Lincoln, Neb. — Nebraska 4-H, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science, is hosting the sixth annual Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge in 2024.
The Fed Steer Challenge aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in Nebraska's cattle industry by offering youth valuable opportunities. The challenge enhances the educational value of traditional 4-H beef projects and providesaffordable options to reward production merit, market animal carcass value, accurate record-keeping practices, industry and research knowledge, and producer engagement with 4-H members.
Participants selected, purchased, exhibited, harvested, and analyzed carcass data on a steer while networking with industry professionals. Additionally, they participated in monthly educational sessions led by industry experts and Animal Science faculty. At the Nebraska State Fair, large crowds observed expert instruction from a commercial cattle buyer on sorting and evaluating steers.
2024 Nebraska Participants:
- Calton Ahrens, Sherman County 4-H, Pleasanton FFA
- Claire Ahrens, Sherman County 4-H, Pleasanton FFA
- Kaisha Albers, Webster County 4-H, Blue Hill FFA
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County 4-H, Nebraska Ag Academy
- Eldon Haack, Franklin County 4-H, Franklin FFA
- Evan Lutkemeier, Kearney County 4-H, Minden FFA
- Laurel Moore, Clay County 4-H, Sutton FFA
- Logan Schmidt, Thayer County 4-H, Deshler FFA
- Karina Smydra, Howard County 4-H, St. Paul FFA
- Karli Wagner, Arthur County 4-H, Arthur County FFA
- Kacey Wernsman, Arthur County 4-H, Arthur County FFA
- Spencer Snyder, Frontier County 4-H, McCook FFA
Awards:
- Top Live Placing: Karina Smydra
- Growth Performance:
- First Place: Spencer Snyder
- Second Place: Evan Lutkemeier
- Third Place: Calton Ahrens
- Carcass Merit:
- First Place: Kacey Wernsman
- Second Place: Logan Schmidt
- Third Place: Spencer Snyder
- Record Book:
- First Place: Karina Smydra
- Second Place: Claire Ahrens
- Third Place: Lilee Chevalier
- Industry Interview:
- First Place: Karina Smydra
- Second Place: Eldon Haack
- Third Place: Evan Lutkemeier
Overall Winners:
- First Place: Evan Lutkemeier
- Second Place: Calton Ahrens
- Third Place: Karina Smydra
- Fourth Place: Spencer Snyder
- Fifth Place: Laurel Moore
Winners in each category receive cash prizes. Overall winners will also receive a cash award sponsored by CoBank through the Nebraska 4-H Foundation and a $500 scholarship to Nebraska’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
To learn more about the Fed Steer Challenge, visit: https://4h.unl.edu/fed-steer-challenge