Meat Judging Team

The concept of the meat judging program is to train individuals to distinguish differences in relative value of various meat cuts. However, the beneficial value of involvement goes much further than determining the compositional and quality differences of carcasses. Students involved with the meat judging program develop life skills that they utilize regardless of their occupation later in life.

Judging team members must make rapid, logical decisions and defend their decisions via written 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.

In many cases, success in meat judging competition translates to employment opportunities, internships and scholarships. Furthermore, relationships developed among team members and coaches help students better interact with others. Bonds developed between members and coaches are cherished for a lifetime. These bonds often provide a sense of family and community to a large campus.

Competition

Team members take part in training throughout the judging season. The OSU Meat Judging Team takes part in approximately eight contests annually.

• View Contest List
  • National Western
  • Ft. Worth
  • Iowa State
  • Houston
  • Eastern National
  • American Royal
  • Cargill-High Plains
  • International
• Honors & Recognition
  • 19 National Championships
  • 8 Reserve National Championships
  • Over 60 championships from other national contests
  • Only team to win Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest twice
  • More national championships in meat judging than any other university in the country
• All-Americans

  2005 – Samuel Percival

  2006 – Carl Oblander

  2007 – Reed Smith

  2008 – Kelly Manke

  2010 – Zach Robertson

  2011 – McKenzie Clifton

  2012 – Morgan Neilson

  2014 – Jessie Heidlage & Audrey Zoeller

  2015 – Macy Perry

  2016 – Julianna Albrecht, Abby Bechtold & Emily Rice

  2017 - Charley Rayfield

  2018 - Kathryn Hearn & Lilly Hidlebrand

  2020 - Mamie-Cate Haydon, Grace Harris & Dani LeDonne

• Team Photos

  All of our judging team photos are available online on Flickr.

• Scholarships & Aid

  There are multiple scholarship opportunities for judging team members, as well as potential funding for team travel expenses and practice resources.

• Giving Opportunities

  Interested in supporting a judging team? View available giving opportunities on the OSU Foundation website.