The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) has introduced the Youth Ambassador Program. The Youth Ambassador Program is designed to provide opportunities to youth of all ages (up to their 19th birthday) to get involved in the meat and poultry industry. This program allots the space for them to learn, ask questions, and dive into the industry. The goal of the program is to empower youth to find passion in a unique industry and encourage them to become successful ambassadors in the meat and poultry trade.

During the annual American Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers’ Exhibition, the program will offer activities and events for youth of all ages (up to their 19th birthday) that mirror AAMP events but geared toward the younger generation. The competition portion of the program is specifically for ages 14 to 18 (eligible until their 19th birthday). Youth involved in the competition portion will be responsible to help with specific duties at the annual American Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers’ Exhibition, as well as have opportunities for fun with their peers.

The Youth Ambassador competition is open for youth ages 14 to 18. It will entail a judged application, an interview with judges, and judged events at the 2025 American Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers’ Exhibition. This competition is designed to allow applicants to become a part of the meat and poultry industry and support and engage with their peers. The winner of the contest will participate in AAMP events, including the 2026 American Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers’ Exhibition, where they will relinquish their title to the 2026 Youth Ambassador winner. They will also receive a customized frock, a belt buckle, and a $500 scholarship award.

Youth Ambassador Opportunity Presented by MAMP & Missouri Beef Industry Council

The Missouri Association of Meat Processors & Missouri Beef Industry Council have decided to utilize unused funds for their 2026 convention as a sponsorship for the American Association of Meat Processors Youth Ambassador Program. The 2025 Youth Ambassador will be given the opportunity to visit Missouri and attend the annual Missouri Association of Meat Processors (MAMP) convention in the Spring of 2026. Up to $1,000 will be provided by Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) & MAMP to cover travel to Missouri and convention expenses for the 2025 Youth Ambassador and one chaperone.

The Youth Ambassador is expected to:

• Conduct themselves in a professional and polite manner.
  
• Make themselves available to help in any way needed.
  
• Participate in events and activities.
  
• Interact with members and suppliers.
  
• Complete the free online “Masters of Beef Advocacy” certification course. This course “provides farmers, ranchers, service providers, consumers, and all members of the beef community the tools and resources to become a beef advocate.”

Opportunities will be provided by MAMP for the Youth Ambassador to get involved. This could be, but is not limited to:

• An introduction of the Youth Ambassador at the opening and/ or awards ceremonies.
• Allowing the Youth Ambassador to give a short speech about themselves, the program, and why they are there.
  
• Allowing Youth Ambassador to judge a class in the cured meat show. Either with a fellow judge or solo.
  
• Allowing Youth Ambassador to help hand out awards to winning plants.

Past winners

Documentation

• Youth Resources
  
• Youth Ambassador Application
  
• Youth Judging Information

For more information or to volunteer to assist with the Youth Ambassador Program, contact Lisa Filbrandt-Cowles at bobsmeat1980@gmail.com.