MSU Extension and MSGA Announce 2014 Steer of Merit Certifications
Montana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) distinguished 118 “Steers of Merit” out of 930 entries for 2014. Out of 622 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 76 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 42 out of 308 entries received the distinction.
“The Steer of Merit award promotes and recognizes the production of the highest quality of Montana beef with carcass characteristics that meet the U.S. beef industry’s standards of excellence,” said Errol Rice, MSGA’s executive vice president. “We are proud to sponsor this great youth program that teaches and awards 4-H and FFA beef projects that have met or exceeded these industry benchmarks in order to meet both domestic and global consumer demand for the 21st century.”
The exhibitors and breeders of the top five steers in each category were honored at MSGA’s Annual Convention, Dec. 11-13 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were:
- Sydney Greenslade, Beaverhead County (Probst Livestock, breeder)
- Blake Toyne, Beaverhead County (John & Sandy Dixon, breeder)
- Skyler Frame, Lake County (Skyler Frame, breeder)
- Kenny Pauley, Beaverhead County (Roberts & Heffner, breeder)
- Cierra Lamey, Beaverhead County (Cory Lamey, breeder).
The top five steer entries in the Ultrasound Division were:
- Jake Kraft, Yellowstone County (breeder unknown)
- Levi Mydland, Carbon County (Bryan Vincent, breeder)
- Raegan Nansel, Yellowstone County (Gillespie Livestock, breeder)
- Tysa Oswald, Carbon County (Oswald Farms, breeder)
- David James, Big Horn County (Colt Johnson, breeder).
The number of Steer of Merit certifications for 2014 decreased by 17 steers, with 14 fewer entries submitted compared to 2013.
“Steer of Merit certification decreased slightly in 2014 compared to 2013,” said Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. “Most areas of the state had good cattle feeding weather and conditions in summer 2014. Cattle might have been able to finish quite easily and this may have resulted in slightly lower overall cutability in the entries.”
The Montana Steer of Merit program was initiated in 1967 as a joint effort between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana State University Extension. The program was designed to measure, record, and improve carcass characteristics in beef cattle. Data from these carcasses has been summarized and analyzed statistically. Over time, significant increases have been made in quality grade and in yield grade, or cutability, indicating that cattle can be selected for leaner carcasses with higher cutability and still maintain high quality grade as reflected by marbling.
To be designated a Steer of Merit, carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality. Beef carcasses must meet criteria set by the Steer of Merit Committee in the areas of hot carcass weight, dressing percent, fat thickness over 12th rib (back fat), total rib eye area, yield grade, percent cutability, and quality grade. Computer software programs help compile data and rank carcasses for state and county awards. Data is also analyzed periodically to track genetic and feed management progress. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year and the program is updated to meet the changing industry standards.
For more information about the Steer of Merit program call Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at (406) 994-3747.
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The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit membership organization, has worked on behalf of Montana’s cattle ranching families since 1884. Our mission is to protect and enhance Montana ranch families’ ability to grow and deliver safe, healthy, environmentally wholesome beef to the world.