Pictured is Liam and his steer at last years fair that won the contest. (Photo submitted)
As the Fair quickly approaches, 4-H members and their families often reflect on past Fair experiences. Last year Liam Steinbeisser raised a Charolais cross market steer to exhibit at the County Fair. In the live show Liam did well, receiving a blue ribbon, however, he exceeded his expectations in the carcass contest. He placed first place in the Richland County Market Beef Carcass Contest. He then went on to win the Steer of Merit contest for the entire. This is a great achievement. When Liam was asked about placing first in the entire state he said "winning 1st place in the statewide Steer of Merit competition means a lot to me and my family because the steer was born and raised here on our ranch. It's really nice to get some recognition."
The Steer of Merit contest is a contest that is sponsored by Montana State University and the Montana Stockgrowers Association. The definition of the contest found on Montana State University website is "To be designated a Steer of Merit, carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality. Beef carcasses must meet criteria set by the Steer of Merit Committee in the areas of hot carcass weight, dressing percent, fat thickness over 12th rib (back fat), rib eye area, yield grade, percent cutability and quality grade. Software helps compile data and rank carcasses for state and county awards. Data is also analyzed periodically to track genetic and feed management progress. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year, and the program is updated to meet changing industry standards." In 2023 there were 136 Steers of Merit named out of the 1,290 entries into the contest.
Liam will have a market steer on exhibit again this year at the Richland County Fair and Rodeo. He will join 94 other young people who have worked hard since last fall to care for their market beef projects. Liam thoroughly enjoys the market beef project. He said "This project has taught me dedication to things I partake in, to work hard and to push through to the end" when asked what the project has taught him.
Richland County 4-H would like to invite all out to the Fair and encourage everyone to walk through the barns to see the animals that the members have raised. All 4-H members work hard in preparation for this week. We hope the entire community can celebrate their many accomplishments with them.
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