Many young agriculturalists in Texas are already in the production of meat products through exhibiting market steers, swine, sheep, and goats at junior livestock competitions. Meat Judging and Identification is the evaluation and selection of meat cuts from beef, swine, and sheep species. Through participation in judging contests and other leadership contests, agents, leaders, and youth learn valid, science-based information to consider when evaluating and making decisions, as well as learning proper meat storage and handling procedures. Education of youth will provide future Texans with knowledge and expertise to purchase safe, nutritious meat products. It will also give future agricultural and food industry leaders a broader view of the livestock industry.
4H Contests Held During the Texas State Round-up
QUALIFYING MEAT JUDGING AND IDENTIFICATION
Team of 3 or 4 Qualifying National Contest Advancement Meat Judging and Identification is the evaluation and selection of meat cuts from beef, swine, and sheep species. The three high scoring members of a team shall constitute the official team for the contest, the fourth ranking automatically being the alternate. Contestants shall not have competed in an intercollegiate meats contest, or be currently enrolled in or completed a college level meats course.
INVITATIONAL MEAT JUDGING AND IDENTIFICATION
Team of 2. Limit of 3 teams per county. This contest will give youth the opportunity to further their knowledge and skills when evaluating meat through a practicum setting. The contest will be held simultaneously with the Qualifying Meat Judging and Identification contest. The contest consists of the evaluation and selection of meat cuts from beef, swine, and sheep species. Contestant in both the Senior and Intermediate level divisions for the retail cut identification portion of the contest, participants will be expected to know all the retail cuts on the Senior Retail ID list. County leader must specify the members of teams of two when registering or the State Office will assign the teams