Contestants are being sought for the Oregon Beef Ambassador program.

Contestants must be between the ages of 17 and 20 by Sept. 1, 2013. The contest includes a 5-8 minute speech submitted on DVD about a subject related to beef, a 200-word response to an article provided by the selection committee and a telephone interview. All information must be accurate.

The first-place winner will represent Oregon at the National Beef Ambassador competition in Bentonville, Ark., and receive a $500 cash award. Second place will receive $200 and become the ambassador in the event that the first-place winner cannot fulfill all of the obligations.

The beef ambassador program trains young spokespersons for the beef industry. Contestants must be knowledgeable about all facets of the industry.

The Oregon Beef Ambassador will promote beef around the state at events such as Ag Fest and the state fair.

The 2012 Oregon Beef Ambassador, Jacquelyn Brown, was chosen as a member of the national ambassador team and will attend events such as the New York State Fair and the Boston Marathon. She received $1,000 for being on the national team.

Hopefuls should contact Mary Jo Davies at 541-493-2693 or maryjodavies@hotmail.com or call Norma Kuyper at 541-826-2508.

The deadline for submitting applications is March 22.