2027 Contest
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2027
Location: Parson Meat Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Registration: This contest is open to all 4-H’ers. Registration is $25 per youth – no fee for coaches. Youth and coaches should register in 4-H Online between December 28 and February 8, 2027. No registrations will be accepted after Feb. 8, 2027.
The meat industry is an important component in Missouri agriculture. The Meat Identification and Judging Contest has been developed to encourage 4-H members to develop skills and abilities needed to enter and advance in careers in the meat industry. These activities are designed to encourage the development of broader analytical skills, critical thinking, the use and understanding of appropriate meat terminology, and the evaluation of meat animal products to optimize economic returns not only to them as producers, but to them as consumers as well.
Scantrons will be used for the 2027 contest. A sample is linked in the resources below.
Approximate schedule:
- 8:30 AM – Registration
- 9:00 AM – Welcome and Contest Overview
- 9:15 AM – Contest Begins
- 11:00 AM – Reasons Begin
- 12:00 PM – Lunch and Awards
Contest components:
- 3 Classes of Retail Cuts – 150 points
- 1 Class of Carcasses (beef, pork or lamb) – 50 points
- 2 Classes of Wholesale Cuts – 100 points
- 30 Retail Cuts for Identification – 300 points
- Oral Reasons
- Juniors (1 set) – 50 points
- Seniors (2 sets) – 100 points
- Total Points Possible – 700 (650 for Juniors)
The three classes of retail cuts will come from those usually found in meat markets. The criteria for judging will be the same as for the carcasses and wholesale cutes (i.e. – trimness, quality, and muscling).
View State Meats Judging Contest Rules (PDF)
Objectives
- To provide county/regional 4-H members an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned in 4-H projects through statewide educational events.
- To provide 4-H members an opportunity to practice skills in communication, decision-making, and human interaction in a competitive setting.
- To qualify individuals or teams as official delegates representing Missouri at regional and/or national events.
Counties are not limited on the number of team(s) or individual(s) entries. Enrollment in an animal science or meat science project is not required. Classes will include both wholesale and retail cuts, including one or more sets of reasons. Identification includes thirty (30) cuts of beef, pork and lamb. To determine the high state senior team, the total score of the three high senior individuals on each team will be the official score. When four members judge, the low scoring member of the state team becomes the alternate member of the state team, but judges with equal rights in the national contest.
Divisions
- Senior Teams — Members must be 14 years of age and not have passed their 19th birthday before Jan. 1.
- Junior Teams — Members must be 8 years of age and not have passed their 14th birthday before Jan. 1.
2027 Agriculture Donors
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 Eunice J. Campbell, FCS Financial, Mervyn Jenkins Foundation, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and the Hertzog Family Animal Science Fund.
Contact
For more information, email Kelsey Fuller