For many students pursuing degrees in agriculture, college is not an exit from the farm — it’s a step toward returning home better prepared than ever.

When it comes to meat spoilage, many of us have a gut reaction: a sour smell, a slimy texture, or even discoloration. But how do we define spoilage, and how much of it is in our minds, rather than a health risk? Kansas State University meat scientist Travis O'Quinn has been digging into the science of meat spoilage and what it really means for consumers and the meat industry.