Also known as the 4-H FFA Meats Judging Contest, the Meats Evaluation and Technology Career Development Event was held at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Anthony Hall Meats Lab on April 19. Youth ages nine-19 years old competed both individually and as a team in evaluating retail, beef and pork classes in addition to identifying 30 retail cuts, yield grade and quality grade three beef carcasses.

Not only did youth participants have the chance to learn and identify these classes and cuts, they also were provided a first-hand look at the potential career options in this field. In collaboration between the FFA, the MSU meats science lab and Department of Animal Science, 4-H members learned and enhanced their communication, evaluation, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, responsibility and leadership skills.

The St. Joseph County Senior A and Junior A teams won their respective divisions. The junior A team won with a total of 1298 points and the senior A team finished with a total of 1305 points. Individual titles were given to Brady Littlefield, of the St. Joseph Junior A team, and Nicholas Shaver for the senior 4-H division, of Lapeer County Team A.

Look for the complete list of results to be posted on the Animal Science page of the Michigan 4-H website.