The Kentucky 4-H meat judging team, consisting of two sets of twins, represented the Commonwealth at the National Roundup in Kansas City, Kansas, in October. University of Kentucky Extension meat specialist, Benjy Mikel once again coached the team to an overall second-place finish.

The team included Shelley Wade, Shannon Wade, Mike Welch, Jon Welch and Michael Meyers all of Harrison County. This team won the state competition competing against six counties and 35 contestants to get to be the state meat judging team.

"This year's team was one of the best we have had," Mikel said. "They finished third last year and second this year at the Western Invitational nationals, which is very competitive considering they are much younger than youth from most states."

Highlights of the team's placing were first in retail cut judging, second in oral reasons, second in retail identification and impressive second overall standings.

"Meat judging teaches youth the importance of critical thinking, decision making and the ability to communicate ones ideas concisely and effectively," Mikel said.

Individual honors for team members at the contest were: Shannon Wade - first in retail identification with a perfect score of 300 and overall highest individual bringing home a $1500 college scholarship; Shelley Wade placed ninth in identification and third in high individual reasons; Michael Meyer placed eighth in identification and tenth in reasons; both Shelley Wade and Michael Meyer tied for first in retail cut judging with scores of 148 out of a possible 150.