COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest drew 45 competing 4-H members from across the state last month.

Held in partnership with the MU Meat Science program, the competition provided youths the opportunity to hone their judging skills and explore career and educational opportunities, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

Results – Junior division (ages 8-13)

Teams:

• First: Jasper County 1
• Second: Osage County
• Third: Monroe County

Individuals:

• 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
• 10th, Jackson Anibal, Jasper County

Results – Senior division (ages 14-18)

Teams:

• First, Audrain County A
• Second, Laclede County
• Third, Moniteau County

Individuals:

• 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
• 10th, Kate Robnett, Audrain County

The members of 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 in the meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success and success as lifelong consumers, Calvert said. One hundred percent of participants indicate that 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 advocates for the agriculture industry. A majority (63%) 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 that they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, meats judging terminology and giving reasons than prior to the contest.

More about Missouri 4-H Meats Judging.

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, D.V.M.

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.

Photos

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2023/sr%20team%20-%20audrain%20county.jpg
Audrain County senior division team members Aaron Carter, Dylan Hoyt, Clayton Jennings and Mason Rohan.

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2023/jr%20team%20-%20jasper%20county.jpg
Jasper County junior division team members Faith Calvin, Lydia Hoyt and Brooke Stevens.

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2023/20230307-mj-1.jpg
4-H youths identify cuts of meat at the 2023 Missouri 4-H State Meats Judging Contest.