Award winners available for auction at the 23rd annual Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Product Auction to raise funds for Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities
With a “Best of Show” yet to be named August 5, eight individuals have already earned championship honors in the 2014 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.
Championship ribbons were presented to hickory smoked pepper bacon entered by Mike Clark of Lodi Sausage and Meat Market, Lodi, 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. This the second consecutive year Haen Meat Packing has received the champion ham. The champion dried and smoked beef also was awarded to Tim Haen, Haen Meat Packing Inc., for a smoked beef.
Brad Van Hemelryk, Maplewood Meats of Green Bay, received top honors in the summer sausage category. In the flavored snack sausages category, Louis Muench of Louie’s Finer Meats Inc., Cumberland, took home champion honors. Both the best cooked bratwurst and cured specialty meat went to Andrew Pearson, Sixth Street Market in Ashland. Jake Sailer, Sailer’s Food Market & Meat Processing, Elmwood, received recognition for best whole jerky.
The contest’s top 20 items will be auctioned to the highest bidder Tuesday, August 5 at the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction, Wisconsin State Fair Park, in its new location the Case IH Coliseum. The special event is hosted by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation and proceeds benefit the more than 350,000 Wisconsin 4-H youth. Buyer registration and dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. with the auction bidding beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction is a signature event for 4-H youth and the state of Wisconsin by recognizing the quality meat processing taking place across the Badger state, while raising funds to support future leaders. This year we are excited to hold this event in the Case IH coliseum, welcoming more attendees and showcasing the event to the public,” said Valerie Johnson, Wis. 4-H Foundation president.
Tickets are available and include appetizers and a silent auction. The $30 ticket includes admission to the event, hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For more information, contact the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation at (608) 262-1597 or register online at www.Wis4HFoundation.org. Ticket reservations are requested by July 26.
The auction is a partnership of the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors (WAMP), University of Wisconsin Extension and Wisconsin State Fair.
Based in Madison, Wis., the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation provides essential funding for 4-H programs throughout Wisconsin. By partnering with individuals, corporations and foundations, the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation supports more than 350,000 youth who take part in various 4-H leadership, development and community-building activities throughout the state. Learn more about the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation by visiting www.Wis4HFoundation.org.
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