Meat Judging

November 11, 2023
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Iowa State University Campus (Meat Laboratory in Kildee Hall) in Ames, IA


Judging Teams help youth to develop life skills in the areas of decision making, critical thinking, oral reasoning, self-confidence and problem solving. Youth evaluate a class of four items and then answer questions or orally defend their placings. Meat Judging trains youth to distinguish differences in the values of various meat cuts. Youth learn how to evaluate and identify retail cuts as well as wholesale cuts and carcasses. The 4-H meat judging program allows youth to learn about the different cuts of meat along with the trimness and quality factors that affect the safety and taste of the meat products we consume.

Registration

Registration will open October 1, 2023.

Register

Deadline to register is November 6, 2023.

If you prefer to pay by check, kindly fill out this form.

Divisions

  • Junior: 5th-8th grades as of September 1
  • Senior: 9th-12th grades as of September 1

2023 Contest Rules

New for 2023, Iowa 4-H will be using a scantron score sheet for meat evaluation.

Contest Schedule

9:00-11:00am - Judging Clinic for youth and adults to learn more about meat evaluation
11:00-Noon - Lunch (included with registration)
Noon-2:30pm - Contest
2:30pm - Official placings
3:00pm - Awards