Meat Judging Team
The concept of the meat judging program is to train individuals to distinguish differences in relative value of various meat cuts. However, the beneficial value of involvement goes much further than determining the compositional and quality differences of carcasses. Students involved with the meat judging program develop life skills that they utilize regardless of their occupation later in life.
Judging team members must make rapid, logical decisions and defend their decisions via written reasons. Therefore, students improve their ability for critical thinking and accurate communication. In addition, students become organized and self-disciplined, learn to accept criticism, develop self-confidence and become leaders.
In many cases, success in meat judging competition translates to employment opportunities, internships and scholarships. Furthermore, relationships developed among team members and coaches help students better interact with others. Bonds developed between members and coaches are cherished for a lifetime. These bonds often provide a sense of family and community to a large campus.
Competition
Team members take part in training throughout the judging season. The OSU Meat Judging Team takes part in approximately eight contests annually.
- View Contest List
- National Western
- Ft. Worth
- Iowa State
- Houston
- Eastern National
- American Royal
- Cargill-High Plains
- International Championship
- Honors & Recognition
- 19 National Championships
- 7 Reserve National Championships
- Over 60 championships from other national contests
- Only team to win Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest twice
- More national championships in meat judging than any other university in the country
- All-Americans
2005 – Samuel Percival
2006 – Carl Oblander
2007 – Reed Smith
2008 – Kelly Manke
2010 – Zach Robertson
2011 – McKenzie Clifton
2012 – Morgan Neilson
2014 – Jessie Heidlage & Audrey Zoeller
2015 – Macy Perry
2016 – Julianna Albrecht, Abby Bechtold & Emily Rice
2017 - Charley Rayfield
2018 - Kathryn Hearn & Lilly Hidlebrand
- Walters Award Winners
2006 - Carl Oblander, Woodward, OK
2007 - Tim Pye, Sylvania, GA
2008 - Kelly Manke, Marlow, OK
2009 - Gretchen Frost Lampe, Tallula, IL
2010 - Zach Robertson, Bland, MO
2011 - McKenzie Clifton Squires, Kingfisher, OK
2012 - Morgan Neilson Pfeiffer, Meeker, CO
2013 - Shannon White, Stillwater, OK
2014 - Jessie Heidlage, Claremore, OK
2015 - Macy Perry, Prather, CA
2016 - Thomas Neal
2017 - Charley Rayfield
2018 - Lilly Hildebrand
2019 - Amber Wright
If you have records of other recipients, please e-mail ansihelp@okstate.edu.
- Team Photos
All of our judging team photos are available online on Flickr.
- Scholarships & Aid
There are multiple scholarship opportunities for judging team members, as well as potential funding for team travel expenses and practice resources.
- Giving Opportunities
Interested in supporting a judging team? View available giving opportunities on the OSU Foundation website.