Support of Meat Judging Stirs Response from Students & Coaches

Bill Moody - AMSA Foundation Trustees Chair

Meat judging programs around the country have had a profound positive effect on many individuals over the years.  A large number of our AMSA members first became acquainted with Meat Science by working out with a meat judging team and seeing first hand what its like to be inside a slaughter plant and/or meat processing facility.  In the early years nearly every land grant university along with many other College of Agriculture teaching facilities, FFA and 4-H programs offered a course in meat judging.  The National Live Stock and Meat Board sponsored the major meat judging contests around the country and provided personnel to coordinate, tabulate and present awards at these events.

Today, meat judging activities are still a very important component of many of our Colleges of Agriculture and high school FFA programs throughout the country.  However, a number of changes have evolved over the years.  Unlike in the past, where the coaching was done primarily by faculty members, today's coaches for the most part are graduate students working toward an advanced degree.  Another big difference today is the availability of meat plants willing or able to host a major contest.  Some of the reluctance on the part of existing plants to open their doors to a large number of outsiders has come about as a result of more strict adherence to sanitary regulations imposed by USDA.  Another problem has been that many plants around the country have consolidated or gone out of business entirely.

Despite these differences and evolutionary changes that have come about over the last several years, many still feel that a viable meat evaluation (judging) program is an important component of a sound meat science teaching curriculum at the college level and an important motivator of 4-H and FFA students.

As you know, meat judging activities are supported by funds from the AMSA Educational Foundation made possible through gifts to the Foundation specified for this purpose.  Current meat judging programs supported by your Foundation include intercollegiate and 4-H meat judging and the sponsorship of the Rachel Hamilton Spirit Award.  This award is presented to one member of each intercollegiate meats team around the country.  As chair of the AMSA Foundation, I received many "thank you" letters last fall and winter from the coaches and students of those who participated in meat judging activities during the year.  In order that you, too, may know how these individuals feel about the experience I would like to share a few selected statements from some of these letters:

We would like to thank you, as part of the American Meat Science Association's Educational Foundation, for providing the awards given to participants in the American Royal National 4-H Meats Judging contest.  
Bourbon Co. Kansas Judging Team

On behalf of the Wyoming 4-H meat judging team, I would like to thank you for your support and dedication to the 2005 National 4-H Meat Judging contest.  We sincerely appreciate the American Meat Science Foundation's commitment to such a high quality contest.  Members develop a strong background in the area of meat science, meat production and how to be informed and responsible consumers.  More importantly, they develop excellent life-long skills in critical thinking, public speaking, organization, team work, cooperation and self-esteem. 
Tamara R. Jensen, Coach

Thank you, the American Meat Science Association Education Foundation, for donating the Reserve Team Plaque for the National Meats Judging Contest.  It really means a lot that you supported this competition. 
Sharlet and Justin Starch, 2005 National Reserve Champion Meats Team, Lusk, Wyoming

On behalf of the 2005 University of Illinois Meat Judging Team, I would like to express our appreciation to the AMSA Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Rachel Hamilton Memorial Awards. 
Tom Carr, Coach, University of Illinois

Your support of the American Royal National 4-H Contest, banquet and awards is greatly appreciated. 
Wisconsin 4-H Meat Judging Team

We would like to thank the American Meat Science Educational Foundation for your contributions to the 2005 Cargill Meat Solutions High Plain Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest held in Plainview, Texas.  The lasting impression that meat judging has on so many college students is unbelievable and so many of those students who participate carry the knowledge from their judging experience into their future careers.  The support that is offered from your foundation is priceless. 
The 2005 Texas Tech Meat Judging Team 

I would like to thank the AMSA Foundation for its support and generosity of the Rachel Hamilton Spirit Awards.  She was an outstanding lady who put a smile on everyone's face.  Thanks for keeping her spirit alive. 
Chandra Biediger, Texas A&M

Thanks for sponsoring the Rachel Hamilton Awards.  It is such a great honor to receive such a prestigious award honoring a very special individual.  Thanks for your kindness in remembering an individual that greatly impacted the meat industry. 
Karen Blankenship, 2005 Ohio State Meat Judging Team

Thanks for sponsoring the Rachel Hamilton Spirit Memorial Award.  It was a wonderful way to remember Rachel. 
Ann Bjerum, 2005 Iowa State Meat Team

I would like to thank the AMSA Educational Foundation for providing awards for the 4-H Meat Judging contest.  The contest was both a memorable and educational experience for my team. 
Georgia Litman, Illinois 4-H Coach

Donate to the Meat Judging Fund

To donate to the Meat Jduging Fund, click on the link below.