Apply today to become beef Trailblazer

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The Beef Checkoff-funded Trailblazers program is seeking applications for its next class of beef advocates.

Trailblazers, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, takes advocacy to the next level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths.

“Over the past two years, the Trailblazers program has proven to be a dynamic and effective program for advocates seeking to develop their skill set, while building an interconnected community of elite advocates from across the country,” said Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development at NCBA.

“If you are an advocate and seeking a chance to be empowered on your advocacy journey, apply today and help safeguard the work of cattle farmers and ranchers.”

The Trailblazers program is looking for new spokespeople to participate in a yearlong hands-on program designed to train, equip and empower beef advocates.

Selected candidates receive training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef-related practices when talking to consumers.

Each year, 10 new Trailblazers are selected to create a tight-knit community that works together to find solutions to social and practical issues impacting the beef community.

Throughout the year, Trailblazers receive advanced in-person and virtual training from subject matter experts, learning how to effectively engage on various social media platforms, interact with the media and enhance public speaking skills.

Upon completion of the program, Trailblazers serve as industry spokespeople and inform beef advocates at the local and state levels on advocacy, media and spokesperson best practices.

“My favorite part of being a Trailblazer has been the networking and relationship building with people who are as passionate about the cattle and beef communities as I am,” said Kacy Atkinson of Wyoming.

“Not only will you develop a supportive group of friends and cheerleaders you will find invaluable, but the program will also connect you to people within the community that will serve as mentors and resources, willing to help you meet the goals you have for yourself and push you to grow to become an even better advocate.”

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 8 and selected participants will be notified mid-January, upon completing the review process.

Applicants must be 21 years of age, have completed their Masters of Beef Advocacy certification and provide at least two references with their online application.

To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/s9kj7sax. For more information, contact Mulvaney at cmulvaney@beef.org.