The new Hardin County Beef Ambassador Program (HCBAP) provides an opportunity for youth to educate consumers and students about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of the beef industry. 

The Beef Ambassador Team will promote the beef industry as they develop skills of leadership, communication and self-confidence.  The Beef Ambassador Program seeks to educate team members about the beef industry so that they may be better prepared to tell their own story regarding agriculture.

To compete in the HCBAP annual contest, participants must be 14-19 years of age as of January 1, 2015.  Participants or their families do not need to be actively involved in the beef industry; however, the participant must be a member of the Hardin County Cattle Producers at the time of application. 

Upon entrance into the HCBAP, contestants must prepare a short statement (30 words or less) outlining their message to consumers and submit the statement with the application.  This statement will be used to compliment further performance during the contest to determine the program’s strongest contestants.

Individuals may compete for a place on the ambassador team as long as they are eligible.  Contestants may not enter any competition to serve as an ambassador for a competitive commodity group while serving as a Hardin County Beef Ambassador.  Applications must be returned by March 13 to the OSU Extension Office, Hardin County, or to Holli Underwood at 18917 County Road 155, Ridgeway, OH 43345 or email applications to [email protected].

The Hardin County Cattle Producers are offering up to five-$500 scholarships to qualified students for the 2015-2016 school year.  Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who themselves or their parents are current members of the Hardin County Cattle Producers or currently have a beef cattle project in either 4-H or FFA. 

For an application, please contact the FFA Advisor or high school guidance counselor at any of the county schools.  You can also download an application from hardin.osu.edu or pick one up at the OSU Extension office located at 1021 West Lima Street, Suite 103 in Kenton. 

Completed applications and transcripts are to be submitted to the Hardin County Extension Office by March 23rd.  Questions regarding the scholarship process can be directed to Paige Guenther at 937-243-5315.  The Hardin County Beef Banquet will be held March 28th, starting at 6:00 pm in the Community Building at the fairgrounds.