Butler Butchers to compete in National Meat Cutting Challenge
Two Butler butchers are scheduled to compete in the first round of the National Meat Cutting Challenge at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Monteverde's Produce, 2 Rutgers Road, Pittsburgh.
Chris Panko and Austin Burnett, along with 17 other butchers from across the region arrive in Pittsburgh this week. They are all hoping to ‘steak’ their claim to a $25,000 grand prize.
Each participant receives 20 to 30 pounds of beef, consisting of one sirloin, one filet and one ribeye to cut. Meat cutters are judged on quality and yield in this timed cut-off.
In January, top scoring challengers in the region will advance to the semifinals, where they will compete for the opportunity to participate in the 2025 national competition. The final competition will be held in March. The winner of the national competition receives a grand prize of $25,000 and is crowned Meat Cutter of the Year.
