Texas 4-H

Agriculture & Livestock

Meat Science

Discover how experts process your food in the meat science project! You will learn how to identify various cuts of meats and determine the quality. As you discover science-based information about meat, you will be able to judge the quality and retail value of meat.
Many young agriculturalists in Texas are already in production of meat products through exhibiting market steers, swine, sheep, and goats at junior livestock competitions. By participating in meat science judging contests, youth learn science-based information to consider when evaluating and making decisions, as well as learning proper meat storage and handling procedures. This is important so all Texans know how to purchase safe, nutritious meat products. It will also give future agricultural and food industry leaders a broad view of the livestock industry.
There are so many people more than willing to help you out, both local families and your county extension office. In this project you will learn:
  • Responsibility
  • Decision making
  • Oral and Written Communication

And you can also learn through various other opportunities:

  • Public Speaking
  • Leadership
  • Community Service

Project Resources

Events and Activities

Meat Judging

Students receive a set of meat to evaluate and score. After they have made their decision of which cut of meat is the best they will write a set of oral reasons. It is a competitive environment to test their knowledge of the subject of meat science.

Major Livestock Shows

There are several contests throughout the year at almost every major stock show. Your area may also offer additional events throughout the year. Contact your county extension agent to learn more. 

Multi-district Meat Judging Contest

Texas A&M University Meat Judging Clinic

Texas 4-H Roundup Meat Judging Contest

Texas 4-H Roundup hosts the state contest for qualifying and invitational 4-H meat judging each year.

Meat Judging Resources

  • Texas 4-H Meat Judging Resources Flyer
  • Aggie Meat 
  • American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
      • 2441 Village Green Place | Champaign, Illinois 61822
        Phone: (800) 517-AMSA | Fax: (888) 205-5834
    • Meat Evaluation Handbook – $55.00 shipping included) For years, this handbook has served as the primary text for training meat science professionals in the area of fresh meat evaluation. Now in a revised and expanded edition, this handbook is the industry standard guide for fresh meat grading and selection.
  • Guide to Identifying Meat Cuts
    • Guide to Identifying Meat Cuts (#06-202) – 55 pages. Includes information, cooking recommendations and identifying photos for all cuts of beef, veal, pork and lamb. The 2009 updated edition includes URMIS numbers for all cuts and identifies those cuts that meet government guidelines for lean
  • Pork Quality Standards
  • Meat Judging Videos
    • CEV Multimedia: 1020 SE Loop 289 | Lubbock, TX 79404
      Phone: (877) 610-5017 | (806) 745-8820 | Fax: (800) 243-6398 | (806) 745-5300
      E-mail: General – cev@cevmultimedia.com | Support – technical.support@cevmultimedia.com
      CEV Multimedia lists 40 video tapes on carcass and wholesale cut judging, beef grading, and retail cut identification. Costs range from $49 to $195 per video.
    • 6b. The Meat Science Laboratory holds a number of CEV videos, and will loan them out.
      Call Laura Trumble to reserve tapes for a 10 day period – 608-262-0463
  • Iowa State University Extension – Loin Eye Grids
    • These loin grids are available through the Iowa State University Extension. Visit their Extension Online Store.
      • AS 0234E – Plastic Grid for Quick Measurement of Loin Eye (Beef)
      • AS0235E – Plastic Grid for Quick Measurement of Loin Eye (Pork and Lamb)
  • Backfat/Grading Stainless Steel Rulers
    • Nasco: 901 Janesville Avenue | Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
      Phone: (800) 558-9595 (toll free) | Fax: (800) 372-1236 (24/7)
    • USDA Preliminary Cutability Grade Ruler (Product # C02615N)

Meat Judging Practice Contests

Meat Judging Links

Meat Judging Online Trainings

Project Gallery

Upcoming Events

Jun 1

State 4-H Roundup

when Jun 1 - Jun 4

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