MISSOURI — Forty-eight Missouri 4-H members competed Feb. 19 in the 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.
Held in partnership with the MU Meat Science Program, the contest gave competitors the opportunity to develop their judging skills and explore career and educational opportunities, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture and natural resources educator.
Results – Junior division (ages 8-13)
Teams:
- First Place, Monroe County 1
- Second Place, Osage County
- Third Place, Jasper County
Individuals:
- First, Gianna Quinn, Monroe County
- Second, Aiden Wimmer, Callaway County
- Third, Robert Quinn, Monroe County
- Fourth, Faith Calvin, Jasper County
- Fifth, Aubrey Youse, Monroe County
- Sixth, Blake Steen, Osage County
- Seventh, Josie Schulte, Osage County
- Eighth, Clayton Birk, Cape Girardeau County
- Ninth, Hadley Dodge, Monroe County and
- 10th, Blake Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County
Results – Senior division (ages 14-18)
Teams:
- First, Audrain County 2
- Second, Moniteau County
- Third, Audrain County 1
Individuals:
- First, Libby Shaver, Laclede County
- Second, Tucker Robnett, Audrain County
- Third, Rita Xioa, Moniteau County
- Fourth, Abigail Hunsburger, Moniteau County
- Fifth, Austin Pope, Jasper County
- Sixth, Lance Fort, Audrain County
- Seventh, Aaron Carter, Audrain County
- Eighth Marshal Schroeder, Cole County
- Ninth, Dylan Hoyt, Audrain County
- 10th, Pacey Cope, Audrain County
The championship team from Audrain County will represent Missouri at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest held in the fall as part of the American Royal.
Youths involved with the meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in future career success and success as lifelong consumers, Calvert said. She noted that 98% of participants feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others. A majority (75%) said their involvement in this project area and contest has encouraged them to continue their education in a related field. After competing, more than 60% of the youths expressed they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, cut identification, meats judging terminology and giving reasons.
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 Co., FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.