2016 Iowa State University Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team National Western and ISU Contest Results
The ISU Meat Judging Team is comprised of seven students: Austin Egolf, Dillsburg, PA; Michaella Fevold, Story City; Zack Peppmeier, Shannon City; Michael Stender, Aurelia; Paige Whitney, Ida Grove; Rachel Wynn, Bedford, IN; and Laura Yoder, Kalona. Coaches include: Dr. Sherry Olsen; Alex Conover, Holstein; Carl Frame, Osseo, WI; and Breanna Saso, Mauston, WI.
The team began their judging season in January at the National Western Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest hosted by JBS USA, Greeley, CO. The team finished 8th out of 12 teams. In divisions, the team was 7th in beef grading and lamb judging; 8th in overall beef and specifications; 9th in reasons; and 10th in pork judging. The top five teams were: Texas Tech University, Colorado State University, Oklahoma State University; Texas A&M University; and the University of Missouri.
The 38th Annual Iowa State University Meat Evaluation Contest was hosted by the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory on Saturday, February 13. Nine teams competed in this non-traditional judging contest that featured fresh and processed meat products as well as turkey carcasses. Competing in the event were: Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, Tarleton State University, The Ohio State University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Nebraska.
In this contest, the ISU team placed 4th overall. Division results included: 2nd in lamb judging and specifications; 3rd in placings and reasons; and 4th in beef grading, beef judging, overall beef, and pork judging. Egolf was 5th in lamb judging; Fevold was 7th in beef judging and the high individual for the ISU team (receiving the Dr. and Mrs. FC Parrish, Jr. award); Peppmeier was 3rd in lamb judging and 9th in overall beef; Stender was 6th in specifications; and Wynn was 8th in reasons and 9th in specifications. The top five teams were: Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, South Dakota State University, Iowa State University, and The Ohio State University.
The team is now preparing for the Southeastern Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest hosted by The Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky. Held April 8-9, this contest will be the last contest of the winter semester with contests resuming in September.