Eastern meat judging team wins national title; Marlow's AJ Brown named All-American

WILBURTON, Okla. - The Eastern Oklahoma State College meat judging team was named national champions at the Cargill High Plains contest in late October in Friona, Texas.

"I am very proud of this team and their hard work this fall," said Jade Edwards, instructor of meat processing and food science and Eastern meat judging coach. "It is not easy to get a new coach halfway through the season, but they adapted, stayed focused, and won a national championship."

Meat judging team members were AJ Brown, of Marlow, Okla., Joslyn Gonzalez, of Yukon, Brett Hoffman, of Poteau, Quincy Mason, of Jenks, Kace McDonald, of Battiest and Brody Wallis, of Allen.

"I'm so incredibly proud of these young individuals," said Larriann Livingston, dean of the agriculture division. "With the rich history Eastern has in meat judging, it makes it even more special what these students accomplished."

The win marks the first national title for the program since its return in 2020. The contest consisted of 15 beef carcasses the contestants must grade for both yield and quality, and 10 placings/questions classes, including beef carcasses, beef cuts, pork carcasses, pork cuts, and lamb carcasses.

Eastern's victory came over not only other junior colleges, but also over major four-year universities including the University of Georgia and Washington State University.

In addition, Brown was named an All-American; one of only eight meat judgers in the nation to earn the honor.