With a “Best of Show” yet to be named Aug. 6, eight individuals have already earned championship honors in the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair Meat Products Contest. More than 100 entries competed for these top honors. The contest, held in association with the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, recognizes quality meat processing while promoting superior Wisconsin food products.
Andy Geiss, Geiss Meat Service, Merrill, received recognition for best restructured jerky.
Championship ribbons were presented to hickory smoked bacon entered by Karean VanEss of Newton Meats Inc., Newton, which received recognition for best flavored bacon. Champion bone-in ham went to Tim Haen, Haen Meat Packing Inc, Kaukauna for a hickory smoked ham. Haen Meat Packing also topped the class for emulsified ring bologna.
Scott Vorpagel, Lake Geneva Country Meats of Lake Geneva, received top honors in the flavored summer sausage category. The champion dried and smoked beef was awarded to Mike Clark, Lodi Sausage Company, Lodi.
Both the best traditional snack sausage and the best specialty cooked bratwurst were won by Alan Feucht, Brandon Meats & Sausage Inc, Brandon.
The contest’s top 20 items will be auctioned to the highest bidder Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction, Wisconsin State Fair Park, Ag Oasis. The special event is hosted by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation and proceeds benefit the state’s nearly 350,000 4-H youth.