FOUR finalists have been announced for the 2014-2015 Herefords Australia Youth Ambassador program.
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The program is an initiative designed to engage new generations of cattle enthusiasts, and caters for people aged from 18 to 25.
The four ambassadors are Emilie Lyons, Helen De Costa, Jamie Hollis and Toby Linnane.
The program allows the ambassadors to take part in a 12-month term of Hereford Youth and industry events, culminating in the announcement of the Ambassador of the Year.
Ambassadors will attend the Herefords Australia Youth National Heifer Show and promote the breed.
They each receive $500 towards travel costs while the Ambassador of the Year will receive $1000 to further their career.
Emilie Lyons, 20, is studying a Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga, and recently competed in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging competition.
She has a passion for nutrition and genetics, and believes the Hereford breed has a competitive advantage when it comes to weight gain.
“The way to keep the breed improving and expanding is through engaging youth and the opportunities the breed can offer them,” Emilie said.
The Riverina has scored another finalist in Toby Linnane, 22, who works as a station hand for Tondara Herefords, at Urana.
He said he aimed to promote the breed and urged young people to increase their industry involvement.
Helen De Costa, of Braidwood, NSW, is secretary of the new Southern Hereford Youth Group and Jamie Hollis, 19, works full-time at Kalem Poll Herefords at Pittsworth, Queensland, and is treasurer of Queensland Hereford Youth.
Mr Hollis believes opportunities lie in the certified pasture-fed market.