2007 Montana CattleWomen State Beef Cook-off - August 1, 2007 - , State Fair, Great Falls, MT. The winner for 2007 was Louise T. Hachigian.

Ten contestants presented versatile, nutritious and palate pleasing "Quick and Easy Beef Dishes" to the judges at the Montana CattleWomen Annual Adult Beef Cook-Off held at the Family Living Center during the Montana State Fair in Great Falls, August 1, 2007.  Contestants had to present a BEEF main dish that included a serving for four people with four ounces of beef per serving, using only six ingredients, not including spices or seasonings, and with a preparation time of 30 minutes or less.  Each contestant made her or his entire BEEF dish during the event.

First place winner of $150 was Louise Hachigan with her award-winning Cowboy Stuffed Peppers, second place winner of $75.00 was Alma Winberry with her Beef Tenderloin with Tomato Butter and third place winner of $50.00 was Judith Thurman with African Babooti.  All ten contestants presented BEEF to please the palate.

Before the contest began, the Montana CattleWomen presented a demo featuring two 2005 National Beef Cook-Off Recipes, Carnitas-Style Beef Tacos, from the Grilled Beef Category and Porcini-Dusted Steaks with Horseradish Crust, from the Inspired By Category, both recipes were made with the Flat Iron Steak.  Beef recipes and literature were available to the public while they sampled.

TheAdult Beef Cook-Off was made possible with funding from the Montana Beef Producers with their $1.00 per head check off dollars.  Paulette Keller, Past President, Montana CattleWomen chaired the event in cooperation with the Cascade County Extension and County Agent, Jona McNamee.

    Each year Montana CattleWomen sponsors a Beef Ambassador Contest in compliance with the National Contest Rules and Regulations. The State Contest is sponsored by Montana CattleWomen with project funding from the Montana Beef Council. The National Beef Ambassador Program is sponsored by the American National CattleWomen, Inc., in cooperation with the Cattlemen's Beef Board.
     To receive more information about the Montana Beef Ambassador Program, contact Beef Ambassador Chair Linda Davis at linda@LazyVBar.com .
     To receive more information about the National Beef Ambassador Program, contact National Project Manager Carol Abrahamzon at cabrahamzon@beef.org .

2008 National Beef Ambassador Contest Caitlin Williams, Tucson, Arizona won the title of 2008 National Beef Ambassador at the annual competition, held Oct. 18-20 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The competition was established on behalf of cattle producers in 1988 and is funded by the beef checkoff.
    Twenty-one contestants from throughout the country vied for the national title and $5,000 in cash prizes sponsored exclusively by Tyson Foods, Inc.  Additionally three educational scholarships totaling $2,250 were given by the American National CattleWomen Foundation, Inc.  Williams received $2,500 cash and a $1,000 college scholarship.
    Second place went to Jennifer Rassler, Kempton, PA, who received $1,200 and a $750 scholarship.
    Third place winner Leticia Varelas, Hope, New Mexico, received $800 and a $500 scholarship.
    Michelle Wiggley, CA and Beth Wood, WY received $250 each as honorable mention awards.

    Caitlin Williams, a sophomore at the University of Arizona is pursuing a degree in Agriculture Education.  Her favorite thing to do is work toward her goals, step back and see the rewards of her hard work.  She strives to do her best in anything she puts her efforts into and believes that dedication is the key to any success.  She devotes her life and time to agriculture and the beef industry and feels that she can make a positive difference in the lives of many through education and promotion.
    While preparing for this national speaking 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 National Beef Ambassador Competition presented a speech about the promotional aspects of beef, completed interviews with media and beef-industry representatives and attended a checkoff-funded educational workshop titled "Telling the Beef Production Story.

• Character development
• Creative and critical thinking
• Interpersonal communication
• Practical knowledge
• Vocational preparation