COLUMN: Carcass Challenge results are announced

     • Results are in from the eighth annual Carcass Challenge, sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA).

     Cattlemen from across the state contribute calves to this fed-steer contest to support the ICA and see how their cattle stack up.

     This year, 75 steers were entered into the contest. They were delivered in November and harvested at the Tyson plant in Dakota City the last week of April.

     For Retail Value per Day on Feed and Highest Average Daily Gain, the winner was raised by Radloff Angus in Luana, Iowa, sponsored by the Winneshiek, Clayton and Fayette county cattlemen’s associations. The purebred Angus steer had an average daily gain of 5.5 pounds.

     For Largest Ribeye Area, the winner came from Bloomfield Livestock Auction and Schooley Cattle, with a ribeye area of 18.24 inches.

     The event is designed to showcase Iowa’s beef cattle genetics, feedyard management and modern technology, according to an ICA press release.

     For a summary of performance and carcass data from the event, visit https://www.iacattlemen.org/carcasschallenge.aspx.

     • Café Beaudelaire in Ames was voted to have Iowa’s Best Burger by the ICA and the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

     The organizations made the selections in May as part of May Beef Month.

     “The contest is a fun way for us to show our appreciation to Iowa’s beef farmers for the work they do to provide great-tasting beef,” said Katie Olthoff, ICA director of communications.

     Iowa has nearly 30,000 beef producers, and is fourth in the nation for cattle on feed, according to the ICA.

     • Dr. Justin Glisan has been hired as the new state climatologist within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, according to an IDALS press release.

     Glisan will compile and process Iowa climate data for current and future weather data research needs. This includes preparing the weekly weather summary for the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report.

     He is a graduate of Iowa State University. He replaces Harry Hillaker, who retired earlier this year following a 37-year career with the department.