The 4-H meat judging team from Pierce County placed first in the senior division of the inaugural state 4-H meat judging contest held at North Dakota State University.

Team members are Matthew Mattern and Matthew Johnson of Rugby and Devin Volk of York. Mattern was the high individual in the contest. Rick Vannett is the team’s coach.

The meat judging contest included identification of retail cuts, six classes of four meat exhibits and defending the ranked order with oral reasons or questions about the classes.

The second-place senior team from Stark-Billings counties consisted of Caden Tuhy, Marissa Tuhy and Tristen Polensky of Dickinson and Sam Poland of South Heart. Kurt Froelich is the team’s coach.

The Walsh County team of Tim Hodek of Fairdale, Becky Klose of Hoople and Emily Zikmund of Pisek placed third in the senior division. Kim Nelson and Kari Helgoe are the team's coaches.

The team representing Ward County placed first in the intermediate division. Team members are Jacob Scheresky and Fletcher Hennessy of Des Lacs and Thomas Schauer of Carpio. Scheresky was the high individual in the intermediate division. The team is coached by Christopher Rockeman and Paige Brummund.

The Walsh County team of Rachel Klose of Hoople, Eva Hodek and Sara Hodek of Fairdale, and James O’Toole of Crystal placed second in the intermediate division. Nelson and Helgoe are the team's coaches.

Matthew Schauer of Carpio was high individual in the junior division.

The North Dakota Beef Commission, NDSU Animal Sciences Department and North Dakota 4-H Foundation are the sponsors for this contest. The contest was directed by Robert Maddock, NDSU Extension Service meats specialist, and Gary Martens, 4-H volunteer.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - June 13, 3013