The University of Wyoming’s (UW) meat judging team delivered a standout performance throughout the 2024 season, securing top-10 finishes in four fall competitions, according to a recent university release, Oil City News reports.
The team, known for its dedication and camaraderie, achieved significant individual and team success in two key tournaments.
One highlight of the season was the Cargill High Plains Meat Judging Contest in Friona, Texas, where the team excelled in lamb judging, placing third overall. In the specifications division, five team members earned perfect scores: Kaitlyn Brandenburg, Aida Hester, Joe Mills, Hailey Rasmussen, and Sarah Turner. Brandenburg further distinguished herself by placing second in beef grading, third in overall beef, and first in the placings division, culminating in a 10th-place overall finish.
At the American Meat Science Association’s International Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest in Dakota City, Nebraska, the team once again impressed, finishing third in lamb judging. Individually, Hester placed seventh, and Turner secured ninth place overall, marking a successful close to the fall season.
McKensie Phillips, the team’s coordinator, praised the group’s enthusiasm and mutual support.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever worked with a group of students that have been so closely connected… They really committed to figuring out where their performance was and improving it,” Phillips said.
Each year, collegiate teams honor a member who exemplifies the qualities of hard work, teamwork, and positivity associated with the late Rachel Hamilton, a former director of the Intercollegiate Meat Judging Program. UW nominated Stella Ordahl as its Rachel Hamilton Memorial Spirit Award recipient for her dedication and uplifting attitude.
The 2024 UW meat judging team included students from diverse backgrounds and states:
- Jordan Anderson (Centre Hall, Pennsylvania)
- Kristy Benjamin (Boulder)
- Kaitlyn Brandenburg (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
- Aida Hester (Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado)
- Joe Mills (Peyton, Colorado)
- Stella Ordahl (Savage, Minnesota)
- Emi Ramirez (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)
- Hailey Rasmussen (Estes Park, Colorado)
- Koy Stanley (Midland, Texas)
- Sarah Turner (Cheyenne)
- Samantha Waller (Basalt, Colorado)
- Assistant Coach: Tessa Maurer (Arvada, Colorado)
With the 2024 season concluded, the team’s members will be eligible to compete for one year, starting in the spring and ending in the fall. For more information about the UW meat judging team, contact McKensie Phillips at 307-766-2334 or via email at mckensie.phillips@uwyo.edu.
