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Prime Cuts Newsletters

Grazing Management During and After Extended Drought

Experimental Vaccine to Reduce E. coli in Newborn Calves

Capturing Value with Creep Feeding

Trichomoniasis Fact Sheet

Strategic Supplementation of Young Cows for Reproduction

History and Sponsors

The Montana Steer of Merit program was initiated in 1967 as a joint effort between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana State University, and was designed to measure, record, and improve carcass characteristics in beef cattle. Since that time, steer carcass characteristics have been evaluated on a total of over 20,000 head. 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. These increases indicate that cattle can be selected for leaner carcasses with higher cutability and still maintain high quality grade as reflected by marbling.

Purpose

The purpose is to assist in the production of high quality beef and meet the beef quality desires of consumers and to educate young people about economically important carcass traits.The program is conducted through county fairs and livestock shows accompanied by carcass contests. Both exhibitors and breeders of high quality steers are recognized on a county and state basis. Market cattle (finished steers) entered in live animal shows are slaughtered and entered in the Steer of Merit program. Experienced qualified carcass judges take carcass measurements on characteristics of importance to both eating quality and yield of lean beef. A judge who is on the annual list of recognized carcass judges must evaluate carcasses entered in statewide competition. County contests may choose a judge who is not on the recognized list. Periodically programs are conducted in which adult leaders, judges, producers, youth and the general public are able to look at live market steers and then view and measure their carcasses after slaughter. Such programs have been conducted on a county, regional, and statewide basis. Click here to see Montana results.

Some successful information programs have been conducted during the reporting of the carcass data and Steer of Merit awards. Some counties have offered prizes or various types of contests, which involve parents, leaders, industry personnel and youth. These stimulate a great deal of interest and help individuals relate live animal characteristics with desirable carcass traits. This also allows producers to look at lines of cattle that have desirable carcass traits, therefore, allowing for the transfer of information for selection of desirable carcass traits.

Requirements

1. Carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality.

2. Beef carcasses must meet certain criteria in the following areas:

• Hot carcass weight (HCWT)
• Dressing percent (DP)
• Fat thickness over 12th rib (Backfat)
• Total rib eye area (REA)
• Yield grade (YG)
• Percent cutability (% Cut)
• Quality grade (i.e., Choice-)

3. Requirements and procedures are established by the Montana Stockgrowers Association Steer of Merit Committee in conjunction with the MSU Extension Service.

Suggestions for improvements should be directed to the Montana Stockgrowers Association or the Extension Beef Specialist.

Data Collection

All carcass data is sent to the MSU Extension Beef/Cattle office. 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. Recently over 20 years of data has been summarized and reported in "The Professional Animal Scientist." The data showed that cattle can be "genetically trimmed" and still maintain good eating quality (percent grading choice).

Recognition

• All youth who enter a steer that meets the minimum requirements will receive a certificate from the Montana Stockgrowers Association.
• All producers who supply a qualifying steer to youth receive a certificate as the breeder from the Montana Stockgrowers Association.
• Names and data of the state top five qualifying youth will be published in the Montana Stockgrowers magazine.
• The top five state individuals will be given awards at the annual meeting of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Governing Committee

A committee that represents several areas of interest in the beef industry meets at least twice a year to review the Steer of Merit program. Committee members must be members of the Montana Stockgrowers Association or be Montana State University representatives. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year and the program is updated to meet the changing industry standards and to select state awards.

How to Join the Program

MSU County Extension Agents are either involved in a beef cattle show or know of shows that have a Steer of Merit program. The County Extension offices also have reporting forms for recording the necessary carcass information. Most also have computers and the software to collect and summarize the data on a county or show basis.

More Information

Contact your county’s MSU Extension Office, the Extension Beef Specialist at MSU-Bozeman, or the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

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