo. Joining him in the group of top finalists were Haley Throne of Lexington, Ga., Sierra Day of Cerro Gordo, Ill., and Dakota Lovett of Bladen, Neb.
"Will presented himself in a very professional manner and was easily relatable in both his interview and his presentation," says Kasey Brown, Angus Journal associate editor and one of this year's judges. "He had the data to back up his claims and has a very broad knowledge of the beef industry and Angus' role within it."
A former National Beef Ambassador, Pohlman's involvement with the beef business runs deep. His family became involved in the Angus business when he was five and he became involved with the NJAA in 2006 when he attended his first National Junior Angus Show (NJAS).
"As producers, we want to talk to consumers about the benefits of beef and how Angus beef has been marketed," Pohlman says.
To be considered for the ambassador position, each junior member submitted a cover letter, résumé and two essay responses. The top candidates were invited to the American Angus Association headquarters, where they gave a 3-5 minute presentation followed by 5 minutes of questions.
Pohlman's presentation focused on Angus advocacy and how producers can get out and connect with consumers. He revealed that within the conversation of beef and nutrition, Angus producers have a different story to tell. He stressed that with the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand, Angus producers have unique opportunities available to them because of the recognition of the breed.
Funded by the Angus Foundation, the 2015-2016 Angus Ambassador will represent the breed at industry events throughout the United States and Canada, including the 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show; a CAB® Building Blocks seminar in Wooster, Ohio; the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Cattle Industry Annual Convention; the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Research Symposium and Convention; and the Guiding Outstanding Angus Leaders (GOAL) Conference in Canada.
Pohlman received several awards at the 2015 National Junior Angus Show awards ceremony held July 17 in Tulsa, Okla. He received the Arkansas Angus Auxiliary Scholarship and the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) LLC/NJAA Scholarship. He also received a Crystal Award, given to the top boy in contest performance, first place in the senior division of creative writing and achieved first place in senior division prepared public speaking.
For more information about the NJAA or the Angus Ambassador program, visit www.ANGUS.org.
General News on 08/19/2015