Raising the Steaks Environmental Stewardship Tour
The Raising the Steaks Tour gather an intimate group of thoughtful, creative individuals who represent chefs, foodservice professionals, wildlife advocates, ranchers, scientists, conservationists, storytellers, water users, and more to put their boots on the ground and their heads in the game in facilitated diverse and informative discussions that highlight current issues and solutions to challenges ranchers and conservationists face when managing private and public lands for future generations.
You’re Invited!
You’re invited to join Montana Stockgrowers Foundation, G&G Livestock, and Cathey Cattle Company as we explore how ranching and conservation work hand in hand. As an attendee, you will get hands-on ranch experience, positive discussion, and exclusive access to industry and sustainability experts on a beautiful, multi-generational, award-winning ranch.
G&G Livestock & Cathey Cattle Company
May 12, 2025 | Polson, Montana
About our Hosts
Thursday, G and G Livestock and Cathey Cattle Company were named the 2024 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP) winners at the 2024 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Annual Convention and Trade Show in Billings, Montana.
Purchased in 1990 and operated by Greg and Lynn Gardner and their daughter, Brittany, and son-in-law, Wacey Cathey, the family manages a cow/calf business on approximately 28,500 acres between deeded land and private, state and tribal leases in Polson, Montana. In 2019, Brittany and Wacey started Cathey Cattle Company, a grass fed and finished direct to consumer beef business. Wacey also owns and operates Black Gulch Aviation, an aerial application business.
The family’s main focus has centered around spraying invasive weeds, installing water lines, and implementing a deferred rest rotation grazing system. In an effort to evenly distribute their herd, the ranch has installed roughly eight miles of pipeline and multiple 1,000 gallon cement water tanks. In their deferred rest rotational system, pastures are rotated so that each pasture has a deferment period every few years. This allows the plants to grow and reproduce without being grazed.
Join us May 12 to learn more about this award-winning ranch and family!
Learn more about
Grazing Management
Weed Management
Water Development
+ More!
“I would like customers to know that ranchers are friends with the land and we are stewards [of the land]. It’s in our best interest to be so because it is how we make our living. The animals do their best if we take care of the land they’re on.”
Brittany Cathey, Cathey Cattle Company
Tentative Agenda
MONDAY, May 12, 2025
11:30 am
Vans depart Kwataqnuk Resort12:15 pm
Lunch and introductions1:00 pm
Tour begins. Attendees are welcome to ride in vans provided or drive themselves5:00 pm
Social and Dinner
Lodging
Room Block under “MT Stockgrowers Foundation” at Kwataqnuk Resort in Polson for the night of May 12.
Available until April 28, 2025
Transportation
Vans will depart from Kwataqnuk Resort on May 12 at 11:30 am Attendees are welcome to park at the resort during the day. Vans will return approximately 7:00 pm.
Attendees are also welcome to drive their own vehicles to the ranch.
Environmental Stewardship Award Program
Each year, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) honors a Montana ranch that exemplifies environmental stewardship and demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry. While the program highlights industry stewardship, it also provides cattlemen with examples and ideas which may be useful on their own farming and ranching operations.
Established in 1991, the national Environmental Stewardship Award Program provides an opportunity for the beef industry to showcase the stewardship and business practices that exist together on progressive farms and ranches.
State winners selected by the Montana Stockgrowers Association advance to the regional and national levels. Since the establishment of the program, Montana has won 14 regional awards and two national awards.
Sponsors
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, who help make this event a success!
