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
14- 20 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:
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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 ft2 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:
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Water buckets
Feed pans
Brushes
Combs
Water hose
Trimming chute
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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
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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
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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