Iowa youth showcased their skills to identify meat cuts in the 2020 state 4-H meat judging contest held virtually on Sept. 26. The Iowa State University animal science department holds the contest each year to determine Iowa’s representative to the national 4-H contest. This year the nationals will be Oct. 20 during the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City, Mo.

The O’Brien County senior team from northwest Iowa captured first place in the Iowa contest and will represent the state at nationals. Members are Dain Moermond, Bryce Rasmussen, Dante Johnson and Grant Wagner. The team is coached by Eric Kumm.

Showcasing skills at state

Contest participants were asked to identify 25 retail cuts by classifying them as beef, pork or lamb; identify where on the carcass the cut originated; name the cut; and evaluate beef, lamb and pork carcasses based on muscle, trimness and quality.

The youth contestants were also asked to evaluate beef ribs, fresh hams, porterhouse steaks and pork rib chops based on the amount of edible product and quality. They defended their placings by presenting three sets of oral reasons or by answering questions about the classes they had evaluated.

“Meat judging is a very practical contest, teaching youth how to identify meat and choose the best cut based on quality, trimness and muscling. It also teaches decision making, critical thinking and public speaking skills,” says Amy Powell, ISU Extension youth animal science STEM specialist.

Junior Division

The First-Place Junior Team from O’Brien County consists of Gabe Moermond, Austin Negus, Clair Wagner and Brett Evans. The Iowa Junior division winners follow:

1ST-PLACE JUNIOR TEAM: Iowa’s first-place junior team is from O’Brien County: Gabe Moermond, Austin Negus, Brett Evans and Claire Wagner (not pictured).

Senior Division

The Champion Senior Team, also from O’Brien County, consists of Dain Moermond, Bryce Rasmussen, Dante Johnson and Grant Wagner. The Iowa Senior Division winners follow:

For more information on the state 4-H meat judging contest, contact Amy Powell at [email protected] or visit extension.iastate.edu/4h/livestock-judging.

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