MSU Extension and MSGA announce 2025 Steer of Merit certifications

Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Montana State University

It was great to be back in Billings and present the Top 5 winners at the Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention on December 11. The Top 5 winners of the carcass and ultrasound steer of merit contests were awarded at the Best of Beef Luncheon.

Montana State University Extension and MSGA distinguished 63 Steers of Merit out of 1,294 entries for 2025. Out of 359 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 16 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 47 out of 935 entries received the distinction. The number of Steer of Merit certifications was down in 2025 compared to 2024. This was primarily due to the increased standards put in place by the Steer of Merit Committee in 2025. More counties continue to participate in the ultrasound contest this year due to the lack of packing plant facilities and space.

The top five steer entries in the Ultrasound Division were: 1) Dallas Berkram, Marias Fair – Glacier County, 2) Emma Myhre, Rosebud-Treasure Counties (Brenda Bromenshank, breeder), 3) Laredo Hagenbuch, Fergus – Petroleum Counties, 4) Cadyn Wright, Carbon County, and 5) Maysa Peterson, Custer County (Peterson Ranch, breeder).

The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were: 1) Emery Eaton, Prairie County (Frank Eaton and Sons, breeder), 2) Aspen Courtney, Missoula County (Dan Vanek, breeder), 3) Michael Rummel, Missoula County (Alyssa and Daniel Cahoon, breeder), 4) Tenley Allestad, Valley County (Borderview Bell Ranch, breeder), and 5) Lexi Lunceford, Tri-County Fair – Powell County (Maggie Schmidt, breeder).

The Montana Steer of Merit program was initiated in 1967 as a joint effort between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana State University Extension. The program was designed to measure, record, and improve carcass characteristics in beef cattle. Data from these carcasses has been summarized and analyzed statistically. Over time, significant increases have been made in quality grade and in yield grade, or cutability, indicating that cattle can be selected for leaner carcasses with higher cutability and still maintain high quality grade as reflected by marbling. Over the past few years, Steer of Merit requirements have continued to improve due to the excellent breeding and raising of the steers by the participants.

To be designated a Steer of Merit, carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality. Beef carcasses must meet criteria set by the Steer of Merit Committee in the areas of hot carcass weight, dressing percent, 12th rib backfat, rib eye area, yield grade, percent cutability, and quality grade. Computer software programs help compile data and rank carcasses for state and county awards. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year and the program is updated to meet the changing industry standards.

All are welcome to participate as a member of the Steer of Merit Committee. Each year the committee reviews the Steer of Merit requirements and determines if adjustments should be made for the upcoming year. The committee will meet on January 14, 2026, at 9am via Microsoft Teams. The meeting link is below.

For more information about the Steer of Merit program call Megan Van Emon, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at (406) 874-8286.