State 4-H/FFA Meats Judging Contest
April 19, 2008
UF Meats Processing Center, Gainesville
The 2008 State 4-H Meats Judging Contest will be held at the UF Meat Science Lab in the Animal Sciences Building in Gainesville on April 19, 2008, starting at 9:00 a.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.). The contest will consist of Retail ID’s and seven or eight classes of cuts and/or carcasses. We will use the same Retail ID cards as the National contest. Follow the links for the 4-H Meat Retail Cut Identification Codes and the Retail ID answer sheet. The cooking codes on this list are correct; if you have a booklet that lists different cooking codes, use these instead. The winning senior team is eligible to compete at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS (November). The second place team may compete in the Western Nationals in Denver, CO (January).
Counties may enter one Senior team (14 and older as of Sept. 1, 2007) and one Intermediate team (11 through 13 as of Sept. 1, 2007). Seniors only will answer two sets of questions, and neither division will give reasons. Please preregister by returning this form by April 11. There is no entry fee for this contest. Preregistered counties will be listed here so you can check to confirm that your entry has been received.
A copy of the judging card can be found here. Please be sure that your team members are familiar with the card and know how to fill it out correctly. Common mistakes when using this card include the team/individual numbers not darkened in, class placings darkened incorrectly (for example, placed 1-2-3-1), or number choice boxes circled, checked, or marked in another way instead of being darkened within the lines. To help everyone be familiar with the cards, a section of this website gives examples and explanations on filling out the card correctly.
Participants in the state contest need to remember to dress appropriately for extended periods in the Meat Lab coolers. Please refer to the information below for details on the dress code and processing area rules. The 4-H’er is responsible for bringing all necessary wardrobe as it will not be provided at the contest. If contestants or coaches are not properly dressed, they will not be allowed in the contest.
There are plenty of motels in the area. Any of the motels on the Archer Road exit, Williston Road exit, or South 13th Street would be convenient.
Meat Judging Contest Dress Codes
The U.S.D.A. has a thorough inspection system for meat processing plants. Even though we are an educational facility, we still fall under these stringent regulations. Furthermore, we whole heartily believe that these rules will help ensure the consumer of safer foods.
Following is the dress code and procedures that must be followed by contestants as well as advisors and leaders:
- Frocks, hard hats, shirts with sleeves, closed toe shoes, and long pants will be worn in all processing areas. No bump caps or cloth caps are allowed. Clothing and shoes must be clean.
- Frocks will not be worn outside the building or in the restrooms. Frocks should not be set on the ground and should be kept folded. (You should carry your frock until you are instructed to put it on after the orientation and assigning of groups.)
- No jewelry will be allowed in processing areas. This includes rings, ear rings, and necklaces.
- Hair nets will be worn. Beard nets will be provided.
- No tobacco products will be allowed in the Meat Processing Center. No food, gum, or drinks will be allowed in meat processing areas.
- Glass items will not be brought into processing areas.
- Hands will be washed with antimicrobial soap after visiting the restroom and before entering the processing area.
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