There’s a new Beef Ambassador in town. He’s Mathew Peebles of Silver Springs, FL. Mathew won the title of 2007 National Beef Ambassador at the annual competition, held Oct. 5-7 in Minneapolis, MN.

Twenty contestants from throughout the country vied for the national title and $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. Peebles received $2,500 cash and a $1,000 college scholarship. Second place went to Amanda Rankin, Caliente, Calif., who received $1,200 and a $750 scholarship. Third-place winner JoAnna Strom, Beresford, SD, received $800 and a $500 scholarship. Christie Molinaro, Pennsylvania, and Londa Johnson, Minnesota, received $250 each as honorable-mention awards.

Peebles is a member of FFA, and the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association. He enjoys promoting the beef industry, raising cattle and team roping. Peebles career plans are to become a veterinarian.