By: Heidi Lindula
If you are planning to show a market steer or market heifer in 2022, you need to start looking now. Market beef need to be registered in 4-H on-line in February, unlike most other animal projects that are registered in May. If you are showing market beef, you will need to reach out to Nicole early to get the cattle tags that are required. Those numbers are needed in 4-H online at the time of registration.
What is a “Market Beef”?
Market beef may be beef steers, beef heifers, dairy steers, dairy heifers or dairy/beef cross steers or heifers. These animals are NOT being used for breeding. They are fed out to market weight. These animals will be butchered or sold before the next years fair.
If you have a calf, you may show that as a prospect calf. Prospect calves are registered in 4-H online in May. The prospect calf may then be shown the next year as either a market or breeding. All steers are market. Heifers may be breeding or they may be market, depending on your intended use of the animal. A market heifer can only be shown at the fair twice. Once as a prospect calf and then as a market heifer.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Nicole or any member of the North St. Louis County Livestock Committee.