Steer-A-Year Completes Another Year
The University of Wyoming’s (UW) Cowboy Joe Club’s 2016-17 Steer-A-Year (S.A.Y.) Program wrapped up with an Awards Dinner prior to the Cowboys’ game vs. the University of Hawaii on Sept. 23.
Jackets were presented to steer donors in recognition of their donated animal’s performance. Jackets were presented to Loren, Robyn, Logan and Heather Heth of Lusk for greatest initial value, Hampton Ranch of Ten Sleep for best rate of gain with an initial weight of 500 to 600 pounds, Six Iron Ranch of Shoshoni for best rate of gain with an initial weight of 601 to 700 pounds, and Dunmire Ranch of McFadden for best rate of gain with an initial weight of 701 pounds or more.
Additionally, Jones Ag Corp. of Torrington was recognized for greatest net increase in value with an initial weight of 500 to 600 pounds. Cobb Cattle Co. of Savery received a jacket for greatest net increase in value with an initial weight of 600 to 700 pounds, and the award for greatest net increase in value with an initial weight of 701 pounds or more went to Fox Ranches in Kemmerer.
An award for greatest carcass value, finished in May or June, went to Dow Ranch of Sheridan, and Shively Hardware of Saratoga was recognized for greatest carcass value finished early.
Recognition was also given to the Boxelder Ranch of Ten Sleep, who was selected as Newcomer of the Year, and Wally Wallace of Worland, who was named Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding recruitment efforts.
Established in 1995, the S.A.Y. Program supports scholarships for approximately 90 UW student athletes who have graduated from Wyoming High Schools in addition to providing financial support to the UW Rodeo Team and Animal Science judging teams.
The UW Cowboy Joe Club is currently accepting entries for the 2017-18 S.A.Y. Program. Volunteer drivers assist in gathering the steers from around the state and delivering them to Y6 Feeders at Meriden.
If the steers are heavy enough to be finished by the end of June, they will be fed and sold to a commercial packer with carcass data collected and returned to the donor. Out of the 135 head entered this past year, 107 head were fed to finish while the balance were sold in the spring as grass cattle.
A recently added feature of the S.A.Y. Program is a Memorial Division. Family or friends of deceased cowboy and cowgirl fans can donate a steer in their memory.
Anyone can participate in the program. In addition to giving a physical steer, for a minimum of $200, a person can become a feed donor.
In addition to a tax-deductible donation, there may be ticket priority and parking benefits for athletic events. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Cowboy Joe Club at 307-766-6242 or cowboyjoe@uwyo.edu.
Go Pokes!
