Feeder Steer Challenge

Contest Components

  1. Raising a commercial steer

    • 4-H/FFA member selects and raises a steer to finished market weight.

    • Utilize management and nutrition protocols similar to a commercial feedlot.

    • Following the feed out period, steers will be transported to a commercial packer, harvested and carcass data collected.

  2. Evaluation of 4-H/FFA member's knowledge and interpersonal skills

    • Knowledge related to their project and the cattle industry as a whole

    • Interview with representatives from the cattle industry

  3. Classes

    • Steer may be broken into two separate classes: Commercial Steer and Show Steer

Expectations & Responsibilities of Participants

Youth interested in participating in the Feeder Steer Challenge must:

  • Source a steer that is Tri-County born and raised.

  • Steer must weigh between 650 lbs. to 750 lbs. at the time of weigh in.

  • The feeding period will start on October 1 and end on April 1.

  • Be a member of Tri-County Cattlemen’s or have a relative that is a member.

  • Obtain an official starting weight for their steer at a weigh-in event on October 1st.

    • Weigh-in at Goodknight Farms, 17595 CRNS 238, Chattanooga, OK 73528.

  • Provide adequate facilities and adhere to BQA practices to ensure proper management and well-being of the animal.

  • Actively participate in educational programming offered by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services. Must participate in a minimum of 2 of the 4 classes offered within the October-April time period.

  • Interview with professionals in the cattle industry concluding the project.

  • Complete a written multiple-choice test over the management of a feeder calf concluding the project.

Awards

Recognition and awards will be based upon:

  • Carcass merit and value

  • Growth performance

  • Test and Interview

  • Overall program score 

Divisions

  • Pewee: 5-8 yrs. old

  • Junior: 9-12 yrs. old

  • Intermediate: 13-15 yrs. old

  • Senior: 16-18 yrs. old

Questions

Trevor Vaughn
580.355.1176
trevor.w.@okstate.edu