Special to the HT
Three Rio Blanco County youth earned top placements at the University of Wyoming’s inaugural Meat Judging Camp and Jackpot Contest in Laramie, Wyoming, Oct. 3-5.
Blake Smith, Cash Smith and Bearett Rust joined 55 camp participants for hands-on instruction in carcass evaluation, retail meat identification, yield grading and decision-making. The camp included a visit to 307 Meat in Laramie and concluded with a contest featuring 80 competitors from Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Texas.
Eight-year-old Cash Smith placed first in the Limited Junior division with 315 points, while Rust took first in the Novice Junior division with 303 points.
Blake Smith finished fifth in the Experienced Intermediate division with 424 points. He earned 295 of 300 possible placing points across six judging classes, including four perfect scores.
The boys are coached by Silvia Otabachian-Smith of Meeker and are competing for overall honors in the University of Wyoming Meat Judging Jackpot Series, which continues through winter and spring.
Meat judging helps youth develop critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills while building knowledge of the agricultural industry.
Special thanks go to McKensie Phillips and the University of Wyoming Meat Judging Program for organizing the educational opportunity.
Although the camp was not an official 4-H event, local youth interested in judging can attend the Rio Blanco County 4-H Judging Teams Kickoff Party on Friday, Oct. 16, from 4-6 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Meeker.
The event will introduce families to horse, meat, wool and livestock judging opportunities. All experience levels are welcome. For more information, contact the Rio Blanco County CSU Extension Office.
This article was edited for length.
(Right) Rio Blanco County youth Blake Smith, Cash Smith and Bearett Rust competed at the University of Wyoming’s inaugural Meat Judging Camp and Jackpot Contest. Cash and Bearett won their divisions, receiving speakers as prizes. All three are coached by Silvia Otabachian-Smith of Meeker.