Montana Stockgrowers Works to Connect Consumers and Ranchers Through Montana Food Service Industry

In its largest donation year to date, Montana Stockgrowers Foundation’s (MSF’s) Cattle Drive Program is upping the “steaks” by partnering with Montana breed associations to provide incentives for the quality cattle genetics raised by Montana producers. Montana Angus, Hereford, Red Angus and Simmental associations have pledged a combined $20,000 in award money for the program.

This year, in addition to the carcass and gain data that donors receive as part of the program, they will also receive DNA parentage information on their steers. DNA samples will be taken of all donated steers and sent to a licensed testing facility. In cooperation with the breed associations, parentage of the steer will be determined. If the steer is sired by a bull registered with one of the four participating breeds associations and places in the Cattle Drive contest, the donor stands to receive a financial award.

“We are excited for the breed associations to be partnering with us in this program. We believe this is going to elevate the program and highlight the quality genetics that we have right here in Montana.” says Monty Lesh, co-chair of the Cattle Drive Committee.

Once steers are sold, average daily gain and carcass data are provided back to the donating producer. The top three in each category are recognized at Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention and Trade Show in December. This year, for the first time in program history, an overall grand champion steer will be awarded based on placements within the categories.

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation’s (MSF) Cattle Drive Program just completed another successful program year. With a record 83 steers donated, and a focus on securing a local food supply chain with the Montanan’s Feeding Montana initiative, this program continues to raise funds to invest in Montana’s ranching community and ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry.

The 2023 Cattle Drive Program also included a new focus highlighting the quality genetics that Montana producers develop within their herds. MSF partnered with Montana Angus, Hereford, Red Angus, and Simmental Associations, to provide financial awards to contest winners if the winning steer was sired by a registered bull of that breed. Parentage verification was done through DNA samples of each qualifying steers and that information will be provided back to the donating producer.

Each fall MSF’s Cattle Drive Program seeks donations of either live steers or the value of a steer from ranchers and businesses across Montana. Steers are then transported to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders in Shepherd, MT where they are put on contest and finished. When each steer is at optimum weight they are sold and harvested with all proceeds benefiting MSF programs, including educational scholarships and leadership development.

This one-of-a-kind program allows donors to monitor the steer’s progress for the duration of the contest. Steers will be penned together, which results in feeding consistency, and are finished on a mixture of locally produced corn silage, corn, beet pulp silage, alfalfa and grain. Yellowstone Cattle Feeders welcomes visitors by appointment to view their facilities, the process and the cattle.

Once a steer is harvested, donors receive valuable data on their steer’s performance against some of the best cattle in the state. The top three in average daily gain and carcass data, as well as an overall champion steer are recognized at MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show each December.

The 2024 Cattle Drive officially launched October 1, 2024. If you are interested in donating a steer or partnering to purchase a steer, please contact Heidi Kool at foundation@mtbeef.org or 406-461-0642.

MSF would like to extend a special thank you to Marc King for his services in grading the steer carcasses.