Performance Steer Program
The Okmulgee County Cattlemen’s Association Performance Steer Program began in 1984. It provides an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the cattle industry and is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the cattle industry.
The goal of the program is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H and FFA 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 or FFA member.
2025 RESULTS
The program is divided into 3 phases.
1. On Hoof
2. Rate of Gain
3. Carcass Quality
ON HOOF
The on hoof portion makes up 15% of the total points is a steer show where a judge ranks the steers from top to bottom based on his opinion of the steers ability to have a quality carcass for the industry.
RATE OF GAIN
The rate of gain portion makes up 35% of the overall score. Steers are weighed in the fall and then gain at the end of the contest. Daily rate of gain is calculated based on the number of days on feed. Steers are ranked and awarded points based on their average daily rate of gain.
CARCASS QUALITY
Carcass quality makes up 50% of the overall score and is an objective measure based on USDA beef carcass grading standards. Measurements are taken for back fat, internal fat and ribeye size to determine carcass yield grade. A quality grade is also assigned based on USDA standards with prime being the highest and standard being to lowest. This data is used to determine an overall carcass value and points are assigned based on that value.
SALE AND AUCTION
At the end of the competition, carcasses are sold at an auction hosted by the association. All the proceeds go the participant for their hard work. Many will use their well deserved earnings to fund future performance steer projects, or be set aside for college savings.
The winning bid gets to choose either half or whole carcass and can get it custom cut by www.walkebrothers.com, and have a freezer full of quality beef to enjoy all year long.
