Meat judging consists of evaluating the differences in composition and quality between various meat cuts. But more importantly, meat evaluation develops essential life skills that can be used throughout life regardless of career choice. Communication and critical thinking skills are developed by making logical decisions and defending the decision through written reasons. Students learn how develop as leaders and accept constructive criticism, as well as gaining a sense of teamwork and bonding.
Our alumni would testify that being a part of the meat judging team had a positive impact on their life and helped develop them into the person they are today. It is an excellent way to get involved with a competitive University team that reaps endless benefits.

The 2013 UNL Meat Judging Team has competed in four contests this spring, including:

  • National Western Meat Judging Contest in Denver, Colorado
  • Southwestern Meat Judging Contest in Ft. Worth, Texas
  • Iowa State University Meat Evaluation Contest in Ames, Iowa
  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Meat Judging Contest in Houston, Texas.

They have had multiple top 5 placings in the spring and are looking forward to a competitive fall.

In the fall, the team will travel to:

  • Eastern National Meat Judging Contest in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania
  • American Royal Meat Judging Contest in Omaha, Nebraska
  • Cargill Meat Solutions Meat Judging Contest
  • International Meat Judging Contest in Dakota City, Nebraska.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ty Schmidt (402-472-6772, tschmidt4@unl.edu)
Team Coach: Brandy Cleveland, Animal Science MS Graduate Student (402-472-6497, bcleveland@huskers.unl.edu)

Fall 2012
Fall Intercollegiate Meats Judging Contests

October 21, 2012-American Royal in Omaha, Nebraska
November 18, 2012--International Meat Judging Contest in Dakota City, Nebraska

Spring 2012 Junior Meats Judging Team

Members of the Junior Meats Judging Team are:

2012 Junior Meats Judging Team 

  • Nate Dierks—Nate is a junior Pre-Veterinary major from Elgin, NE. Nate has attended all the contests. He has been early accepted to Iowa State Universities School of Veterinary Medicine and will be leaving in the fall of 2012.
  • Alex Dierks—Alex is a Freshman Mechanical Engineering major from Elgin, NE. He joined us late, and is learning very fast. He has attended the Iowa State University Meats judging contest, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Meats judging contest.
  • Eric Miller—Eric is a sophomore Ag. Business/Animal Science major from Lyons, NE. He has attended the Iowa State University Meats judging contest, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Meats judging contest.
  • Paul Hansen—Paul is an undeclared sophomore, leaning towards an Animal Science major. He is from Winside, NE. Paul has attended all the contests.
  • Brodie Mackey-- Brodie is an Agricultural Education major from Torrington, WY. He joined us after completing a stellar year on the University of Nebraska Sr. Livestock Judging team. Brodie gave great effort, and competed at the National Western Stock Show.
  • Molli Wilken—Molli is a sophomore Animal Science major from Bloomfield, NE. She attended the National Western Stock Show only.

The 2012 Junior Meats Judging team traveled to the following contests.

  1. National Western Stock Show—Held January 15th, 2012 in Denver, CO
  2. Iowa State University Meat Evaluation Contest-- Held February 25th, 2012 in Ames, IA. The team finished as the high team in the Summer Sausage Division, and was 5th in the Sectioned and Formed Ham division.
  3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo- Held March 3rd, 2012 in Houston, TX. The team finished in 13th, and was led by Paul Hansen who was 5th in lamb judging.

Note: Southwestern Intercollegiate Meat Judging contest was canceled due to regulatory issues at the host facility.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dennis Burson (402-472-6457, dburson1@unl.edu)
Team Coach: Derek J. Schroeder, Animal Science MS Graduate Student (402-472-6497, dschroeder819@gmail.com)
Teaching Assistant: Tacy Langemeier (Sr. ASCI major)

2011 Senior Meats Judging Team


The Senior Meats Judging Team will be attending three contests during the 2011 fall:

October 16, 2011--American Royal in Omaha, Nebraska
October 30, 2011--High Plains in Plainview, Texas
November 13, 2011--International Meat Judging Contest in Dakota City, Nebraska

Members of the Senior Meats Judging Team are:

Bailey Hartway, Jr. ASCI major, from West Barre, NY
Joelle Pillen, Jr. ASCI major, from Platte Center, NE 
Karen Buettner, Jr. Fine Arts/Photography major, from Grand Island, NE
Chad Storm, Sr. ASCI major, from Albion, NE

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dennis Burson (402-472-6457, dburson1@unl.edu)
Team Coach: Derek J. Schroeder, Animal Science MS Graduate Student (402-472-6497, dschroeder819@gmail.com)
Teaching Assistant: Tacy Langemeier (Sr. ASCI major)