Texas Tech University

AFS Judging Teams Shine in American Royal Intercollegiate Competitions

Norman Martin | October 23, 2024

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Texas Tech University’s Meat Judging Team finished as the Reserve Champion Team at the American Royal Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest. The national competition was held on Sunday (Oct. 13) at Nebraska Beef in Omaha, Nebraska. The Davis College Department of Animal & Food Sciences team ranked second in the overall contest, second in beef grading, second in pork judging, second in total beef, second in reasons; and first in beef judging.

Texas Tech earned top honors on the strength of its finishes which included Wade Sanders, who ranked first as high individual; second place in total beef; second place in total placings. He also placed fourth in beef judging, fourth in beef grading, and fifth place in reasons. Meanwhile, Ellie LaCroix earned seventh in high individual honors, placing first in reasons, fourth place in total beef and fifth place in beef grading. Trenton Mills ranked second in beef grading, second in specifications and first in total beef.

Other members of the meat judging team are:

  • Abigail Sleep
  • Maggie Chase
  • Libby Mosley
  • Caylee Turner
  • Audrey Ratliff
  • Delanie Davila
  • Matt Cluchey
  • Eyian Polk
  • Aiden Bickers
  • Andrew Sellers

The team is coached Mark Miller, the Texas Tech San Antonio Stock Show Distinguished Chair in Meat Sciences, along with Assistant Professor Blake Foraker, Cassie Kunde, Jake Bagby, and Preston Twilligear. Teams participating in the annual competition included Kansas State University, Texas A&M University, West Texas A&M University and the University of Wyoming. In addition to the competitive events, the Texas Tech team was able to participate in several industry tours, which included Roth Family Feeders, Tyson Foods, Empirical, and Smithfield facilities.

The meat judging program at Texas Tech is one of the avenues available to the department to recruit and train future leaders of the meat science industry. In addition to the American Royal, the team competes at national competitions including the National Western, the Southwestern Livestock Exposition, the Houston Livestock Show, the Cargill High Plains and the International. The team has a historic track record, winning national championships in 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. 

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In other action at the American Royal Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest, Texas Tech University’s Livestock Judging Team won Reserve Team Overall on Monday (Oct. 21) at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri, placing as the high team in sheep and goats, and second high team in reasons.

Brady Halfmann was third overall Individual and high individual in sheep and goats, while Brenn Edwards was fifth overall individual and high individual in reasons, Drew Webster was eleventh overall individual, and Avery Oliver was third individual in reasons. The team is coached by Associate Professor Ryan Rathmann and assisted by graduate student Skyler Scotten.

Scores were based on presentation as well as accuracy of placement. Program officials note that contestants gain skills in decision-making, critical thinking, oral communication, and self-confidence in addition to advancing their knowledge of the field. 

CONTACT: Mark Miller, San Antonio Stock Show Distinguished Chair in Meat Sciences, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-0837 or mfmrraider@aol.com

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