Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge of meat science and evaluation at the Illinois 4-H State Meat Judging Contest held March 6 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana, according to a March 11 announcement. The event brought together 56 participants from 18 counties for the fifth annual statewide competition.
The contest is important as it provides young people with hands-on opportunities to develop decision-making, evaluation, and communication skills while exploring careers in agriculture and food systems. The event was hosted in partnership with the University of Illinois Meat Science program and the University of Illinois Meat Judging Team. An awards banquet sponsored by Illinois Pork Producers concluded the day, with awards provided by the Illinois Meat Science Laboratory and Illinois Farm Bureau.
Participants prepared for months under volunteer coaches, many also taking part in the Illinois Youth Meat Judging Series coordinated by the Illinois Association of Meat Processors and the University of Illinois Meat Judging Team. This series aims to spark interest in meat judging and build foundational industry knowledge.
“We are incredibly proud of the students from Illinois who choose to participate in the State 4-H Meat Judging Contest,” said Elli Burris, Illinois Meat Judging coach and instructor. “I firmly believe that this contest greatly betters their critical thinking, communication, and quick decision-making skills — skills that are incredibly vital as they grow and develop outside the classroom.”
In competition results, Corben Strand of Henry-Stark County was named top individual in the junior division. Livingston County took first place among junior teams. In the senior division, Reed Tharp of Jasper County earned top individual honors while Marshall-Putnam County led senior teams.
The University of Illinois contributes to economic and societal progress through its educational and research efforts according to its official website. It serves as both a public research institution and flagship campus within its system according to its official website. The university enrolls students from all U.S. states and over 100 countries while offering more than 150 undergraduate programs according to its official website. Located in Urbana-Champaign, it aims to advance discovery, innovation, and public engagement through research and education according to its official website.
