July 28, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOTOS: Available on request from prphotos@angus.org.
Evaluating Carcass Quality at the NJAS
Junior members learn about the industry’s true end product through the National Junior Angus Show carcass contest.
Understanding how Angus cattle perform beyond the farm or ranch is an important component of the carcass steer contest hosted during the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). Thirty-three steers were a part of the 2017 NJAS carcass steer contest, where juniors were able to learn firsthand what ranchers are targeting when raising cattle.
This year the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) was hosted in Des Moines, Iowa, July 9-15. At the NJAS, many animals were checked-in, exhibited, and placed. Among these contests and shows was the Carcass Steer contest. The Carcass Steer contest is unique to the NJAS due to the fact that exhibitors don’t exactly “show” these steers, they send them off for harvest, evaluation and grading following check-in. Within a matter of days the carcass merit of these steers was reported. The top steers were announced at the NJAS awards ceremony July 14.
“The carcass steer contest at NJAS is one that is held so exhibitors can learn more about carcass values, premiums, and efficient feeding and management of Angus cattle,” says Bailey Palmer, American Angus Association assistant director of events and education. “Junior members feed and manage these steers specifically to compete in the carcass class. The entries were shipped to Iowa Premium Beef, where carcass data was collected. Exhibitors will receive payment based on a value based grid which the carcasses were sold on.”
40 entries from 8 states competed in the carcass class at the National Junior Angus Show, confirming that the Angus legacy will continue for generations to come. I think this is a great contest, because it shows the versatility that Angus cattle have, and how they can be beneficial to any producer.
The top steers’ exhibitors were awarded contest premiums in addition to carcass premiums. Of the steers exhibited, nearly 52% qualified for the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand. In addition to prize money, contestants — many of whom compete in the contest for several years — received carcass data back to influence future selection decisions.
The top steers’ exhibitors were awarded contest premiums in addition to carcass premiums. Over half of the steers exhibited in the Carcass Steer contest qualified for Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®).
The grand champion carcass steer was exhibited by Garrett Bromenshenk of Montana. His steer graded low-Prime with a yield grade of 3.2. The steer had a 13.4 square in (sq. in.)ribeye area and had a hot carcass weight of 857pounds (lb.), which allowed the steer to qualify for CAB. Bromenshenk received a $27.00 per hundredweight (cwt.) grid premium.
Suter Clark of Virginia was awarded reserve grand champion carcass steer. His steer graded low-Prime with a yield grade of 2.0. The steer had a ribeye area of 14.8 sq. in. and a hot-carcass weight of 785 lb. His steer also qualified for CAB and Clark was awarded $28.00 cwt. Grid premium.
State group was another aspect of the contest. Three steers were grouped together by no less than two exhibitors. Continuing their victory, Virginia won the state group. The Virginia team was composed of Suter and J. Gordon Clark and Aubrey Herbers.
Additional NJAS contest placings, awards and scholarships can be found on www.angus.org. Coverage is also available on the NJAA Facebook page, including videos, show results and photos. Backdrop and candid photos are available for purchase online.
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.
For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.
###