The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout was designed to give junior members an opportunity to learn more about the cattle feeding industry. Earlier in the year, 27 junior participants from 10 states entered 72 head of Hereford and Hereford influenced steers into the shoot-out contest. Juniors submitted either a Hereford or Hereford influenced steer or groups of steers to Gregory Feedlots, Inc., in Tabor, Iowa.

During their time at the feedyard, the cattle were ultra-sounded twice, once in February and once in May. Participants were given their cattle’s individual data to see the comparisons in the ultrasounds. Junior members also had the opportunity to attend educational webinars held throughout the spring. The educational webinars covered everything from the basics of ultra sound data, health in the fed cattle industry and the role Hereford influenced genetics play in the feed yard.

The first group of 33 head were harvested at Greater Omaha Packing on Monday, July 1. The remainder of the shoot-out cattle will be harvested by the end of July. From that point, data reports with final performance information will be generated for participants. The reports generated will include carcass data for each steer along with feed yard performance and financial breakdowns.

The contest results will be shared this coming fall at the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Conference, Honorees Reception.