Animal Science Sophomore Will Promote Beef Industry as Ambassador

Jennifer Rassler, Kempton, placed second in the National Beef Ambassador Contest in New Orleans.  Representing Pennsylvania, Rassler was one of 21 contestants competing from across the country, and she received $1,200 and a $750 scholarship. 

Rassler, a sophomore animal science and ag business management major in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science at Penn State, said she was proud to represent Pennsylvania agriculture and looks forward to promoting the beef industry, and working to keep it strong. Selected as the Pennsylvania Beef Ambassador in March, her national role will continue through October, 2008.

Caitlin Williams, Tucson, AZ, was named the National Beef Ambassador in the contest which was established on behalf of cattle producers in 1988 and is funded by the beef checkoff.  Williams received $2,500 cash and a $1,000 college scholarship.

The daughter of Bryan and Robin Rassler, she grew up on Lynacres Dairy Farm which has nearly 500 registered Holsteins.  In addition to helping to milk after school every day, she fed cows. Over the last few years, with her sister Jordan, Rassler has purchased and bred Red and White dairy cattle, as well as Shorthorn and Simmental cattle, in hopes of eventually selling breeding stock. As a very active member of 4-H, she showed dairy cattle, dairy beef feeder calves, market steers and beef heifers for eleven years.

In an interview in Lancaster Farming newspaper, Rassler credited Penn State professors with being supporting and helpful as she prepared for the contest. Additionally, she was a college classmate of last year's National Beef Ambassador Chris Molinaro, and with Molinaro promoted beef at on-campus events.

 At Penn State, she works in the beef barns and assists with dairy calf research.  She is community service chair for the Block and Bridle Club and serves as co-chair for the Dairy Science Club's holiday cheese sale. 

Contestants in the national contest were vying for over $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.

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.