ELIZABETHTOWN, PA — AJ’s Lena Maid Meats, Lena, Illinois, won national recognition at the American Cured Meat Championships (ACMC), held July 19-21, in Kansas City, Missouri. They won grand champion for dried beef and reserve grand champion for ham, semi-boneless class. 

This event is held in conjunction with the annual convention of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP). 

The ACMC draws participants from across the United States. This year, there were 678 entries in 29 product classes.

In total, 67 AAMP membership plants participated in the competition. Meat processors enter their products for evaluation by judges who are meat scientists and specialist in the industry. All entries are judged on the basis of aroma, flavor, eye appeal, color and texture.

AJ’s Lena Maid Meats is a member of the American Association of Meat Processors, the nation’s largest trade organization representing small businesses in the meat industry.

For more information on the ACMC, visit www.aamp.com/event-calendar/acmc.