4-H State Meats Judging Contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, Feb. 21, drew youths from 10 counties across the state. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of the meat industry by evaluating six retail or carcass classes representing beef, pork or lamb, identifying 30 retail cuts and presenting one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their placings.

The contest is designed to strengthen critical life skills such as observation, decision-making and communication while deepening youths’ understanding of meat science and industry standards, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

Participants competed in one of two age divisions: Junior (ages 8-13) and senior (14-18), with the top 8-10-year-olds also recognized.

Top 8-10-year-old competitors: first, Paisley Schmutzler, Andrew County; second, Kinsey Essner, Cape Girardeau County; third, Ty Essner, Cape Girardeau County; fourth, Lake Wright, Callaway County.

Top junior competitors: first, Adeline Bondy, Monroe County; second, Adam Conley, Monroe County; third, Hadley Day, Webster County; fourth, Carter Stuart, Monroe County; fifth, Grant Mason, Webster County.

Top junior teams: Monroe County, first; Webster County, second; Cape Girardeau County, third.

Top senior individuals: Mackenzie Schmutzler, Andrew County, first; Ethan Rogers, Webster County, second; Aubrey Youse, Monroe County, third, Charlot Thornton, Saline County, fourth; Faith Calvin, Jasper County, fifth.

Top senior teams: Webster County, first; Saline County, second; Monroe County, third.

Awards were also given for the top individuals and teams in placings, identification and reasons.

Placings

• Top 3 junior individuals: Carleigh Wilson (Johnson County), Carter Stuart (Monroe County), Paisley Schmutzler (Andrew County).
• Top 2 junior teams: Cape Girardeau County and Monroe County.
• Top 3 senior individuals: Mackenzie Schmutzler (Andrew County), Faith Calvin (Jasper County), Ethan Rogers (Webster County).
• Top 2 senior teams: Webster County and Saline County.

Identification

• Top 3 junior individuals: Adam Conley (Monroe County), Adeline Bondy (Monroe County), Grant Mason (Webster County).
• Top 2 junior teams: Monroe County and Webster County.
• Top 3 senior individuals: Mackenzie Schmutzler (Andrew County), Ethan Rogers (Webster County), Aubrey Youse (Monroe County).
• Top 2 senior teams: Webster County and Saline County.

Reasons

• Top 3 junior individuals: Riley Branson (Callaway County), Hadley Day (Webster County), Adam Conley (Monroe County).
• Top 2 junior teams: Monroe County and Webster County.
• Top 3 senior individuals: Mackenzie Schutzler (Andrew County), Aiden Cunningham (Jasper County), Faith Calvin (Jasper County).
• Top 2 senior teams: Jasper County and Saline County.

New for the 2026 contest, Missouri 4-H is expanding national-level opportunities for youth competitors. This fall, youths from Webster County and members of the newly formed All-Star team will represent Missouri on the national stage at the American Royal and later this winter at the Western National Roundup.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the Oertle Family Foundation, Eunice Campbell, and the Hertzog Family.

Photos

Youths evaluating retail cuts during the State Meats Judging Contest.

Top 5 junior individuals, from left: Hadley Day, Grant Mason, Carter Stuart, Adam Conley and Adeline Bondy.

The top senior team represented Webster County.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.