COLUMBIA, Mo. – The inaugural University of Missouri Extension 4-H Meat Evaluation Volunteer Workshop held on Saturday, Nov. 2, drew nearly a dozen volunteers from across the state.

Working in partnership with the University Show Me Meat Education and Training Center, volunteers were able to strengthen their meat evaluation skills. “This event provided hands-on experience working with various meat cuts and carcasses,” said Maria Calvert, state 4-H agriculture educator. “Participants enhanced their knowledge of meat evaluation along with learning how to effectively teach meat evaluation to younger students.”

All participants shared they had significantly more knowledge in carcass judging, cuts judging, cut identification, meats judging terminology and giving reasons than they did before attending the workshop, Calvert said. One volunteer shared, “I had no prior knowledge in meats evaluation but found this workshop very helpful for getting a project going in my county.” While all participants had been 4-H volunteers for at least three years, 71% of them had not previously served as a project leader for meats evaluation, Calvert said.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with BTC Bank, FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Smithfield Hog Production, and the Hertzog Family.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.