What is meat judging?

Meat judging involves the critical evaluation of carcasses and various other products from market beef, swine, and lambs in order to determine their value and to rank them accordingly.  The Colorado State University Meat Judging Team competes at a national level against other university team such as University of Wyoming, Kansas State University, University of Nebraska, Texas A&M University, Penn State University, Texas Tech University, Oklahoma State University, and several more. Colorado State is very well known world-wide in the meat science discipline and is known for winning National Championships in meat judging and various other intercollegiate meat judging competitions.


What can I gain from meat judging at CSU?

"Meat judging prepares Animal Science graduates to think critically, compare logically, decide independently, solve problems rationally, communicate effectively and lead decisively."
- Dr. Gary C. Smith, University Distinguished Professor and Holder of the Ken and Myra Monfort Chair in Meat Science

Click here to download the paper by Dr. Smith

In addition to learning valuable professional and life skills, team members develop relationships and friendships with teammates and fellow competitors nationwide.

 
What is the goal of the meat judging program at CSU?

The Colorado State University Meat Judging Team strives to “Earn Respect”. The team sets goals each year to earn the respect of their peers by winning national competitions and ultimately a National Championship. While striving to win meat judging competitions and a National Championship, team members also learn to respect themselves and work to earn the respect of fellow teammates and competitors.

Competitive Events that CSU Attends:

National Western – Denver, Colorado
Southwestern – Fort Worth, Texas
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston, Texas
Eastern National – Wyalusing, Pennsylvania
American Royal – Kansas City, Missouri
Cargill Meat Solutions High Plains – Plainview, Texas
International – Dakota City, Nebraska

2009 Meat Judging Team:

A big congratulations to the 2009 Meat Judging Team who took the prestigous Roy McDonald Shield (for the winning team) and the Founders Buckle (for highest individual student) at the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging contest held July 1-5 at the University of New England, Armidale, sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association.  The team won 1st place in Retail Cut and Primal Identification, Beef Judging Overall, Lamb Judging and Pork Judging.  Team members were Amanda Greenwell, Jerilyn Hergenreder, Renee Kinsey, Heather Pierce, Ruth Woiwode and Scott Howard (coach).

Individual Awards:

• Ruth Woiwode: Winner, Overall Questions and Reasons
• Renee Kinsey: Winner, Beef judging Overall Individual; Runner Up—Founders Buckle
• Jerilyn Hergenreder:  Winner, Lamb Judging Individual; Runner Up –High Overall, Overall Questions and Reasons and Beef Judging Overall, Individual Champion awarded the Founders Buckle.

2008 Meat Judging Team:

Lacie Hoffman, Redfield, SD; Samantha Plaggemeyer, Big Timber, MT; Mallory Emerson, Pueblo, CO; Vanessa Mata, Greeley, CO; Ashley Lambert, Portland, OE; Biz McManus, Franktown, CO; Josh Cleland, Erie, CO; Jeremy Blach, Yuma, CO; Dale Woerner (coach), Greeley, CO

Success in 2008:

- National Western: Reserve Champion Team
- Southwestern: 3rd Place
- Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Contest: Reserve Champion Team

2007 Meat Judging Team Members:

Cheyenne Dixon, Des Moines, NM; Dominic DiSanti, Pueblo, CO; Lindsay Eurich, Keensberg, CO; Jerilyn Hergenreder, Longmont, CO; David Jacobs, Larkspur, CO; Brian Self, Eaton, CO; Micah Seyler, Kersey, CO; and J.W. Wood, Pauillo, HI
 

Success in 2007:

- National Western - Reserve Champion Team
- Southwestern – Reserve Champion Team
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – 4th Place Team
- Eastern National Competition - 3rd Place Team
- American Royal Contest - Reserve Champion Team
- Champion Team at the Cargill Meat Solutions High Plains Contest
- Champion Team at the International Contest

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2007!!!