Megan Sorenson of the U. of Arizona Meat Judging Team

Neil interviews Megan Sorenson, coach of the University of Arizona meat judging team, discussing how the program was started and what it takes to build it. Sorenson, a Texas native who judged for Angelo State in 2023, moved to Arizona for the opportunity to coach and educate students; the University of Arizona, the state’s land-grant school, is celebrating 100 years of meat judging and only formed its first team two years ago. She explains recruiting students, growing from four members last year to six competing at the Southwestern contest (with a seventh overall), and balancing school support with fundraising for travel. Sorenson highlights Southwest Meat Association scholarships and industry support, describes coaching oversight at contests through the American Meat Science Association, and defines success as student integrity, effort, and improvement despite limited local beef-plant access.

 

Topics

01:16 Why Arizona Started a Team

02:11 SMA Scholarships Shoutout

03:52 Recruiting and Funding Challenges

05:39 How Megan Got Into Meat Judging

07:49 Coaching at Contests and MSA

11:04 Defining Success and Growth

12:20 Wrap Up and Next Episode