The Iowa State University Meat Laboratory hosted the 43rd edition of the Iowa State University Meat Evaluation Contest on Saturday, September 28, 2021. Nearly 60 students representing teams from Angelo State University – San Angelo; Kansas State University – Manhattan; Oklahoma State University – Stillwater; Texas A&M University – College Station; South Dakota State University – Brookings; The Ohio State University – Columbus; University of Illinois – Champaign/Urbana; University of Wyoming – Laramie; West Texas A&M University – Canyon; and Iowa State University - Ames competed in the event.
The Iowa State University team placed 6th overall, and in divisions finished 3rd in lamb judging, pork judging, and processed meats; 4th in total placings; 5th in beef grading, beef judging, specifications and keep/cull turkeys, and total beef. The top five teams in the contest were: Kansas State University, West Texas A&M University, Oklahoma State University, Angelo State University, and Texas A&M University.
Individual results included: Kaitlyn Baerg (Stanley) – 6th in pork judging, 8th in processed meats, and 11th in specifications/keep-cull turkeys; Bergin DeBruin (Rock Rapids) – high individual on the ISU team; 11th overall, 8th in beef grading, 13th in overall beef, and 14th in total placings; Kayla Hospodarsky (Cedar Rapids) – 12th in beef judging; and Emily Saeugling (Atlantic) – 6th in processed meats and 8th in lamb judging. Team members also include Taylor Clark (Swan), Kayle Eivins (Winterset), and Charli Mosier (Tipton). The team is coached by graduate student Caroline Downey (Putnam, IL) and Dr. Sherry Olsen.
Appreciation is extended to the Department of Animal Science, as well as the Iowa State University Meat Lab faculty and staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and meat judging team alumni and volunteers that assisted in hosting a successful event. Also recognized are the large number of donors who continue to make this contest possible.
Caption left to right: Dr. Sherry Olsen, Emily Saeugling (Atlantic), Taylor Clark (Swan), Kaitlyn Baerg (Stanley), Bergin DeBruin (Rock Rapids), Kayla Hospodarsky (Cedar Rapids), Kayle Eivins (Winterset), Charli Mosier (Tipton), and Coach Caroline Downey (Putnam, IL)