COMPETITION BUTCHERY JUDGE
I have been a competition butchery judge for almost a decade, working across some of the most respected events in the global butchery calendar. My judging experience includes the World Butchers’ Challenge in Sacramento, USA and Paris, France, NZ Butcher of the Year, as well as Butcher Wars competitions throughout New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Czech Republic.
While every competition has its own format and focus, the fundamentals remain the same. I look for strong technical butchery skills, clean and accurate bone work, tight and consistent stringing, excellent knife safety, and a clear understanding of yield and presentation. Creativity plays an important role, but it must always be supported by sound fundamentals and respect for the craft.
The international butchery community is small and close-knit, and I take my role as a judge seriously. I pride myself on remaining impartial and consistent, assessing each competitor purely on their skill, execution, and adherence to the competition brief. Beyond scoring, I place real importance on providing clear, constructive feedback, helping competitors understand where they can improve and how to push themselves to a higher standard.
I bring a balanced approach that combines technical scrutiny with an understanding of the pressure competitors are under, ensuring judging is fair, consistent, and valuable for all involved. My aim is always to uphold the integrity of each competition and contribute positively to the ongoing development of competitive butchery worldwide.
If you’re an event organiser or competition director looking for an experienced, impartial competition butchery judge, please get in touch.
“Alayna served as Head Judge at Irish Butcher Wars, demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and expertise throughout the event...
Alayna’s ability to balance high standards with genuine support for competitors makes her an outstanding leader and a highly respected figure within the industry”
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Alayna served as Head Judge at Irish Butcher Wars, demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and expertise throughout the event. She led an expert panel of judges with confidence and clarity, overseeing the evaluation of elite butchers across key criteria including technical skill, creativity, speed, innovation, and overall presentation.
Throughout the competition, Alayna ensured that judging standards remained consistent, fair, and transparent, even within a high-pressure and fast-paced environment. Her strong organisational skills enabled the smooth coordination of judging logistics, effective communication among panel members, and the accurate collation and verification of scores. She fostered a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, offering guidance and reassurance to both judges and competitors while upholding the integrity and credibility of the competition.
Alayna’s commitment to excellence was further reflected in her ability to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to participants following the event, helping competitors reflect on their performance and continue their professional development. Acting as a key liaison between judges, competitors, and event organisers, she played a vital role in ensuring clarity, professionalism, and a positive experience for all involved.
Her passion for the craft, attention to detail, and inclusive leadership style contributed significantly to the overall success of the event. Alayna’s ability to balance high standards with genuine support for competitors makes her an outstanding leader and a highly respected figure within the industry. I was honoured to work with Alana and look forward to doing so again.
Brendan Sears
Head of Operations
Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland
A SELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO ATTEND.
CZECH REPUBLIC BUTCHER WARS
The inaugural Czech Republic Butcher Wars was held at the historic Pilsner Urquell Brewery in October 2025, hosted by the Bohemian Butchers. I was honoured to be invited to serve as Head Judge for the competition.
TRANSYLVANIA BUTCHER WARS
The inaugural Transylvania Butcher Wars was held in Cluj in September 2025, hosted by the Stefan Moldovan Foundation.