Show Steer & Heifer Resources
New to beef? We’ve got your back! We remember what it was like to be new to such a large project, but we’ve been there and done it. And now we’ve helped hundreds of Southern Oregon and Northern California families successfully raise and show project steers and heifers.
Contact us today to set up a free one-on-one consultation to get all your nutrition needs squared away!
Feeding Your Show Steers & Heifers
When you’re feeding out a steer, it’s a lot! You will have a show steer (or heifer) for a significant amount of time and they eat a lot of grain. It’s tempting to let them lose on a field and only feed them corn. Because it can be daunting handling their feeding regimen. But you really don’t want to do that. You need to care for your steers gut and feed a quality show feed that will help your steer feed its genetic potential.
At Southern Oregon Feed And Mineral, we are proud to offer high quality show feed designed to grow and prosper your show steers & heifers.
Medicated
If you are feeding a medicated feed, it will be noted on the feed tag. This is rather uncommon these days for show animals, but always be aware. It’s important to know any active medications in your feed because there may be interactions with other medications. There could potentially be a withdrawal date, as well.
Please note: to feed a medicated feed, you should have a Veterinary Feed Directive.
Protein Level
Beef need a lot of protein to keep going, so, especially at a young age, you’re going to want to make sure you’re feeding a show feed with a high level of protein. This means around 19%. If you’re feeding a heifer, you still need to conscious of muscling, but you also want them to be softer and keep an emphasis on joint flexibility. So you can try a feed with a lower protein (17%).
But always make sure to feed to their body type!
Vitamins & Minerals
Steers are ruminants, so they have 4 stomachs. They require roughage to keep their gut healthy. Feeding your steer quality grass hay and alfalfa will help keep their gut clean and supply valuable proteins, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Letting them graze on green grass for limited amounts of time each day will also help their gut health.
Additionally, steers will need salt and mineral blocks to keep their levels perfect.
Show Cattle Selection
This brief video from Show-Rite outlines the basics of cattle selection.
If you want to know more, Show-Rite has an awesome Show Stock Classroom.
You can also ask us at anytime! We are always happy to offer advice and tips!
Show Beef Blog Posts
It’s not easy. Being a parent of a showman, that is.
You know your kid does a lot of work, but there’s your side of it, too.
While he’s out working the pigs, you’re inside studying the latest showmanship techniques so you can help.
While he’s in the ring, you’re living on a rollercoaster of emotions in the stands.
While he’s asleep in the backseat, you’re downing another coffee to stay awake behind the wheel.