For Fremantle resident and Murdoch University veterinary science student Reuben Welke, the chance to be part of a five-person Australian meat judging team at the National Western competition in Denver and the Southwest Invitational in Texas was too good to pass up.
Making the trip even better, the team won the lamb judging competition at both events.
Mr Welke said they also placed top three in a number of beef and pork categories.
“The competitions were a great experience, but we were also welcomed by many great people from all aspects of the US agricultural industry, including those from the meat science, primary production and processing sectors,” he said.
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READ NOW“Getting involved in meat judging at Murdoch has given me an invaluable understanding of what producers are paid for and what consumers want from their meat.
“It also helps me to understand how farmers can produce more valuable animals to meet consumer demands and maximise their profits.”
Mr Welke and his team will attend the 2016 Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging program in July to help inspire the next group of meat judging enthusiasts.