Missouri youths compete at National 4-H Meats Judging Contest

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four Missouri 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest on Oct. 21 in Kansas City, Mo.

Luke Baugh, Miles Neely, Annie Neely and Austin Pope represented Missouri through the tough competition, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. The team from Dade County won the State Meats Judging Contest in February 2025 to earn the opportunity to represent Missouri on a national stage.

The National Meats Contest is held in conjunction with the American Royal and hosted by the American Meat Science Association. The 2025 contest included two retail classes, two beef carcass classes, two pork carcass classes, two sets of reasons and 30 identification retail cuts. While the contest saw slim point margins in each division, the Missouri team finished 13th overall, Fuller said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these tremendous young people,” said Bob McNary, coach of the Missouri team. “They have made me proud of their hard work and dedication to 4-H Meats Judging this year. Even though they had an off day, they still managed to place fifth in the nation in swine judging, eighth in reasons, eighth in beef judging and ninth in identification.”

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.

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.

Photo

Meats judging team. From left, Bob McNary (coach), Annie Neely, Luke Baugh, Austin Pope and Miles Neely.