Judges: These Michigan meat markets have some of the top beef in US

OMAHA, Nebraska — If you're looking for some of the best cured meats in the country, Michigan offers several award-winning options — including a pair of producers based in the Greater Lansing area.

Merindorf Meats, of Mason, Bellingar Specialty Meats, near St. Johns, and Jerome Country market, of Jerome, all captured championship honors at the American Cured Meat Championships Aug. 1-3, in Omaha. The event, part of the annual convention of the American Association of Meat Processors, honors cured meat producers in 29 different categories, including such things as frankfurters, ringed bologna, snack sticks and others.

“This year’s competition was particularly challenging for our judges, given the large number of entries. The overall quality was high, and the winning companies truly delivered the best of the best," AAMP Executive Director Chris Young said in a release.

Merindorf , 2289 W. Barnes Road, captured grand champion honors in "frankfurters-wieners — course ground" from among 20 entries. The family-owned company, founded in 1997, also captured grand champion honors in "jerky — whole muscle" for its barbecue-flavored entry. Merindorf beat 34 other jerky entries to win.

Bellingar, which opened at 5006 N. Old 27, north of St. Johns, in 2000, won reserve champion for its "meat snack sticks." The company's "regular snack stick" was among 37 entries.

Jerome Country Market, located south of Jackson, captured four awards. The company's 'frankfurters-wieners — emulsified" offering was reserve champion among 19 entries. In the "meat snack sticks" competition, Country Market was named champion for its beef snack stick.

Country Market's "ringed bologna — cooked" entry was named champion, as was its "summer sausage — cooked" entry made from beef.

Country market, another family-owned operation, was founded in 1987 by Bret Griffis.

The ACMC draws participants from across the United States, according to a release. This year, there were 813 entries in 29 classes. In total, 72 AAMP members participated. Meat processors enter their products for evaluation by judges who are meat scientists and specialists in the industry. All entries are judged on the basis of aroma, flavor, eye appeal, color, and texture.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Judges: These Michigan meat markets have some of the top beef in US