Students claim high-steaks judging competition

Agriculture, animal science and veterinary students have shown they are a cut above the rest, performing at their prime in the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging conference.

Third-year veterinary bioscience student Kate Werfel put in a blue-ribbon performance, outscoring all competitors across the beef, lamb and pork classes.

University of Adelaide Meat judging team

The University of Adelaide Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team consisting of third year animal science, agriculture science and veterinary bioscience students. Image courtesy of Keigo Kuchida

Meat judging winner Kate Werfel

Third-year veterinary bioscience student Kate Werfel. Image courtesy of Keigo Kuchida

Kate became just the second student from the University of Adelaide to be named the individual champion of the event, beating 150 students from 12 Australian Universities, and four international teams from Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and Texas Tech University, USA.

Fellow students Kate Krause and Emma Peters were selected as Top 11 finalists.

The team comprising the two Kates, Emma and Holly Mills finished runner-up, narrowly behind the United States team. 

Third year Bachelor of Animal Science student Jade Marschall was awarded with additional industry training in Brisbane. 

Five years of mentoring earned team coach Farrah Preston the Dr Tom Carr Award for Coaching Excellence and the Cattle Council Australia Industry Scholarship.

The University of Adelaide team was sponsored by Primary Industries and Regions SA, MPSC Rinse & Chill, Holco Fine Meat Suppliers and TAFE SA.

The 30th Anniversary event of the ICMJ was held in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

Tagged in School of Agriculture Food and Wine, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Engagement and Industry