IMPACTS OF THE WSU ASOTIN AND GARFIELD COUNTY 4-H AND FFA BEEF CARCASS PROGRAM
Extension Education
Mark Heitstuman
WSU Asotin and Garfield County Extension Director, Interim Columbia and Walla Walla County Extension Director
Washington State University
ASOTIN
Abstract
Each year 100-125 4-H and FFA market steers are raised by Asotin and Garfield County 4-H and FFA members in Southeastern Washington. These steers are shown and sold at 2 county fairs, and one regional livestock show. Each year approximately 75% of these market beef projects are processed by local butchers and purchased by local consumers, completing the Farm to Plate experience for youth livestock producers. With such a high percentage of 4-H and FFA beef being purchased and consumed locally, it is imperative these steers meet industry standards for flavor and quality to merit repeat customer purchases. Since 2001, WSU Asotin and Garfield County Extension has been able to collect beef carcass data on steers being processed within a 50-mile radius. Steers are evaluated using the WSU Steer of Merit Program. Steers that qualify as Steer of Merit winners need to meet specific criteria for hot carcass weight, ribeye area, yield grade, quality grade, and rate of gain. All carcasses that meet the Steer of Merit standards are then ranked using a combination of carcass cutability (Yield Grade) and USDA Quality Grade. Carcass data was collected from 152 local 4-H and FFA steers in 2024 and 2025. Average yield grade from 6 fairs and junior shows ranged from 2.52 to 2.98. The percentage of beef carcasses grading Low Choice or greater ranged from 71% to 94% at the 6 events. Average daily gain was between 3.27 and 3.61 pounds per day for a 140-day feeding period. Carcass data results are shared with the breeders of each steer, 4-H and FFA members, leaders and advisors, market sales committees, and local Cattlemen organizations. Impacts of this program include local cattle breeders receiving actual carcass data that can be used to analyze the genetics of their herd, and an assurance to consumers that the beef being raised by 4-H and FFA members meets or exceeds industry standards. The 152 4-H/FFA steers processed locally in the last two years resulted in an estimated economic impact of $175,180 in processing fees being earned by local butchers.
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Authors: Mark Heitstuman
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Heitstuman, M. WSU Asotin and Garfield County Extension Director, Interim Columbia and Walla Walla County Extension Director, Washington State University, Washington, 99402