What the Steer Carcass Challenge Is
The Steer Carcass Challenge follows Oklahoma steers past the pasture and the show ring, through the feedyard and onto the rail. Entrants deliver steers on one fall day, the cattle are fed out over the winter, and after harvest each entry is scored on how it performed. Every participant gets real-world data back on feedyard performance, carcass merit and overall profitability, the kind of information that shows whether a herd's genetics and management are paying off.
The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association runs two versions of the challenge side by side, one through its charitable arm and one for youth. They share the same delivery day and timeline but work very differently for the entrant.
Two Ways to Enter
| OCF Steer Carcass Challenge | OJCA Steer Carcass Challenge | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation (OCF), the charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association | Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen's Association (OJCA) |
| Who can enter | Individuals, ranches, businesses, families and supporters | OJCA members |
| Entry | Donate a steer to the Foundation as a tax-deductible charitable contribution | A pen of three steers, plus an entry fee that covers program costs |
| Where the money goes | Donations support scholarships, youth leadership and educational programs | After harvest and sale, all proceeds from the animals go back to the OJCA exhibitor |
| Data you receive | Feedyard performance, carcass merit and profitability | Carcass characteristics, quality grade, yield grade and profitability |
Heifers are not allowed in either program.
A tip for county cattlemen's groups
Unified County organizations are encouraged to enter the OCF challenge. A steer registered under the official name of a Unified County organization returns 50 percent of the net proceeds from its sale at harvest to that county group, so register the calf under the organization's official name at the time of entry, not under a member's name.
How It Works: The Timeline
- Enter online by November 12, 2026Online entries close at 11:59 p.m. the night before delivery.
- Deliver your steers on November 13, 2026Cattle drop-off runs 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central at the OSU Willard Sparks Research Center in Stillwater.
- Feeding periodThe steers are fed out through the winter and spring.
- Harvest, April through June 2027Each steer is harvested and its carcass data collected.
- Results and awardsWinners are recognized at the 2027 Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show.
Where to Deliver
OSU Willard Sparks Research Center, 4224 W. McElroy, Stillwater, OK 74074. Plan your haul so you arrive inside the 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. drop-off window.
Questions
Can I enter heifers?
No. Both the OCF and OJCA challenges are steers only.
Do youth exhibitors keep the money from their steers?
Yes. In the OJCA challenge, all proceeds from the sale of the animals are returned to the exhibitor after harvest. The OCF challenge is a donation program instead.
How many steers does a youth entry take?
An OJCA entry is a pen of three steers.
Who do I call?
The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association office: 405-235-4391.
Official Links
- 2026 OCA Steer Carcass Challenge: event details and registration
- Registration page: both programs, entry rules, timeline and contacts
- Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen's Association: OJCA programs and membership
- 2025-2026 winners announcement: last year's results
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- OSU Winter Crop School
Three-day Oklahoma State University winter crop school for producers, held in Stillwater.
Stillwater, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma State University Official event details - Payne County Junior Livestock Show
2026 show days Feb 21-25 with the Premium Sale on Feb 26 at the Payne County Expo Center. The 2025 show ran Feb 22-27, so it recurs annually.
4518 Expo Circle E, Stillwater, OK 74075 | Organizer: Payne County OSU Extension Official event details - Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen Summer Preview Show
OJCA junior beef cattle show held at the Payne County Expo Center, hosted by the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen Association board of directors.
- Oklahoma State 4-H Horse Show
Statewide 4-H horse show using the Green Arena and White Arena, held July 9-11, 2026;.
Stillwater, OK Official event details - OSU Big Three Field Days
Oklahoma State University field days in Stillwater showcasing crop and livestock research, listed for July 14-16 on the Farm Bureau calendar.
Stillwater, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma State University Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.