Market Steer Essentials Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Topics to Discuss The following topics will be discussed: General Information Selection Validation Facilities and Equipment Nutrition Health Management Rules Texas 4-H and Youth Development

General Information Market Steer Project last 7 – 12 months Individuals should set aside 1 – 3 hours per day. Steers are sold and harvested for their beef. Production skills are learned Life skills are learned Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection Classification First step in buying steer is determining what breed the individual would prefer –16 breed and breed-cross classes in Texas –Personal preference plays a big part in selection Animals classified at the show. –Based on visual appraisal by officials More details on classification listed in the “Texas Show Steer Breed Classification” publication Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection cont. Age Market steers normally finish (fatten) at months of age. Depends on breed type –Early maturing – Angus, Hereford, etc –Late maturing – Charolais, Simmental Winter major show steers born – August – October Fall market steers born – April - June Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection cont. Quality Considerations The following considerations should be taken when selecting a steer: –Structural correctness –Frame size –Muscle –Depth of body and capacity –Overall balance and eye appeal Look past fat and hair present and pay attention to muscle detail. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection cont. Where to Purchase Steers Steers can be purchased in a variety of ways –Private treaty –Auction sales Other sources steers can be located: –Steer exhibitors –Internet –Show oriented magazines (The Showbox or Purple Circle) Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Validation All major show steers must be validated in June Tags must be ordered from the County Program’s office in April (1 order per county) Many county or local shows require steers to be state validated Others utilize their own market steer validation procedures. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Facilities and Equipment Functional facilities must be present for project to be successful Minimum space of 75 ft 2 of well ventilated and drained covered space per steer recommended Adequate shade during summer and fans or cooling systems should be considered Access to clean, fresh water and feed daily Facilities should be free of manure and feed refusal daily. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Facilities and Equipment cont. Other equipment includes: –Water buckets –Feed pans –Brushes –Combs –Water hose –Trimming chute –Electric clippers –Hot air blower –Rope halters –Show box –Extension cord –Electric fan Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Nutrition Steers have the following basic daily nutritional requirements: –Water –Protein –Energy –Minerals –Vitamins Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Nutrition cont. Balanced, commercially mixed feed contains 12-13% crude protein and contains 45-60% corn depending on animal Steer should be fed 2.0 – 2.5% of body weight daily –Separated into two feedings Feed should be fresh and consistent Make diet changes gradually Maintain a set daily feeding schedule Monitor average daily gain and adjust feed accordingly Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Health Keeping steers healthy is very important! Prevention is the key to a successful health program. Administer vaccination program recommended by local veterinarian Deworm steers on arrival and at least twice a year afterwards. Symptoms of sick animals –Depressed eyes –Droopy ears –Nasal discharge –Labored breathing –Change in eating habits Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Health cont. When administering drugs follow all directions on drug labels to assure Beef Quality Assurance. –Administer intramuscular injections in neck –Administer subcutaneous injections in front elbow pocket The use of drugs in manner unintended violates laws set by the Food and Drug Administration Texas livestock shows have strict laws for illegal drug use and will disqualify animals if illegal drugs are used Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Management Success of project determined by effort put into it. Daily care just as important as nutrition, selection and health. Must pay attention to details Daily grooming, washing, and practicing showmanship is important. Hair and skin care are a competitive advantage that exhibitors work hard to make look good Success Comes With Hard Work!!! Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Rules Exhibitors should refer to Exhibitor’s Handbook for all rules Exhibitors should read handbook each year to check for new rules Animal Health Regulations section is very important to read Health papers are required by many major stock shows. Ignorance of Rules is NO EXCUSE!!! Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Additional questions to address with Exhibitors What are the goals of the 4-H member and family? Do you understand that the project is a 7 to 12 month project? What facilities are available? Which shows will you be exhibiting the project? Will you need assistance in locating and selecting your project? Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Additional Resources for Market Steers Managing Beef Cattle For Show AS 1-2 Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Conclusions All aspects of the selection process should be understood. (classification, age, quality, where to purchase) Exhibitors and County Extension Agents must follow all validation rules and regulations. Proper facilities should be available. Proper diets and nutritional information about feeding steers should be identified. Health is one of the most important aspects of raising market steers. Success is a direct reflection of the management practices that take place. All rules must be followed. Ignorance is no excuse! Texas 4-H and Youth Development