Fourteen meat processors received state awards at the Michigan Meat Association’s Cured Meat Competition held on Saturday, March 11, in Lansing. Processors receiving Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion or Champion awards included: Barrett’s Smokehouse in Portage and Kalamazoo, Bellingar Packing in Ashley, Bernthal Packing in Frankenmuth, Bob’s Processing in South Haven, Clear Water Meats in Eau Claire, Fairview Food Market in Fairview, Jerome Country Market in Jerome, Little Town Jerky Co. in Falmouth, Merindorf Meats and More in Mason and Williamston; RRR Meat Processing in Buckley, Sage’s Meat Processing and Catering in Greenville, Scott Meats in Muskegon Heights, Walsh Packing in Pigeon, and Zick’s Specialty Meats in Berrien Springs.  

Nineteen meat processors entered 140 products into the competition this year. The thirteen classes processors could enter products into included bacon, cured specialty meat products, frankfurters, bone-in ham, boneless ham, whole muscle jerky, meat snack stick, ring bologna, and specialty products — barbecue, specialty game meats, summer sausage, smoked fish, and smoked turkey. Entries were judged by Michigan State University faculty, staff and students on the basis of aroma, flavor, eye appeal, shape and texture.

Best of Show, for their bacon entry, was awarded to Linn Merindorf of Merindorf Meats and More located in Mason and Williamston.

Source: Michigan Meat Association