Iowa Youth Showcase Skills at 2025 State 4-H Meat Judging Contest

By Andi Anderson

The 2025 Iowa 4-H Meat Judging Contest brought energy and excitement to the Iowa State University Meat Lab as 39 youth from 10 counties gathered to test their knowledge of meat science.

The event, held on November 8, allowed young competitors to put their skills into practice by identifying retail meat cuts, evaluating meat quality and yield factors, and ranking products based on industry standards.

Before the contest began, participants attended an educational seminar led by ISU Meat Lab staff and members of the ISU Collegiate Meat Judging Team.

This session offered helpful tips and background information to prepare competitors for the judging rounds and improve their understanding of meat science.

Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, Iowa 4-H animal science specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, praised the youth for their dedication and growth. She said, “We continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication our 4-H members bring to this event each year. The contest not only highlights their growing expertise in meat science, but also strengthens their critical thinking, communication and leadership skills.”

In the senior division, Madison County earned High Team Questions and High Team Placings, led by members Lucas Radke, Nicholas Brakhane and Lucas Moetsch.

Sioux Senior 1 topped the Retail ID category and claimed High Team Overall with competitors Gabby Oteri, Izy Klein, Jacob Haverhals and Jacob Boogerd. Gabby Oteri also earned High Individual Overall, with Izy Klein receiving Reserve High Individual Overall.

Junior competitors also showed strong performances. Sioux County earned High Team Questions, while O’Brien/Hardin County placed well in Retail ID, Placings and High Team Overall.

Brennan Negus of O’Brien County received multiple top individual honors, including High Individual Retail ID and High Individual Overall. Dallas County took Reserve High Team Overall with strong scores across categories.

Top senior teams now have the opportunity to represent Iowa at national events. The champion team may compete at the National 4-H Meat Judging Contest at the American Royal in Manhattan, Kansas, while the reserve team may participate in the Western National Roundup in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The contest was supported by volunteers, the ISU Meat Lab, the ISU Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team, and the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Terry Houser, Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension, donated belt buckles to recognize outstanding achievements.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university