Meet the 2007 National Beef Ambassador Team

Amanda Rankin, CA

Hello! I’m Amanda Rankin, daughter of Bill and Glenda Rankin of Walker Basin, California. I am proud to be a member of the fifth generation to live and work on my family’s cattle ranch. We have a cow-calf yearling operation and have been raising white-faced Herefords since 1863. In addition to the cattle ranch, we also have a guest ranch where people from across the country and around the world come to get a taste of the “cowboy lifestyle.” I am currently in my third year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in Agriculture Business, with a concentration on Ag Policy. During my college career I have enjoyed being involved with Young Farmers and Ranchers, Student Government, Alpha Zeta, College Republicans, and several intramural sports teams. I always look forward to returning home each summer to work at the ranch and spend time with my family.

Upon graduating, I plan to become involved with agriculture on a political level possibly as an Agriculture Lobbyist. I hope to combine my background with my interest in politics to represent our industry. Eventually, I plan to return to Walker Basin to raise my family and help continue our ranching tradition. I am honored to have an opportunity to share my passion for the cattle industry as a National Beef Ambassador.
 

JoAnna Strom, SD

Hello from the Rushmore state of South Dakota! My name is JoAnna Strom and I am the National Beef Ambassador from South Dakota. Before I tell you about my future plans and career goals within the beef industry, I‘d like to let you know a little bit about my background. I grew up on a small, cow-calf farm south of the rural community of Beresford, South Dakota. My family consists of my parents, Philip and Dorothy and my older siblings Katie (Strom) Ramsey and Peter. On our farm, I grew up working with beef cattle, horses and hogs and participated in 4-H, FFA and open livestock shows. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my American Quarter Horse mare, “Daddy’s Lil Mermaid,” or “Aerial” and showing her in many 4-H and open horse shows. My activities throughout high school consisted of: cross-country, track and basketball, chorus and band, Peer Helpers, National Honor Society, Meals-On-Wheels, Kennel Club and various bible studies. I am a member at Faith Baptist Fellowship and am heavily involved in worship team, special music and enjoy missions work.

High School prepared me to further my education at South Dakota State University located in Brookings, where I am currently majoring in Animal Science and Human Nutrition. I have received an athletic scholarship for cross-country and track as well as in concert choir, and I really enjoy attending Campus Crusades for Christ and other campus ministries, so I keep myself rather busy! This past summer it was an honor and privilege to become the South Dakota state Beef Ambassador and I have enjoyed the activities I have been able to do thus far. My career goals are to work in the field of either Beef reproduction or nutrition research, or possibly become a nutritionist. I have a passion for informing and educating the public on the importance of beef in an individual’s diet and promoting a healthy lifestyle. I am anticipating my year as a National Beef Ambassador with learning as well as making a positive impact in representing the beef industry!
 

Chris Molinaro, PA

Hi, my name is Chris Molinaro and I’m proudly representing Good ol’ Pennsylvania as a National Beef Ambassador. I am the daughter of Bruce and Barb Molinaro; we live in McClure, PA. I am currently a sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University; my major is Animal Science with a concentration in beef cattle production and agribusiness management. Raising Beef and Dairy steers in 4-H has sparked my passion for the beef industry. After graduation I plan on attaining a career in beef promotion, with a state beef council. I also plan on managing a cow/calf herd of my own.

At Penn State I am an active member of the Block and Bridle Club, Poultry Science Club, Dairy Science Club, and Campus Crusade for Christ. I owe a lot of thanks to my family and God for where I am today and I cannot wait to talk to America about what I love…BEEF, cause it’ll always be what’s for dinner!
 

Londa Johnson, MN

Greetings, from the southeastern part of Minnesota. Hi, my name is Londa Johnson and I am proud to represent the wonderful world of agriculture and the beef industry. I grew up on a small family dairy farm with nine brothers and sisters. I am currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Dairy Science with a pre-vet emphasis. I hope to someday become a large animal veterinarian. My passions include FFA, in which I am current a state officer, 4-H and of course the agricultural industry. Serving as this year's National Beef Ambassador, I am very excited about the all the opportunities I will have to promote the beef industry and the wonderful world of agriculture.