The Meat Animal Evaluation Contest is a capstone judging experience at Iowa State University. In order to successfully compete at this rigorous event, students must be well rounded, self-motivated and willing to join a steep tradition. This contest is particularly special for ISU as it played a prominent role in the formation of the Meat Animal Evaluation Contest and has remained a steadfast support of the event. In 1964 educators came together to develop a contest that would give students a more holistic understanding of the animal industry. Two separate practices were established at these meetings that were subsequently held in Waterloo, Iowa. These events became the precursor for the National Meat Animal Evaluation Contest.
The Meat Animal Evaluation Contest is a multifaceted experience that primarily fuses livestock and meats judging into a comprehensive event. Participants are also asked to display additional pragmatic skills, by pricing live animals and carcasses based on estimates and calculations. The three day contest also includes a team oriented communications event, which focuses on current events and agriculture advocacy.
Interested students are encouraged to participate in one or both the Livestock and Meats Judging Teams. Students unable to participate on the Livestock Judging Team are asked to Animal Science 305. For more information please contact Dr. Chris Cassady, the Meat Animal Evaluation Team Coach.