MEEKER | Blake Smith, 9, a junior 4-H’r, represented Rio Blanco County in Texas on June 20, 2023, and was one of the top five competitors at Texas Tech University’s Junior Meats Judging Mock Contest. The contest was for 4-H youth judgers (third-sixth grade) and participants came from throughout the country.
Blake scored two 50s (perfect scores) and a 48 (A+) on retail cuts classes, including bacon, so he was thrilled.
He also experienced some of the best and worst beef of his life that day and described the differences… one was tough, dark (aged) and took a long time to chew; while the other was brighter, juicier (tender) and delicious. Blake was called out for having traveled the farthest to attend and, overall, had a great time while learning more techniques to logically evaluate beef, pork and lamb meat.
Sincere thanks goes out to the Texas Tech Meats program for opening up their hearts and doors to these kids by providing a “top shelf” experience, as well as Rio Blanco County 4-H for supporting this vital education to our county 4-H’rs. Next stop for the RBC 4-H meats and horse judging team is wool judging this fall. For more information please contact Tonya Merz at the Extension Office, 970-878-9497.
Special to the Herald Times
