“Steer of Merit” Contest
The Washington “Steer of Merit” criteria are used to evaluate the carcasses. Criteria for “Steer of Merit” are as follows:
- Hot carcass weight: 600 pounds minimum and 900 pounds maximum.
- Minimum rib-eye area requirement: Using the sliding scale method, it is calculated (hot carcass weight x .012) + 3.8.
- Yield Grade: 2.9 or lower (Low Choice – 2.9 or lower, Ave. to High Choice – 3.4 or lower, Prime – 3.9 or lower)
- Quality Grade: Low Choice or better
- Carcasses must be determined acceptable and free from defects, which may significantly reduce carcass value.
- Average Daily Gain: 2.60 lbs average daily gain or better. Must be fed 100 days minimum.
Carcasses that meet all the “Steer of Merit” criteria are indexed utilizing a formula that places 70 percent emphasis on carcass yield grade (cutability), and quality grade, and 30 percents emphasis on average daily gain.
2011 Winners
- “Champion” James Danz – Mesa
- “Reserve Champion” Sommer Boyd – Kahlotus
- Chad King -Pasco
- Lane King – Pasco
- McCall Lovejoy – Eltopia
- Gates Michel – Pasco
- Jaycob Scott – Pasco
- Tie: Jodi Horst – Mesa
Daniel Miles – Pasco - Bailie McEntire – Eltopia
- Thea Gilbeau – Mesa
