The annual Indiana FFA meats judging contest was held recently at Purdue University. Clinton Central FFA took top honors. Participants from all over Indiana competed in the event.

The contest involves an incredible knowledge of meats and meats evaluation. Students are asked to identify a large number of cuts of meat from various livestock species. Learning the cuts of meats is a process that can take hours, using flashcards, internet tutorials and any other aids that can be find.

The contest also includes evaluating carcasses of various species hanging on the rail after slaughter. This requires students to don white coats, hard hats and other sanitary gear, and then enter the cooler to actually inspect carcasses.

The contest is conducted in the animal science facilities at Purdue University, which include a meats lab and slaughter facility. All animal science functions will soon be moving to a new building, expected to be completed soon. Look for ribbon-cutting ceremonies on these facilities soon. Tentative plans call for the animal science staff to move into the building in January.

The winning meats judging team from Clinton Central FFA included Jacob Habegger, who also placed first as an individual in the contest. Caleb Price was second overall high individual in the contest. They were joined by Isaac Archibald, fourth overall, and Keegan Burnette. Other Clinton Central FFA teams also competed.

The Clinton Central FFA meats judging teams are coached by Roger Carr. He has logged numerous top-place finishes as the coach in meats judging at Clinton Central and at Whitko High School, where he taught previously.