Happy New Year!

The 2025 Cattle Drive Program is nearing its official kickoff as we have 99 steers already delivered to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders (YCF) as of this week.

Next, the crew at YCF will process, tag your donation steer, and take a weight to begin the competition. 

As we move into the new year, the Cattle Drive is once again providing exciting partnerships that should add even more anticipation as we continue this ever growing program. Neogen will be a partner again, offering DNA services for donated steers. Each steer will have a tissue sample taken from their ear and will then be sent off to the lab where they will be able to make early predictions and markers of how your steer will perform. 

Along with Neogen adding the genetic insight, we have partnered with our very own Leoma Donsbach from Data Genie LLC to add another facet in better understanding the DNA predictions and how you can tie it all back to your own herd. The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is extremely excited to have Leoma as a partner offering her skillset for our donors.

Lastly, we’re excited to share the  announcement of this year’s Grand Prize sponsored by MJE and Western Ranch Supply (WRS). Both MJE and WRS have been very generous with their support and MSF is fortunate to continue our partnership with them again this year. The Grand Prize is a portable loading chute package valued at $19,000. The prize will come with the portable loading chute, panels, two gates, and an alley frame. A prize any producer would gladly welcome on their ranch!

As we launch the 2025 Cattle Drive Program for the year, we will continue keeping you updated on your donation’s progress and other events that you can take advantage of through MSF and MSGA.

Questions? Contact MSF at foundation@mtbeef.org or (406) 442-3420.