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
