The Iowa State University Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team and Coach Caroline Downey travelled to Cargill in Friona, TX, to complete in the annual High Plains Contest on October 31, 2021. 2021 team members include: Kaitlyn Baerg (Stanley); Taylor Clark (Swan); Bergin DeBruin (Rock Rapids); Kayle Eivins (Winterset); Kayla Hospodarsky (Cedar Rapids); Charli Mosier (Tipton); Emily Saeugling (Atlantic).
The last contest for the team, they finished 11th in the 12-team field. The top five teams were: Oklahoma State University – Stillwater; West Texas A&M – Canyon; Texas A&M – College Station; Texas Tech – Lubbock; and Kansas State University - Manhattan. In divisions, the ISU team placed 9th in lamb judging and 10th in grading, overall beef, specifications, and placings. Saeuguling was 8th in beef judging and scored a perfect 100 score in specifications. DeBruin was 10th in placings (dropping 15 points).
In the alternate division, the three-member ISU team finished in 7th place overall and in each division. The top five teams were: Texas Tech – Lubbock; Kansas State University – Manhattan; and West Texas A&M – Canyon. Clark finished 4th in lamb judging. Hospodarsky was 5th in grading and 9th in placings (dropping 16 points). Baerg was 10th in placings (dropping 16 points).
Appreciation is extended to each team member for outstanding service to the meat judging program and their patience and perseverance as they judged during the COVID-19 pandemic. We wish them the very best as they complete their bachelor degrees and continue their careers.
Caption: (L to R): Charli Mosier; Kayle Eivins; Emily Saeugling; Kayla Hospodarsky; Bergin DeBruin; Kaitlyn Baerg; Taylor Clark