Young spokespeople from throughout the state competed in the 2009 California Beef Ambassador Contest recently in a contest organized by the California CattleWomen Inc. and California Beef Council, hosted at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The purpose of the contest was to give California youths an opportunity to learn about the importance of the beef industry while honing their public speaking skills.

Malorie Bankhead, a native of Alameda County and a senior at Livermore High School, won first place in the senior division for ages 17 to 20 and a $400 cash prize.

She will compete in the National Beef Ambassador contest in Fort Smith, Ark., in October.

Bankhead grew up on her family's ranch in Livermore, Calif. She is active in her high school's Future Farmers of America chapter and exhibits market steers, hogs and sheep for the Alameda County Fair.

Bankhead plans to attend Cal Poly this fall, pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture science with a minor in agriculture communications.

Kody Kester, a student at Cal Poly pursuing a bachelor's degree in agribusiness, was selected runner-up and given a $300 cash prize.

Kester grew up on his parents' cattle ranch in San Luis Obispo County and is now active in the Young Cattlemen's Association at Cal Poly and the state level.

The top five contestants in the national competition become part of the National Beef Ambassador Team and will travel throughout the country in 2009 and 2010 promoting beef and the beef industry.

Stacy Stroing, a freshman at Red Bluff High School, was the winner of the junior division, ages 14 to 16, and $200. She is a fifthgeneration cattle producer and is active in her 4-H club and FFA chapter, exhibiting steers and heifers throughout California.

Miriam Cowley, a sophomore at Yreka High School who is also active in 4-H and on the Siskiyou Golden Fair's Junior Fair Board, was named runner-up in the junior division. She received $100.

At the conclusion of the competition, contestants were critiqued by the judges and took part in a media training conducted by the CBC. Participants ate lunch and toured the new Cal Poly Beef Center and accompanying facilities.