People looking to become advocates for the beef industry are encouraged to participate in the yearlong Top of the Class program hosted by the Minnesota Beef Council and the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association.

Applications for the program are now open and will be accepted through April 3. Those selected to participate will be equipped with training to enhance their communication skills and gain knowledge to be sources of information for media outlets, journalists and consumers looking for more information about beef. These leaders will use their voices to extend the reach and impact of the Minnesota Beef Council and Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association. Participants will be extensively trained in media interviews, culinary demonstrations, effective presentations, social media and other timely topics.

Participants will complete a series of three different educational sessions. Dates are as follows:

In-state seminars
Session 1. June 14-15, St. Paul., Minn.
Session 2. Oct. 25-26, St. Paul., Minn.

Out-of-state seminar
Session 3. Jan. 10-12, 2024, Denver

The Minnesota Beef Council is a producer-led, nonprofit organization funded by the Beef Checkoff. Through the Minnesota Beef Council, participants will learn how to teach people about the state’s beef industry with sessions that focus on sharing your story, understanding the nutritional value of beef and working with different types of media.

The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association gives a legislative voice to Minnesota beef producers on a local, regional and national level. The association works closely with many industry partners to maintain a positive business climate for cattle producers through leadership and education. The MNSCA will guide participants in discussing key topics affecting the state’s cattle industry.

After completing a year of training, Top of the Class graduates will join a group of alumni and may be called upon to assist the Minnesota Beef Council and the MNSCA. Such duties may include responding to media requests, identifying local media contacts, being a voice to consumers and educators, ensuring the voice of the cattle industry is heard, or providing aid for any other needs that may arise.

There is a $300 fee for participants. The MBC application and program details can be found online. Interested individuals are asked to send their application to Jon Dilworth, director of industry relations, at [email protected] by April 3.

Source: Minnesota Beef Council