COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging contest on Feb. 6 drew 38 competing 4-H members. More than 50 FFA students also participated as practice for upcoming events, said Shane Potter, MU Extension 4-H youth development specialist.
Held in partnership with the MU Collegiate Meats Judging Team and the Missouri Association of Meat Processors, the contest gives participants an opportunity to hone their judging skills and explore career and educational options, Potter said.
Youth involved with the meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, he said. “Through involvement in a 4-H judging team, members must make rapid, logical decisions and defend their decisions via oral reasons. Therefore, students improve their ability for critical thinking and accurate communication. In addition, students become organized and self-disciplined, learn to accept criticism, develop self-confidence and become leaders.”
Alumni from the program report that success in the meat judging competition has translated to employment opportunities, internships and scholarships.
The 2016 contest included two age divisions: Junior for ages 8-13 and Senior for ages 14-18.
The top 10 junior competitors were Anne Marie Quinn of Monroe City, first; Alaina Link of Moberly, second; Rose Quinn of Monroe City, third; Quincy Wiegand of Cairo, fourth; John Paul Quinn of Monroe City, fifth; Austin Mitchell of Huntsville, sixth; Anya Cailleach of Riverside, seventh; Lyndsey Conley of Parkville, eighth; Addie Thomas of Weatherby Lake, ninth; and Kiley Braun of Kansas City, 10th. The top three junior teams represented the following counties: Monroe, first; Randolph – Green Team, second; and Platte, third.
In the senior division, the top 10 individuals were William Crain of Monroe City, first; Samuel Anibal of Carthage, second; Anna Link of Moberly, third; Truman Byergo of Dearborn, fourth; Toby Taylor of Kansas City, fifth; Sydney Baughman of Moberly, sixth; Garrett Taylor of Kansas City, seventh; Tori Brumbaugh of Moberly, eighth; Dana Sherman of Warrenton, ninth; and Bethany Conley of Parkville, 10th. The top three senior teams represented the following counties: Randolph, first; Platte, second; and Elkhorn-Warren, third.
The members of the championship team from Randolph County will advance to the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest held in the fall as part of the American Royal.
For more information or to join 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.
Photo captions
Junior top 10. Front row, from left: Addie Thomas, Kiley Braun, John Paul Quinn and Rose Quinn. Second row: Austin Mitchell, Alaina Link, Quincy Wiegand, Lyndsey Conley and Anya Cailleach. Back: Anne Marie Quinn.
Senior top 10. Front row, from left: Sydney Baughman, Tori Brumbaugh and Dana Sherman. Second row: Anna Kate Link, Toby Taylor, Will Crain and Garrett Taylor. Back row: Bethany Conley, Truman Byergo and Samuel Anibal.
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