Butchers and meat cutters from across the Northeast region, spanning Maine to Virginia, are invited to apply for the 2026 Best Butcher Contest, scheduled for May 14 at the Penn State Meats Lab in State College.

Hosted in partnership with the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative, a subcontractor to the Beef Checkoff, and the PA Pork Producers Council, the contest will take place during the Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors annual convention, one of the region’s largest gatherings for butchers, meat cutters, processors, and industry professionals.

“The Best Butcher Contest is about honoring the craftsmanship, precision and deep product knowledge these professionals bring to retail and food service customers every single day,” Kaitlyn Swope, director of marketing, NEBPI said. “Their work ensures consumers can trust the quality, consistency and care behind their beef and pork purchases.”

The 2026 contest will challenge participants through multiple skill-based events, including:

•Precision cutting of beef and pork subprimals

•Product yield evaluation

•Consumer display development and a sales-pitch component

Competitors will have the chance to demonstrate their expertise, gain regional recognition and compete for the title of 2026 Best Butcher and a $500 cash prize.

Butchers and meat cutters interested in competing can learn more and apply at nebpi.org/education/best-butcher-contest.

Applications are due by April 14.

Contact Kaitlyn Swope, director of marketing with the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative with any questions at 814-623-2698 or kswope@pabeef.org.

For more information about beef promotion in the Northeast region, visit www.nebpi.org/.