Arkansas Beef Ambassador Bids for National Spotlight

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Kylee Sigmon, Arkansas Beef Ambassador

For Kylee Sigmon, beef is definitely what's for dinner. 

Sigmon, a double major in agricultural communications and agricultural business at the University of Arkansas, is currently serving a one-year term as the 2015 Arkansas Beef Ambassador.  She also will represent Arkansas in the National Beef Ambassador competition in Denver this month.

Supported by the Arkansas Cattlewomen's Association, the Arkansas Beef Ambassador Program uses talented youth leaders to educate the public about beef production and the beef industry. Ambassadors promote the industry through speaking engagements, promotions and online media.

"I just love the beef industry.  I've been involved in it since I was little, and it's a part of who I am," said Sigmon. "I also enjoy communicating and building relationships with people, so the Beef Ambassador position is a perfect fit for someone like me."  

The competition to become the state's Beef Ambassador is divided into age groups, junior, ages 13 to 16 and senior, ages 17 to 20.  Sigmon is this year's senior ambassador.

The state-level contestants compete in three skill areas: media interview, consumer promotion, and issues response. One contestant is selected from each age group to serve as the Arkansas Beef Ambassador for a year term. The following year, the senior state ambassador can compete to become one of five National Beef Ambassadors. Sigmon has held both the junior and senior ambassador positions and is now preparing her for her bid to become a National Beef Ambassador.

"Serving as the Arkansas ambassador is like having a job, but it's a job I love to do," said Sigmon. It keeps me engaged in what's going on, and I get to meet so many people who have the same passion I have for the beef industry. Plus, I get to talk to people about all the positive aspects of raising and eating beef."

Arkansas currently has a Beef Ambassador serving on the national team, and Sigmon said she is hopeful that her state can be represented two years in a row.

"Most applicants for the national position spend a full year preparing, but, truly, I started preparing nine years ago," said Sigmon.  

Raised on a 300-acre registered Simmental cow-calf operation in Berryville, Ark., she joined the American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) and started showing cattle when she was 8.

Sigmon said that the AJSA focuses on more than just cattle shows. The AJSA's educational activities and contests prepare future cattlemen and cattlewomen to be advocates for the beef industry.

"Through the AJSA Cattlemen's Quiz and the public speaking competition, that's where I started learning about issues in the agriculture industry," Sigmon said.

Sigmon said she was involved in many other leadership activities in high school that guided her to become the leader she is today. In high school, she was involved in the Berryville FFA, National Honor Society, and Student Council.

"The AJSA and FFA activities in high school gave me the passion I have for the agriculture industry and the drive to run for the National Beef Ambassador position," she said.

So, as Sigmon continues to prepare for her chance at representing the beef industry on a national stage, there's no question about where she will get her fuel, and there's no need to ask what's for dinner.  It will always be beef.