Ryan Goodman and Jen Sorenson to Mentor 2023 College Aggies Online, Offering Valuable Insights
The 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) program is set to kick off on September 11, featuring industry veterans Ryan Goodman, known as "The Beef Runner," and Jen Sorenson, former president of the National Pork Producers Council, as mentors. This initiative, led by the Animal Agriculture Alliance, aims to connect college students across the U.S. who have a genuine interest in fostering accurate agricultural discourse.
Last year's competition, which drew considerable participation, distributed nearly $20,000 in scholarships and prizes to deserving students. Building on this success, the upcoming CAO program presents an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students, along with collegiate clubs and classes, to engage in informative and educational weeks designed to enhance their understanding of agriculture communication.
The mentorship aspect of this year's CAO program is of particular note. Ryan Goodman, who currently serves as the director of communications and community engagement at Certified Angus Beef, brings his extensive experience in bridging the communication gap between cattle farmers and ranchers. His role involves leveraging digital platforms to make intricate agricultural concepts more comprehensible to diverse audiences. Goodman's background in grassroots advocacy and his pioneering efforts in social media have established him as a recognized advocate in the agriculture sector.
Jen Sorenson, hailing from a pig farm in southeastern Iowa, contributes a wealth of knowledge as the director of communications at Iowa Select Farms. With a career spanning a decade, Sorenson's involvement in various communication departments and her past role as president of NPPC demonstrate her commitment to shaping agriculture's narrative. Her insights are expected to be valuable in guiding participants towards effective online engagement, especially within the context of pork and pig farming.
One of last year's participants, Morgan Elia from California Polytechnic State University, reflected on her experience, noting the valuable insights and experience gained during the competition. She emphasized the constructive impact of the CAO program, both personally and in terms of educating her friends and family about agriculture.
The CAO program is an opportunity for participants to not only strengthen their communication skills but also gain exposure to industry professionals and thought leaders. Goodman and Sorenson will play a pivotal role in selecting weekly scholarship recipients, and the most outstanding participants will have the chance to attend the Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2024 Stakeholders Summit, an event offering national recognition for their efforts.
For those intrigued by the chance to learn from industry experts and build essential communication skills, registration for the 2023 College Aggies Online program is now open. Interested individuals can find more information and sign up at https://animalagalliance.org/initiatives/college-aggies-online-sign-up/.
