Published 8:30 am Friday, September 11, 2026
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It’s the folks involved that make the livestock and meat industries a worthwhile career pursuit, a Texas Tech University meats judging coach told Washington youth in a recent webinar.
“Animal agriculture is very fulfilling and pays very well, but ultimately what makes the livestock industry different from engineering, statistics or working in the medical field boils down to, the heartbeat of American agriculture is the people,” assistant meat science professor Blake Foraker said. “We still see that in today’s processing facilities, any kind of feedyard or producer-driven operation … Just being around hardworking people that share a vision for feeding the world is something that charges me up, and a lot of the students we work with.”
Foraker spoke Sept. 8 as part of the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane’s webinar series focused on career opportunities in meat science.
Many students first get involved showing 4-H and FFA livestock showing, Foraker said.
Judging teams
Judging is a “worthwhile endeavor” to learn necessary skills, including working in teams and receiving criticism.
“A lot of students might not know those opportunities exist to a very high degree beyond high school,” Foraker said.
Foraker noted that college students are eligible to compete in particular judging categories for one year only. They typically move from judging wool one year into meat and then into livestock, for example.
Judging sets the bar for excellence for the courses that make a student’s education well-balanced, including genetics, meat science, reproduction and animal sciences, he said.
He recommends prospective students attend outreach events, contests or summer judging camps to connect with coaches and team leaders.
Meet the meat industry
University programs also encourage students to get out and see the industry as part of their coursework, clubs, tours and travels.
Industry leaders attend various events. College students often help behind the scenes.
“Many career-defining moments spur from events like this,” Foraker said. “Whether it’s cooking the steak or preparing the coffee, there are a lot of opportunities for engagement and interaction.”
Students end up with internships, and later careers, with the companies that support Texas Tech’s program, Foraker said.
The university offers annual summer livestock and meat judging camps for middle school and high school students.
“It’s really no different than the football team, baseball team or the basketball team,” Foraker said. “We’re trying to harness a group of students to have a shared interest, work towards a common goal and find success.”
Most Texas Tech students pursue careers in meat science, particularly ruminant nutrition.
“We’re really fortunate to be located in the Panhandle of Texas, right in the heart of feed yard and beef processing country,” he said.
Reach out
Foraker recommends students contact the department they’re interested in directly to set up a meeting.
“Any opportunity that you young people can take advantage of at this stage of your career, whether it be middle school, high school or maybe even younger … to learn more about opportunities and your future, particularly related to the meat and livestock industry, is a worthwhile endeavor,” Foraker said.
