Nine undergraduate students from the University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science attended the 69th Reciprocal Meats Conference in San Angelo, Texas. The group went to compete in the American Meat Science Association's Meats Quiz Bowl Competition. 

The students spent all year learning about all aspects of meat science to prepare for the annual quiz bowl competition. Questions pertaining to animal husbandry, harvest, food safety, regulations, cookery, meat nutrition, and any number of meat-related topics are expected to be asked. Team members included: Marisol Escamilla, Sara Guillen, Zena Hicks, Tyler Martin, Kyle Kennedy, Zak Krug, Caleb Shepherd, Brittany Stettmeier, and Savannah Tucker. The group was advised by professor Janeal Yancey and Jase Ball, doctoral student.

One of the biggest benefits of the RMC to students is the networking opportunities. From beginning to end, the conference offers opportunities for students to meet and interact with one another and professionals in their field. 

"RMC is a great reminder of how diverse the Meats Industry truly is," said Sara Guillen, a recent Animal Science graduate. "It is an amazing opportunity for students to explore the different paths in the industry. Overall, RMC is a great place to create relationships--something all students should benefit from."

2016 marked the 10th year that the department trained and attended RMC with a quiz bowl team. A member of that first-ever University of Arkansas team, Nathan Tapp, traveled with the University of Arkansas students to the meeting this year. Tapp has recently earned a doctorate from Texas Tech University and was awarded 1st place in the AMSA Ph.D. ePoster competition at RMC. 

The department hopes to take a large group of students to the 2017 RMC in College Station, Texas. "I would recommend this to other students in not just meat science but Animal Science in general," said Kyle Kennedy. "It's a really good trip to take to see a lot of the aspects of industry and the jobs available to us after graduation."