Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council Sponsors Best Butchers Contest at Penn State Meats Lab
The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council partnered with the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative to sponsor the Best Butchers Contest held Thursday, May 14, during the Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors conference at the Penn State Meats Lab.
The annual competition featured 11 skilled butchers from across the region, each demonstrating craftsmanship, precision, and meat cutting expertise in front of industry professionals and attendees. The event highlighted the talent and dedication found throughout the meat processing and livestock industries while promoting continued education and hands-on skill development within the sector.
This year’s winners included:
Grand Champion: Ryan Sharrah of Weaver’s of Wellsville in Dover, Pennsylvania
Runner-Up: Ryan Cushing of Vermont Livestock Slaughter and Processing Co. in Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Third Overall: Hunter Hill of Hillstead Farm in Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Organizers also recognized event sponsors Leidy’s Premium Meats and Cargill for donating pork and beef products used during the competition.
Following the contest, all products were donated to the State College Food Bank, helping support local families and communities while reinforcing the livestock industry’s commitment to giving back.
The contest served as another example of how pork and livestock organizations continue investing in workforce development, meat science education, and the next generation of skilled professionals within the meat processing industry.