Agricultural Communication and Journalism Student Named Beef Ambassador

Leann Fox, a sophomore studying agricultural communication and journalism at Utah State University, has been named the 2014 beef ambassador by the Utah Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Associations.

The beef ambassador is responsible for representing the beef industry at important events, including the Utah State Fair and Bear Lake Raspberry Days. The ambassador also represents the beef industry by setting up sample booths in grocery stores and giving presentations at elementary schools.

“They really want me to share my ag story,” Fox said.

Fox was selected after a one-night competition, which required candidates to complete a mock media interview, write an issue response and participate in a mock presentation. During these events, Fox corrected misconceptions, promoted lean beef as a healthy dietary choice and addressed concerns about the safety and humane conditions of beef production. In addition to the ambassador position, Fox also received a scholarship to apply toward her education at USU.

Nikki Weston, chair of the beef ambassador program, said she believes Fox will excel as beef ambassador.

“Her communication skills are fabulous,” Weston said. “She is so proactive. She called me, wondering what she could do to prepare.”

Fox will be responsible for leading the beef ambassador team, which includes second place winner Kamery Olsen from Utah County and third place winner Maya Andersen from Carbon County. In addition to her responsibilities in Utah, Fox will also compete in September at the National Beef Ambassador Program competition in Denver.

Fox said her personal experiences working on her dad’s ranch and her education at USU were key to her success at the competition. Through her education, Fox said, she has developed a better understanding of public expectations, the ability to calmly deal with the media and the skills required to write professionally without bias.

Fox is actively involved in the university’s Agricultural Communication Club, and credits the program for giving her the skills she needed to win the award.

“The ag communication program really supports its students,” Fox said.

Fox has also served as an intern at ABC news and spends her summers fighting fires. After graduation, Fox said she would like to move home and write the agricultural beat for her local newspaper or work in media relations for a large agricultural company.

USU College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Contact: Leann Fox, leannfox@aggiemail.usu.edu

Writer: Lyndi Larson, 435-237-9489, lyndi.perry@usu.edu