COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, February 18, drew 45 competing 4-H members from across the state.
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. 100% of participants want to feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and are seeking to learn more. 91% are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others. 97% feel they are an advocate for the agriculture industry. A majority (63%) shared their involvement in this project area and contest has encouraged them to continue their education in a related field. After competing, over 60% of the youth expressed they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, meats judging terminology, and giving reasons than prior to the contest.
The 2023 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, Jasper County 1; Second Place, Osage County; and Third Place, Monroe County. Individual scores: First, Brooke Stevens, Jasper County; Second, Faith Calvin, Jasper County; Third, Lydia Hoyt, Audrain County; Fourth, Blake Steen, Osage County; Fifth, Kelby Corneau, Laclede County; Sixth, Robert Quinn, Monroe County; Seventh, Josie Schulte, Osage County; Eighth, Lyla Porter, Platte County; Ninth, Grant Egger, Jasper County and Tenth, Jackson Anibal, Jasper County.
Senior Meats Judging Results: Teams ages 14 years old and over: First Place, Audrain County A; Second Place, Laclede County; and Third Place Moniteau County. Individual scores: First Clayton Jennings, Audrain County; Second, Dylan Hoyt, Audrain County; Third, Carsyn Petree, Moniteau County; Fourth, Libby Shaver, Laclede County; Fifth, Molly Archer, Laclede County; Sixth, Aaron Carter, Audrain County; Seventh, Paige Wittman, Moniteau County; Eighth Mason Rohan, Audrain County; Ninth, Callie Jennings, Audrain County; Tenth, Kate Robnett, Audrain County. The members of the championship team from Audrain 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. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Company, FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.
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.
