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Suwannee County 4-H is proud to announce that the senior and intermediate 4-H meat judging teams won first place at the state meat judging contest. The contest was held on April 18 at the Meat Processing Center at the University of Florida. Participants had to identify 40 retail cuts, place four retail/primal/carcass classes, identify parts on a beef and pork carcass, and answer questions relating to the meat industry. The senior team comprised of youth ages 14-18, included TJ Burke, Tineke Swart, and Andrew Horvath. The intermediate team comprised of youth ages 11-13, included Erin Barber, Abbey Barker, Carley Herring, and Ashley Low. The junior team comprised of youth ages 8-10, included Nathan Barker, Garrett Greaves, and Cole Herring. Although the junior team was not old enough to attend the state contest, they did practice with the older teams. The meat judging teams first started practicing back in December, when they attended the 4-H Meat Science Workshop. This was the first introduction to meat science for most of the participants. Practice was held every Thursday starting in January. Meat judging consists of participants acquiring knowledge and skills in meat identification and grading techniques and then applying those basic skills to the selection process. Participants developed an understanding and appreciation of the basic scientific principles involved in eating and cooking quality, nutritional value, and consumer appeal of meat. 4-H members on the team also learned to be more effective decision-makers. The meat judging teams would like to thank Publix Supermarket and Mobley’s Custom Cuts, both in Live Oak, for allowing the teams to practice at their facilities. Community support like this helps the Suwannee County 4-H program remain successful. Thank you for supporting the youth in Suwannee County and helping us win a state championship.

For more information about 4H visit www.florida4h.org