The Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation’s Eighth Annual Retail Value Steer Challenge (RVSC) awarded its winners at Nebraska Cattlemen’s Midyear Conference in Columbus, June 7-8.

The Eighth Annual RVSC generated over $56,000 in proceeds thanks to the individuals, ranches, feedlots and interested parties who donated steers, and to the industry partners who helped sponsor the event, including Bill’s Volume Sales, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Zinpro, Grace-Mayer, Pfizer, Real Cattle Company and L&W Cattle Company. Darr Feedlot at Cozad fed the steers again and donated the yardage and administration fees.

Hansen Ranch of North Platte entered the top steer, which gained $4.61 in retail value per day and won $1,500 for the top prize. Hansen’s entry also placed third in carcass value at $171.22/cwt., winning an additional $200.

Mark Spurgin and Steve Hanson of Paxton claimed the second-place $1,000 prize with a steer that gained $4.58 in retail value per day. In addition, the Spurgin and Hanson steer placed first in the rate-of-gain category with a 4.923 lbs./day gain, winning an additional $500.

Placing third overall was Triple B Angus of North Platte, winning $500 with a steer that gained $4.52/day in retail value. Triple B also placed second in carcass value at $174.99/cwt., winning an additional $300.

Other winners included the Harry Knobbe Feedyard, which came in second in rate-of-gain with a steer that gained 4.608 lbs./day. The UNL Animal Science Department received third-place honors in the rate-of-gain contest with a steer that gained 4.477 lbs./day.

For the third year in a row the Lincoln County NC affiliate won $1,000 for recruiting the overall top steer from the Hansen Ranch of North Platte and also won the carcass value contest with their own steer at $175.97/cwt.

The Exeter Feeders & Breeders NC affiliate won $500 for recruiting the most steers for the test (nine).

The Foundation is planning their Ninth Annual RVSC, which will begin this fall. Entry forms are available from any NC R&E Foundation Board member or by contacting Lee Weide, NC R&E Foundation secretary, at (402) 475-2333 or lweide@necattlemen.org. Y