The Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the cattle industry and is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry.
The goal of the Fed Steer Challenge is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H beef projects by providing an affordable option that rewards production merit and carcass value of the market animal, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and producer engagement by the 4-H member.
Youth interested in participating in the Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge must:
• Be an enrolled 4-H member and at least 14 years of age as of December 31 of the year current year.
• Have the financial ability to purchase a market steer at the current market price in January (~$850) and obtain insurance for the market value of the steer.
• Source a steer on their own or select a steer from a pool of identified program producers.
• Obtain an official starting weight for their steer at a county 4-H weigh-in event. If their enrolled county does not have an official weight-in, youth may attend the weigh-in of any county.
• Provide adequate facilities and adhere to YQCA practices to ensure proper management and well-being of the animal.
• Actively participate in online and face-to-face educational programming offered by Nebraska Animal Science faculty. Must participate in a minimum of 90% of educational opportunities offered between January and December.
• Exhibit Steer in the Nebraska Fed Steer market steer class at the Nebraska State Fair. At that time, steers will be harvested at a commercial packer and participants will be paid based upon the current market value.
• Maintain accurate production records related to raising the animal, complete the record book, and submit no later than October 15.
• Develop and present a Project Showcase highlighting their project and knowledge gained to industry representatives.
• Additional educational and networking opportunities may be identified throughout the year and youth should make every effort to fully participate.
Applications are due on Wednesday, Dec. 1. For more information and to apply please visit https://4h.unl.edu/fed-steer-challenge.