Definition: A junior market steer project is a longer-calendar beef finishing path from feeder purchase to fair weight class, with higher feed budgets and different ADG expectations than hogs.
Typical ranges (rules of thumb): finished weights often ~1,100–1,400 lb depending on show rules; ADG commonly ~2.0–3.0 lb/day on a well-managed finishing ration. Always check local handbooks.
Worked example: Current 900 lb, ADG 2.5, 120 days → projected ≈ 900 + 300 = 1,200 lb. Required ADG to hit 1,250 in 100 days from 900 = 3.5 lb/day — aggressive; reassess calendar or purchase weight next year.
- Expense discipline matters more because the project is longer.
- Log every load of feed from day one for breakeven and the record book.
- Pair growth math with structure and health scoring at selection.
Use ADG, fair weight, and purchase weight calculators. Related: ADG guide and breakeven.
Next step: Start a free steer project in ShowPen.