March 28, 2007
Written by Cory Chandler
Meat Animal Evaluation Team Wins National Title
[Editor’s note: A student from your area is a member of this team. Photos and individual
rankings available upon request]
Texas Tech University’s Meat Animal Evaluation Team won first place in the 2007 National
Meat Animal Evaluation Contest, a first for Texas Tech in the championship’s 43-year
history.
The contest, which took place March 22-24 at the Oklahoma City Stockyards and Oklahoma
State University, required competitors to draw on wide-ranging knowledge of areas
such as livestock evaluation, meat judging and agricultural communications.
Texas Tech boasted eight out of ten of the top individual rankings and the team claimed
1st place in the Market Animal Division and Breeding Animal Division. Combined with
3rd place rankings in Communications and Meat Divisions, the team scored a total 8,450
points, earning the top spot in the overall standings.
"I think that this win is a testament to the multi-faceted education that students
receive through Texas Tech’s meat and livestock evaluation program," said coach Ryan
Rathmann.
Team members noted that the National Meat Evaluation Contest is the only of its kind
that requires students understand all aspects of livestock supply chains – from seedstock
to consumer.
"Students must be well-rounded, well-versed and intelligent to compete successfully
in this competition," Rathmann said. "I’m proud of the win and these students, and
I believe their success is a reflection of the education Texas Tech provides."
Team members include the following: Jeff Berry, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Matthew Stolz, Brenham;
Jordan Hicks, Hereford; Brett Gaylord, Jayton; Greg McNeil, Rosharon; Clint Halfmann,
Wall; Jonathan Hisey, Rule; Landi Woolley, Grandview; Amber Harris, Pearland; Andrew
Hokanson, Dumas; Travis O'Quinn, League City; Garrett Holder, Andrews.
The team was coached by Todd Beyers, John Kellermeier and Rathmann.
CONTACT: Kayla Rathmann, coordinator of student programs, College of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2808, or kayla.rathmann@ttu.edu