The 2021 Chouteau County 4-H and FFA livestock carcass contest took place at Pioneer Meats in Big Timber. A total of 55 Chouteau County 4-H animals were evaluated for carcass quality by Mark King (MSU Extension Sweet Grass County). The purpose of the carcass contest is to teach 4-H youth how to correctly select, feed and finish livestock based on carcass data. If carcass criteria are met, youth can be confident they are producing a quality product that is safe, nutritious and good tasting to the consumer.
Out of 32 market swine entered at the Chouteau County Fair, five qualified for Swine of Excellence (SOE). The top SOE was fed and finished by Brock Grossman. Second place overall swine carcass was fed and finished by Lyndee Worrall. Third place overall swine carcass was fed and finished by Charlie Bogart. Fourth and fifth place SOE were fed by Taryn Reid and Addison Reichelt. SOE criteria must meet minimum standards based on weight, back fat, loin eye area, marbling, color, firmness, and wetness. The standards for the SOE program are targeted toward commercial markets available for Montana hogs. The Montana Pork Producers Council provides certificates to each youth exhibitor and producer whose swine meets live and carcass SOE certification standards.
We had an outstanding group of beef this year, however no beef qualified for Steer of Merit (SOM). This is due to a number of factors including drought stress, heat stress, feed rate, and genetic variances in the steers. Under extreme conditions, nine steers scored in the Choice to Choice minus category. The first place steer was fed and finished by Jetta Hucke. Second place was fed and finished by Conner Zanto. Third place was fed and finished by Jonna McCullough. Minimum standards for SOM must be met in weight, dressing percentage, back fat, ribeye
area, yield grade, quality grade and cutability. The Steer of Merit program is a statewide beef carcass contest, overseen by a Steer of Merit Committee consisting of Montana Stockgrowers Association members and MSU Extension representatives. Two divisions have existed since 2008, a carcass division and an ultrasound division. Exhibitors and breeders of the top 5 carcasses in each division are recognized at the Montana Stock Growers Association annual convention.
We had an excellent group of lambs this year, however no lambs entered at the Chouteau County Fair qualified for Montana Certified Lamb (MCL). This is due to a number of factors including drought stress, heat stress, feed rate, and genetic variances in the lambs. Lizzie Summers fed and finished the first place animal. Second place was fed and finished by Abigail Dines. Third place was fed and finished by Azzia Rowland. MCL must meet minimum standards based on weight, quality grade, fat thickness, yield grade and rib eye measurement. MCL standards are based on live weight, hot carcass weight, quality grade, back fat, and ribeye measurements. MSU Extension and the Montana Wool Growers Association co-sponsor certificates to each youth exhibitor who qualify for MCL.
2021 Chouteau County 4-H livestock Carcass results are available electronically, or they can be picked up at the Chouteau County Extension office. We are located in the green building behind the courthouse.
Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
