MANHATTAN, KAN. — The Kansas State University Meat Animal Evaluation Team, coached by Travis O'Quinn and Chris Mullinix, was crowned National Champion at the 2022 Collegiate Meat Animal Evaluation Contest.

The event, this year hosted in Lubbock, Texas, included live market animal carcass predictions and pricing, a breeding animal evaluation and a meat judging competition. Previously referred to as the AKSARBEN contest, it now rotates host institutions around the United States.

On April 26, the date following the three-day competition, the team was recognized for its achievement. The team placed first in the breeding, beef, sheep, swine and market animal divisions. At the individual level, K-State students Cody Knodle, Macie Weigand and Colby Hough placed first, second and third respectively in overall performance. In addition to these three, four other students ranked within the top 10.

“The Meat Animal Evaluation contest is the most comprehensive test of students’ knowledge of the factors that impact production of meat from livestock,” said Mike Day, KSU’s ASI department head. “Many of the students that compete in this contest have already demonstrated excellence in animal and/or meat evaluation, and this annual opportunity for them to pull their knowledge, education and past training together make this a true Capstone experience for all.

“The capacity for all-inclusive consideration of product value as impacted by genetics and management is crucial to economic efficiency of meat production. Congratulations to our K-State students and coaches for their high level of excellence in this competition.”