ISU Meat Judging Team

ISU Meat Judging Team

About the Team

Meat judging will help you begin acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to have a successful and fulfilling career while representing Iowa State at the highest levels.

Students who participate in meat judging are highly regarded by livestock and meat industry personnel and representatives of universities across the country and internationally. Communication, evaluation, and personal development skills mastered by meat judgers are highly valued when applying for internships and establishing careers. It is not uncommon to find alumni judgers in other careers such as academia, law or medicine. 

Intercollegiate meat judging contests are supported by the American Meat Science Association (AMSA). Policies for these contests are managed by the Intercollegiate Meat Coaches Association (IMCA). The Iowa State University Department of Animal Science fully supports the meat judging program and provides scholarships each semester to the young men and women who represent the department at meat judging contests.

We believe in team members that strive to do their best inside the coolers, the classrooms, and in life. If you want a career in agriculture, to make life-long friends in a family atmosphere, and push yourself further than you thought possible, we want and need you on our team.

Interested in joining?

Team Members

Hayden Brint

Hayden Brint

Major: Animal Science

Stephanie Major

Stephanie Major

Major: Animal Science

Placeholder

Avery Crooks

Major: Animal Science

Garret Platz

Garret Platz

Major: Agronomy

Placeholder

Elyse Dyson

Major: Animal Science

Hannah Koch

Hannah Koch

Major: Agricultural Communication

Placeholder

Ashtyn Jolly

Assistant Coach
Major: Animal Science

Team Accolades

YearEventResults
2025Southeastern Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest

The Iowa State University Meat Judging Team earned top honors at the Southeastern Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest. 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.

Team

  • 1st Overall
  • 1st in Total Beef Reasons
  • 1st in Beef Judging
  • 2nd in Pork Judging
  • 2nd in Lamb Judging
  • 2nd in Total Placings
  • 4th in Beef Grading & Specifications

Individual

  • 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
   

Meat Team History