MINNESOTA
FFA ASSOCIATION

Overview

Participants in the Meats Evaluation and Technology Career Development Event (CDE) delve into the science of meat. During this team event, students judge the quality yield and grade of beef carcasses and evaluate and place beef and pork carcasses. Students also identify various cuts of meat in relation to species, primal, and retail cuts. 

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This event is ideal for students interested in exploring or pursuing career opportunities in the meat animal industry. Students are challenged to develop analytical skills, critical–thinking strategies, and effective communication skills. 

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Expectations at Convention for Meats

• Hair and beard nets will be provided and MUST be worn at all times in the meat facility

• Hats and meat lab frocks/coats MUST be worn at all times in the meat facility

• Dress to be in the cooler for no less than 2 hours time - this may include warm outerwear/ footwear or gloves/mittens

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What will be provided by the event?

• Scantron sheet

• Calculator and clipboard

• Frocks, Hair and beard nets

• Grading worksheet, ID Worksheet and scratch paper

• Stool to view carcasses if needed

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What SHOULD students bring? (Tools/equipment/materials)

• Two pencils

• CLEAN head covering - Hat, baseball hat, hard hat

• CLEAN Meat frock/lab coat (if available)

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What can students NOT BRING for themselves? 

• Any paper materials

• No charts, grids or supporting materials of any kind will be allowed

• No scratch paper of any kind 

• No measurement aids of any kind

• Calculator

• Clipboard

 

What will get a student/team disqualified? 

• Any supporting materials beyond what is given by event officials

• Using a measurement aids of any kind for any length of time

• Any sight or sound of personal electronic devices and smartwatch use

• Any event official observing cheating, copying or communicating with any other competitor

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