The Texas Tech University Product Development Team took first place honors at the National Meat Association's (NMA) Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 with their product, “Blueberry Sausage Patties.”

The team of four Texas Tech Meat Science students distributed their product to conference attendees. The different products were then voted on, where Texas Tech finished in first place by one vote. After finishing ahead of ten other universities, the team was awarded a plaque and a cash prize.

The team consisted of Shanna Ward, a junior from Coffeyville, Kan., Heather Veltri, a senior from Ft. Collins, Colo., Cassie Chancey, a senior from Santana, Kan., and Paden Daniels, a senior from Athol, Kan. Additional graduate students represented Texas Tech at the conference.

The MEATEXPO is the NMA's biennial suppliers' exposition. It began in 1948 and has evolved into a well respected, focused trade show. The exposition brings together consultants, equipment manufacturers and other professionals in the industry to give them a first-hand view of the newest in industry equipment, packaging and related services.