At home in a barn:
Dawn Thurnau works to tell the positive story of agriculture

by Kielly Jewell, posted Dec. 16, 2009

As today’s society is becoming farther and farther removed from agriculture, it is important for someone to tell the story to those that are uneducated on the subject. Dawn Thurnau is just that person. She not only cares about the agriculture industry, but the beef industry in particular.

A 1998 agricultural education graduate of the University of Missouri, Thurnau is currently the marketing director of the Missouri Beef Industry Council. She handles the advertising and media relations for MBIC. She also helps those in the food service industry with promotional plans and educates them about beef and how to promote it successfully.

“I always wanted to work in public relations for agriculture because growing up on a farm, I know how hard farmers work to provide food and fiber for the citizens of our country and abroad,” Thurnau said. “Unfortunately, since farming is not an “8-to-5” job, there is no time for farm families to take the time to tell their story. What people do not know, they assume — and I think it is important that someone tell the positive story about the great people who have dedicated their lives so that we have plenty of food and clothes.”

Aside from her position at MBIC, Thurnau is the adviser for the Mizzou Collegiate Cattle Women. After several beef industry groups underwent some reorganization, she was presented with the opportunity last year, and she snatched up the position.

“It’s always refreshing to see the passion for the industry and the commitment to agriculture that is necessary as we move into the future,” Thurnau said.

Kristen Wright is the current MCCW president and has worked with Dawn for the past two years.

“She is very passionate about the cattle industry and does a tremendous job at the promotion of the beef industry and giving the industry a positive image,” Wright said. “Dawn has a very outgoing and charming personality, which contributes to how well she does her job. Dawn is a great attribute to the cattle industry and influences people both young and old with her positive attitude towards the industry.”

Thurnau is no stranger to hard work. Growing up on a beef cattle operation, she spent her summers doing chores instead of hanging out with friends at the local pool.

“I think that sort of responsibility (not just for the livelihood of the animals, but the responsibility of providing safe, wholesome food) really helped me be a more productive member of society,” Thurnau said. “I have always felt that the cattle barns were more of a hometown than Warrensburg, Mo. The people who share this passion for agriculture have a special bond, a shared work ethic and a commitment to the environment that I personally feel is unmatched.”

Thurnau continues to fight the battle for red meat consumption. With large organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, saying that eating red meat increases your chance for heart disease, the fight has dramatically amplified. Thurnau advocates that red meat is not only healthy, but it provides the essential protein, iron and other B vitamins needed for your body. She does this through radio interviews and supermarket demonstrations.

“Growing up in agriculture absolutely made me who I am today,” Thurnau said. She can always be found promoting beef and the industry that she loves across Missouri.

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