MBA class of 2009
By: Nancy Glazier,

The first class of Masters of Beef Advocacy recently concluded with our commencement day in Syracuse. Nineteen students completed the program and are now better advocates for the beef industry. We are the inaugural class with the opportunity to spread the good and tasty news of beef!

So, what’s MBA? The Masters of Beef Advocacy was started as a way to further promote the beef industry in the US. It was established to educate producers, extension staff and agribusiness professionals with the knowledge base to answer questions from consumers and others in an educated manner. The group is charged with spreading the good beef word that the beef industry provides a safe, wholesome and nutritious food for the world.

Each course is designed to help you communicate with consumers about issues impacting beef demand. Consumers love beef; they just want to know that it is produced in a way that provides proper care for animals, protects the environment for future generations and ensures the safety of the beef they serve their family. Keep in mind that you know much of what these courses will cover...in some cases you know a lot more than you need to know to have these conversations with consumers. The MBA program is designed to help you tell your story in a way that is relevant to consumers and will help them feel good about enjoying the beef they love. The program consists of six courses or modules – Modern Beef Production, Animal Care, Beef Safety, Beef Nutrition, Environmental Stewardship, and finally, The Beef Checkoff. Participants go through the modules at their own pace, one at a time. Each module needs to be completed with a quiz prior to moving on. Registered users have access to the site set up through the MBA Administrator.

After completion of the modules, a commencement day was held. The session was a review of the material, with some training regarding working with the media. Also, after completing the program, all “students” are admitted into the MBA Alumni Association – a chance to network with producers and industry folks from across the country.

Interested? Contact Carol Gillis at the New York Beef Industry Council, 315-339-6922 for an application. The modules can be started at any time; another commencement will be held in late winter/early spring for the MBA Class of 2010. Join in and help spread the good word!
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