The Butchers of America inch one step closer to 2020
In just under two weeks, Rod Slater (World Butchers’ Challenge Chairman) and I will be travelling to Sacramento for the first time to scope out the state of play for the 2020 World Butchers’ Challenge and to say we’re excited is an understatement! But more on that later in future posts… For now, we’re excited to share some progress from USA on the creation of their 2020 team.
Video credit to Tia Harrison
The Butchers of America, run by the Butcher’s Guild, held try-outs today with a number of new butchers trialing in the hopes of being selected for the national team. Tia Harrison, Team Manager and CEO of the Butcher’s Guild, was at the try-outs and was blown away by the skills on show.
“We are so excited with the level of talent we are going to bring to the butcher’s block in 2020. To be honest, it is going to be a tough choice because we would be honoured to work with every single butcher we interviewed today. It never ceases to amaze me - even after so many years of talking with butchers - how kind, skilled, passionate, and focused they are. This group left me feeling equally impressed and inspired.”
Images credit to Tia Harrison
Each of the butchers were given an overview of the competition and the team, followed by individual interviews. They were then put through a timed cutting test where they each broke down a forequarter or hindquarter of beef, a quarter of pork, a leg of lamb and two chickens.
The Butchers of America will officially announce their 2020 team on August 8.
As 2018 competitors, the American team has guaranteed entry into the 2020 World Butchers’ Challenge alongside the other 11 nations who competed in Belfast earlier this year. Official team entries open in September when three more nations will also be selected.
Keep on eye on the blog and social media for the latest news.
Ashley - World Butchers' Challenge Council