BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association awarded 2023 Steer of Merit certifications at the association’s Dec. 7 convention in Billings. MSU Extension beef cattle specialist Megan Van Emon presented the top five winners of the carcass and ultrasound Steer of Merit contests at a Best of Beef Luncheon.
MSU Extension and Montana Stockgrowers Association distinguished 136 “Steers of Merit” out of 1,290 entries in 2023. Out of 555 steers entered in the carcass division, 83 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the ultrasound division, 53 out of 735 entries received the distinction. The number of certifications was similar to the prior year, noted Van Emon.
“More counties participated in the ultrasound contest this year due to a lack of packing plant facilities and space,” she said.