On February 1, 157 students from 17 programs stepped into the coolers at Columbia Packing to put their skills to the test. Intercollegiate Meat Judging provides a hands-on learning experience where students, guided by dedicated coaches and industry professionals, evaluate carcasses, wholesale and retail cuts, quality, and overall product value all while competing alongside peers from across the region and country.
The NMSU meat judging team was there to compete in the National Division which is open to “all post-secondary educational institutions where instruction in meat grading and judging is offered”, unlike the American Division which is limited to institutions offering degrees in meat science.
The contest was led by Contest Committee Chair Dr. Jeff Savell (Texas A&M University), with support from an outstanding committee including Gage Walsh, Chesney Effling, Jake Gillespie, Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D., Chad Carr, Ph.D., and Jodie Pitcock.
A huge thank you to the Ondrusek Family and the Columbia Packing team for their incredible hospitality and support. Events like this help prepare students for internships and careers in meat science, animal science, and allied industries and connect them with industry partners investing in the future workforce.
“AMSA is grateful for everyone who helped make this contest a success and for the students who represent the future of the meat industry.” (A special thank you was extended to Standard Meat Company for an amazing banquet breakfast.)
American Division
- Champion Team: Texas Tech University
- Reserve Champion Team: Oklahoma State University
- High Individual: Shayla Mader- Texas Tech University
National Division
- Champion Team: Eastern Oklahoma State College
- Reserve Champion Team: Garden City Community College
- High Individual: Sam Baldino- Eastern Oklahoma State College
While not taking top spots at the competition, the NMSU meat judging team finished the weekend competing well at the Southwestern Contest.
Photos: Courtesy NMSU Meat Judging Team
The team is coached by Jacob Painter and Makenzie Webster. Congratulations to this team on a job well done; Las Cruces Digest wishes them luck at their next contest!
NMSU Meat Judging Team Results:
TEAM AWARDS
- 4th High Team Overall Contest
- 2nd High Team Total Placings
- 3rd High Team Lamb Judging
- 3rd High Team Pork Judging
- 4th High Team Beef Grading
- 5th High Team Total Questions
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
JOSÉ LAGÜERA
- 4th High Individual Overall
- 4th High Individual Total Placings
- 5th High Individual Beef Grading
TRENTEN BISHOP
- 5th High Individual Overall
- High Point Individual Lamb Judging
- High Point Individual Total Questions
IZABEL STOCK
- 7th High Individual Overall
- 5th High Individual Pork Judging
- 7th (T-4th) High Individual Total Questions
GIANNA NILVO
7th High Individual Total Placings
LILLIE JARAMILLO
4th High Individual Overall – Alternate
BRYSEN SOILES
7th High Individual Overall – Alternate
ANIKA TAFOYA
10th High Individual Overall – Alternate
Bonus Content
In January, NMSU Meat Science hosted their first-ever judging clinic for New Mexico FFA students. The clinic introduced students to collegiate meat judging and educational opportunities at NMSU, while also building their knowledge and strategy for FFA meat judging. “We were grateful to host such a great group and wish them the best of luck as they compete in the future,” their Facebook post stated.
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