Market Steer Essentials

1. Market Steer Essentials Texas 4-H and Youth Development

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. 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