MSU's Steer-A-Year program is returning for new academic year

From MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — Montana ranchers who would like to donate a steer to benefit students in MSU’s College of Agriculture should contact College of Agriculture Steer-A-Year Program Manager Hannah Del Curto.

Steers will be accepted between Oct. 30 and Nov. 13. They will be housed and fed to finish at the Bozeman Agriculture Research and Teaching Farm west of Bozeman. Performance data will be taken and sent out to donors as collected. Awards will also be presented to the best initial feeder steer, the steer with the top rate of gain and best carcass.

Donated steers make a direct impact on students, particularly those participating in the livestock judging team, Del Curto said.

“The funds allow judging team members to compete and represent MSU at a national level,” she said. “The steer contributions are also important because they enhance the educational experience for students in the College of Agriculture.”

The steers are used to allow for hands-on learning experiences in courses such as beef cattle management, livestock management of beef cattle, meat science and livestock evaluation. Del Curto said the newly created “steer-a-year” class allows students to be involved in all aspects of managing the steers.

For more information about the Steer-A-Year program or how to donate a steer, contact Del Curto at 406-994-3752 or [email protected].