COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on February 20 drew 45 competing 4-H members from across the state. “This year’s contest looked different from most, however, we were able to provide a great line-up of classes for youth to judge while following safety protocol.” said Maria Calvert, MU Extension State 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator.
Working in partnership with the MU Meat Science Program, contestants were provided the opportunity to develop and hone their judging skills, and explore future career and educational opportunities.
Youth involved with the meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, and success as life-long consumers. 97% of participants feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and 92% are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others. A majority (75%) shared their involvement in this project area and contest has encouraged them to continue their education in a related field. After competing, over half of the youth expressed they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, and cut identification than prior to the contest.
The 2021 contest included two age divisions: Junior for ages 8 – 13 and Senior for ages 14 – 18. Junior Meats Judging Results: Teams ages 8-13 years old: First Place, Callaway County; Second Place, Jasper County; and Third Place, Cape Girardeau County. Individual scores: First, Gianna Quinn, Monroe County; Second, Austin Pope, Jasper County; Third, Aiden Wimmer, Callaway County; Fourth, Bryli DeLashmutt, Callaway County; Fifth, Kirsten Harris, Callaway County; Sixth, Emily Harris, Callaway County; Seventh, Hunter Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County; Eighth, Blake Gates, Randolph County; Ninth, Josie Schulte, Osage County and Tenth, Robert Quinn, Monroe County.
Senior Meats Judging Results: Teams ages 14 years old and over: First Place, Monroe County; Second Place, Audrain County; and Third Place Cole/Platte County. Individual scores: First, Rose Quinn, Monroe County; Second, Tucker Robnett, Audrain County; Third, John Paul Quinn, Monroe County; Fourth, Mallory Greiwe, Monroe County; Fifth, Reid Ragsdale, Monroe County; Sixth, Lance Fort, Audrain County; Seventh, Paighton Witt, Franklin County; Eighth Pacey Cope, Audrain County; Ninth, Dylan Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County; Tenth, Kalaa Clark, Webster County. The members of the championship team from Monroe County will advance to represent Missouri at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest held in the fall as part of the American Royal.
Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Sponsors for the 2021 Missouri 4-H State Meats Judging Contest include the Missouri Association of Meat Processors and Missouri 4-H Foundation. Please click the link to find out more information about the Missouri 4-H Meats Judging program.
About 4-H
More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.
