Outstanding Promoter, Educator
ANCW honors two of its own for outstanding advocacy, education efforts.
DENVER, Colo. (Aug. 1, 2012) — Two American National CattleWomen Inc. (ANCW) members were recently recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts at the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference. Kathryn Malcolm-Callis of Clayton, N.M., was named 2012 Outstanding Promoter of the Year. Melanie Fowle, Etna, Calif., was named 2012 Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Malcolm-Callis has presented Kids, Kows and More programs for seven years. This highly acclaimed program explains to third and fourth graders the ranching story, including land use and feed from birth to harvest, how 97% of the animal is used and the nutrients that beef provides. She speaks to about 100 students and 60 teachers each year.
In her position as a research specialist at the Clayton Livestock Research Center, Clayton, N.M., she has given tours and presentations to many children and other visitors. She has coordinated the New Mexico state fair booth, organizing more than 100 CowBelle volunteers, and the state capitol education booth. She has provided book lists and informational columns to ANCW, and she has spoken to Rotary, Kiwanis and Lyons Clubs on cattle nutrition, the benefits of beef and its role in a healthy lifestyle.
According to Dina Chacon-Reitzel, executive director of the New Mexico Beef Council, “Kathryn participated in every beef council meeting when she served as CowBelle president, admirably representing CowBelles, providing thoughtful input on beef promotion and educational programs.”
Because California CattleWomen keep records of their outreach, Melanie Fowle can demonstrate her personal touch to more than 3,000 students. A teacher by profession, she has taught hundreds of California CattleWomen beef promotion presentations for them to present to hundreds more children. She served on the committee that planned the 25th Anniversary of California Ag in the Classroom, coordinating 300 volunteers to present to 10,000 San Francisco students.
Fowle says CattleWomen need to “continually move out of their comfort zone to reach today’s consumers.” Under her direction, the CA CattleWomen undertook two booths at two new venues (Fish and Game and World Ag Expo) this year, putting important beef industry facts and faces in front of professionals, consumers and children.”
Kellie Hargett, agriculture instructor at Etna High School, Etna, Calif., says, “Mrs. Fowle presents beef information to ag business students to take on the challenge of the Beef Ambassador contest. She helps coach and organizes candidates. She also leads an education day each year where 4th graders are mentored by local high school FFA students.”
“Melanie has a natural ability to teach and transform situations into teachable moments,” according to Christie Van Egmond, manager of channel marketing for the California Beef Council. “Her enthusiasm truly drives her beef education efforts.”
Fellow CattleWomen nominate candidates and the ANCW Beef Education and Curriculum Committee choose the Educator of the Year, the ANCW Consumer Promotion and Education Committee chooses the Promoter of the Year. The awards are given annually at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference.
Editor’s Note: This article was provided as a news release by ANCW. For more information visit www.ancw.org.