Meats Judging
The American Royal is proud to host two Meat Judging Contests: Intercollegiate and the National 4-H Contest. The Intercollegiate contest will be held in Omaha, Nebraska on October 18, 2026. While the National 4-H Meat Evaluation and Identification Contest will be held on October 20, 2026 as part of the American Royal Livestock Show. The contest will be hosted by the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. The awards breakfast for contestants will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. in the Nebraska Union – City Campus Union (Centennial Room).
National 4-H Meats Judging Registration
Registration Deadline: September 1st
Intercollegiate Meats Judging Rules
Intercollegiate Meat Judging Schedule
Intercollegiate Contest – October 18, Nebraska Beef, Omaha, NE
Entries and more information are available at American Meat Science Association
National 4-H Contest – October 20, University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska
Entries and more information are available at American Meat Science Association
National 4-H Meat Judging Banquet – October 21, 7:30 a.m. – Nebraska Union – City Campus Union (Centennial Room)
When
October 18 - 21, 2026
Doors Open
Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest – October 18, Nebraska Beef, Omaha, NE
National 4-H Meat Judging Contest – October 20, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
National 4-H Meat Judging Banquet – October 21, American Royal Complex, Kansas City, MO

