The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been participating in Intercollegiate Meat Judging since 1926, when the program was first sponsored by the National Live Stock and Meat Board. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln won the very first International Livestock Exposition competition held in 1926. In the nearly 100 years that Nebraska has been participating in the meat judging, hundreds of students have graduated from the program and have gone on to become leaders in the meat and livestock industries.

Today, Intercollegiate Meat Judging team members learn to evaluate quality and lean meat yield of beef, pork, and lamb carcasses and wholesale cuts and develop essential life skills that can be used throughout their lives. Judging builds communication and critical thinking skills by learning to make and defend logic-based decisions through written reasons. It also develops leadership skills, like learning to receive constructive criticism and working alongside team members to achieve a common goal.

Alumni testify that being a part of the meat judging team had a positive impact on their lives and helped them to develop into the people that they are today. It is an excellent way to get involved with a competitive University team that reaps endless benefits.

Meet Our Coach

  1. Avatar for Kara Reynolds
    Meat Judging Coach Animal Science University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Email
    kreynolds15@huskers.unl.edu

Meet Our Team

Kennedy Parks

Papillion, NE
Major: Animal Science

no headshot available

Grace Schlueter

Scribner, NE
Major: Animal Science

headshot photo of Grace Schlueter

Madison Woehrle

Eustis, NE
Major: Ag Leadership, Education and Communication

no headshot available

Kylie Beard

Superior, NE
Major: Animal Science

no headshot available

Reagan Rippy

Silt, CO
Major: Animal Science

headshot photo of Reagan Rippy

Ethan Moore

Plattsmouth, NE
Major: Animal Science

no headshot available

Jaylea Pope

Ravenna, NE
Major: Animal Science & Agricultural Communications

headshot photo of Jaylea Pope

Noah Summers

Gibbon, NE
Major: Animal Science

headshot photo of Noah Summers

2025 Schedule

DateHostLocationResults
January 19National Western ContestGreeley, COTeam Results
6th High Team Overall
2nd Beef Grading
3rd Overall Beef
4th Lamb Judging
4th Placings
6th Pork Judging
6th Specifications
7th Reasons
8th Beef Judging
Individual Results
Noah Summers: 7th High Individual Overall, 4th Placings, 8th Overall Beef, 9th Beef Judging, 10th Specifications
Jaylea Pope: 13th High Individual Overall, 7th Overall Beef, 8th Placings, 8th Beef Grading
Reagan Rippy: 5th Beef Grading
Madison Woehrle: 7th Beef Grading Alt
Grace Schlueter: 4th Pork Judging Alt



 
February 2Southwestern Intercollegiate ContestEnnis, TXTeam Results
4th High Team Overall
2nd Placings
3rd Beef Judging
4th Specifications
4th Overall Beef
4th Beef Grading
5th Lamb Judging
6th Reasons
Individual Results
Kylie Beard- 3rd High Individual- alt , tied for 1st in Beef Grading, 1st Overall Beef alt.
Reagan Rippy- 5th High Individual Overall, 5th Beef Grading, 6th Overall Beef, 3rd Specifications, 10th placings
Jaylea Pope- 9th High Individual Overall, 10th Pork Judging, 2nd Placings
Noah Summers- 7th Placings
Grace Schlueter- 2nd Beef Judging
Kennedy Parks- 2nd Lamb Judging alt., 5th Placings
Madison Woerhle- 12th Lamb Judging alt.
 
February 22South Plains Intercollegiate ContestHereford, TXTeam  |  Individual
March 9Houston Livestock Show and RodeoHouston, TXTeam  |  Individual

Meet Our Meat Judging Coordinator

  1. Avatar for Bo Garcia
    Extension Assistant Professor (4-H Livestock and Meat Education) and Meat Judging Coordinator 4-H Youth Development University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    ANSC A213b
    Lincoln NE 68583-0908
    Phone
    Work 402-472-3404 On-campus 2-3404
    Email
    bgarcia18@unl.edu
    Website
    Social Media

Connect with the Meat Judging Team