The Iowa State University Meat Judging Team earned top honors at the Southeastern Intercollegiate Meat Judg
ing Contest, held last week at The Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky. The team was named Champion Team, delivering strong performances across multiple divisions and continuing their tradition of excellence in intercollegiate competition. Team members included Hayden Brint, Avery Crooks, Elyse Dyson, Hannah Koch, Stephanie Major, and Garret Platz, coached by Ashtyn Jolly and Caroline Downey.
In addition to the overall championship, the team earned High Team recognition in Total Beef, Reasons, and Beef Judging. They also placed Second in Pork Judging, Lamb Judging, and Total Placings, along with a Fourth-Place finish in both Beef Grading and Specifications.
Several team members were recognized with individual awards:
- Stephanie Major – High Individual Overall; High Individual in Lamb Judging, Specifications (Perfect Score), and Reasons (224); 5th in Total Beef
- Avery Crooks – 4th High Individual Overall; High Individual in Total Beef and Beef Grading; 3rd in Pork Judging; 5th in Total Placings
- Garret Platz – 5th High Individual Overall; 2nd in Beef Judging and Reasons; 4th in Total Beef and Lamb Judging
- Elyse Dyson – 4th in Beef Judging
- Hannah Koch – High Individual in the Alternate Division
- Hayden Brint – 6th in the Alternate Division
This success reflects the students’ dedication to refining their evaluation skills and their commitment to representing Iowa State University at a high level. Congratulations to all team members on their outstanding achievements.