COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, Feb. 15, drew 60 competing 4-H members from across the state.

contestants were able to develop and hone their judging skills and explore career and educational opportunities, said Kelsey Fuller, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. Missouri 4-H holds the contest in partnership with the MU Meat Science Program.

The 2025 contest included two age divisions: Junior for ages 8-13 and Senior for ages 14-18.

Junior meats judging team results: First place, Monroe County; second place, Saline County; third, Osage County.

Junior individuals: First, Colbe Kendrick, Monroe County; second, Charlot Thornton, Saline County; third, Cheyenne Morrow, Monroe County; fourth, Blake Steen, Osage County; fifth, Adam Conley, Monroe County; sixth, Adeline Bondy, Monroe County; seventh, Frances Otten, Osage County; eighth, Jack Anibal, Jasper County; ninth, Benjamin Kruger, Saline County; 10th, Drew Essner, Cape Girardeau County.

Senior meats judging team results: First place, Dade County; second, Jasper County; third, Callaway County.

Senior individuals: First, Luke Baugh, Dade County; second, Miles Neely, Dade County; third, Austin Pope, Jasper County;fourth, Annie Neely, Dade County; fifth – tied, Faith Calvin, Jasper County, and Aubrey Youse, Monroe County; seventh, Addison Counts, Johnson County; eighth, Dylan Rapp, Callaway County; ninth, Aiden Wimmer, Callaway County; 10th, Bryli DeLashmutt, Callaway County.

The members of the championship team from Dade 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 Missouri 4-H meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success and success as a lifelong consumer. Fuller said 76% of participants feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and are seeking to learn more; 64% are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others; 76% feel they are an advocate for the agriculture industry; and 62% are seeking a career in agriculture. A majority (55%) said their involvement in this project area and contest has encouraged them to continue their education in a related field, she said.

After competing, more than half the youths reported they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, meats judging terminology and giving reasons than prior to the contest, Fuller said.

More information about the Missouri 4-H meats judging program.

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 BTC Bank, FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Smithfield Hog Production 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. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.