Australian Ambassador

The Shorthorn Ambassador program is a joint effort of the ASA and the Shorthorn Society of Australia. Every other year a chosen participant will stay with Australian Shorthorn breeders and learn about rural Australia and the Shorthorn breed. The ASA will provide transportation to and from Australia for one AJSA member to visit the various Shorthorn operations. For 2013 and 2015 the David Down Youth Ambassador Memorial in conjunction with the Shorthorn Foundation will also contribute a $1500 scholarship towards travel money. This opportunity is for individuals 18-25 years of age and must be a member of the AJSA or ASA. The selection for the ASA Australian Ambassador is held every other year (odd years).

If you are interested in being the American Shorthorn Association’s next Australian Ambassador, contact Shelby Rogers shelby@shorthorn.org, 816-599-7777

New age qualification – ASA members up to age 25 as of June 1 may apply!

2015 Winner:: Zachary Knutson

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (May_, 2016) – Zachary Knutson of Pine Island, Minnesota, was selected as the Shorthorn Australian Ambassador. The ambassador program is a combined effort of the American Shorthorn Association with the Shorthorn Society of Australia.careerfairlinkedin_fall2015bdimg_5098

The selection of the Australian Ambassador is every other year on odd years. The chosen individual will stay with Australian Shorthorn breeders to learn about rural Australia and the Shorthorn breed. The American Shorthorn Association provides transportation to and from Australia for the individual. For 2013 and 2015 the David Down Youth Ambassador Memorial in conjunction with the Shorthorn Foundation will also contribute a $1500 scholarship towards travel money. This opportunity is for individuals 18-25 years of age and must be a member of the AJSA or ASA.

Knutson has three years of experience as an intercultural program host family as well as two years with short-term hosting involvement. He attended the International Career Development Conference in 2011 and 2013. Knutson also travelled to Norway in the summer of 2012 to learn about their culture. All of these international experiences have helped prepare him as he travels to Australia at the beginning of July.

“When I found out that I could combine my two passions – beef cattle and travel – I knew I had to apply for this opportunity,” Knutson said. “I am excited about the new connections and I am looking forward to learning about their genetics and breeding programs. This trip will provide a greater insight into the world market for Shorthorn genetics. I hope to bring home some valuable lessons to apply to my own breeding program.”

 

2013 Winner:: Daniel Donnelly
Click Here to Learn More about Dan’s trip to Australia (pdf)

2012 Winner :: Tyler Alden
Click Here to Read About His Trip (pdf)

2011 Winner :: Katie Mack
Click Here to Read About Her Trip (pdf)