Monroe County students named winners in 4-H state meats judging contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H state meats judging contest on Feb. 17 drew 54 competing 4-H members from across the state.

Held in partnership with the MU Meat Science Program, the event gave contestants the opportunity to hone their judging skills and explore career and educational opportunities, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

Local winners were:

Junior division (ages 8-13)

• Teams: First place, Monroe County 1
• Individuals: third, Robert Quinn, Monroe County; fourth, Cheyenne Morrow, Monroe County; fifth, Colbe Kendrick, Monroe County; sixth, Adam Conley, Monroe County; and ninth, Kaitlyn Chipman, Monroe County;

Senior division (ages 14-18)

• Teams: Third place, Monroe County.
• Individuals: seventh, Aubrey Youse, Monroe County; eighth; and Gianna Quinn, Monroe County;

Youths in the meat judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success and success as lifelong consumers, Calvert said. She noted that 84% of participants believe they are educated consumers of agricultural products and 86% are seeking to learn more; 83% are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others; 77% feel they are an advocate for the agriculture industry and 63% 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. After competing, more than half of the youths said they had more knowledge in the areas of carcass judging, cuts judging, meats judging terminology and giving reasons than prior to the contest.

Learn more about the Missouri 4-H meats judging program. at https://mizzou.us/4H-meats-projects.