Caitlin Williams, Tucson, Ariz. (pictured right), won the title of 2008 National Beef Ambassador at the annual competition, held Oct. 18-20 in New Orleans, La. The competition was established on behalf of cattle producers in 1988 and is funded by the beef checkoff. Twenty-one contestants from throughout the country vied for the national title and $5,000 in cash prizes sponsored exclusively by Tyson Foods, Inc.
Williams, a sophomore at the University of Arizona, is pursuing a degree in Agriculture Education. Her favorite thing to do is to work toward her goals, step back and see the rewards of her hard work. She strives to do her best in anything she puts her efforts into and believes that dedication is the key to any success. She devotes her life and time to agriculture and the beef industry and feels that she can make a positive difference in the lives of many through education and promotion.
While preparing for this national speaking competition, youth learn about the importance of the beef industry and beef as an agricultural product. The program highlights the positive impact the cattle industry has on our economy and families. Trained youth ambassadors address industry issues and misconceptions, while they help educate peers and consumers about food safety, nutrition and the Beef Checkoff Program.
Contestants participating in the National Beef Ambassador Competition presented a speech about the promotional aspects of beef, completed interviews with media and beef-industry representatives and attended a checkoff-funded educational workshop titled “Telling the Beef Production Story.”
Water Bucket Filling would not be my favorite chore out on the farm but it’s just one of those things you have to do. I prefer taking pictures of other people doing it for competition.
If you know Steve Drake then you know he likes to work in the background. In fact, after taking about 500 pictures at the Country Living Association activities last week none of them have Steve in it. 
Not all of the competitors at the Country Living Olympics were big people. Take this competition for example. The Hay Scramble was just that and the dust was flying.
One of the corporate partners of the Country Living Association is 
Here’s the winners of the first ever Country Living Olympics.
The first annual Country Living Olympics took place this afternoon here at the American Royal complex and it was a big success. The competition was fierce.
Our after hours entertainment at the Country Living Association activities was the 
Courtney Yuskis, pictured here on the right of some of the corporate partners of the Country Living Association, gave some closing remarks at the Country Living Outlook Conference that included a summary of the organization’s first year to date.