As part of your support of the Cattle Drive Program, we are excited to share with you your genomic data on your steer including valuable information that plays an increasingly important role in today’s cattle industry.

To help you better understand what those results mean, we’ve partnered with Neogen to share an article that breaks down how genomic testing is used in modern cattle selection, along with practical examples to help you interpret your own data. Whether you’re familiar with genomics or seeing this type of information for the first time, this resource is designed to give you greater insight into the value behind your investment.

Driving the Herd Forward: How Genomic Results Shape Modern Cattle Selection

Kaci Neuhalfen, Inside Sales Representative-West Region

Igenity® Beef DNA testing from Neogen is a tool that helps cattle producers make smarter, everyday decisions. Think of it like a simple report card for each animal. It looks at important traits like mothering ability, growth, and meat quality. Each trait is scored on an easy 1–10 scale. Higher scores usually mean better potential, except for Residual Feed Intake (RFI), where a lower score is better because it means the animal converts feed more efficiently. Most cattle average around a score of 5, so scores above this indicate above-average genetic potential for that trait.

In the 2026 MSGA group, some animals really stand out. Animal M69 shows strong, balanced performance with above-average scores for both maternal traits and carcass qualities at a 6.75 and 7.9, respectively. Animal M52 is another top performer, combining excellent mothering ability at a 7.25 Maternal Index (IMI) paired with a strong growth and Terminal Index (ITI) at 6.5. Performance data from terminal animals can be traced back to their sires and dams, enabling the identification of higher-performing parent stock. These scores give producers confidence that they’re choosing animals based on real data, not guesswork. In simple terms, it helps build a herd that performs better and brings in more value over time.

Another valuable component of Igenity Beef is parent verification, which works like checking a family tree. Even in well-managed herds, mistakes can happen in identifying which bull sired which calf. Industry research shows this can happen about 10 percent of the time. These mix-ups can slow progress by keeping the wrong animals or removing good ones. By knowing exactly which animals are the parents, producers can make faster improvements. Often, the biggest benefit comes from quickly spotting bulls that are not producing strong calves.

For herds raised in higher elevations, there is also a test for a condition called Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF). This test, developed in partnership with Simplot, estimates an animal’s genetic risk for heart problems. BCHF is a multifactorial syndrome, meaning it is influenced by genetics, environment, and management. Test results are reported as an EPD, accuracy, and percentile rank, with lower EPD values indicating lower predicted genetic risk. In the MSGA group, animals such as M59, M92, and M57 rank among the top 20 percent of animals tested. With information at hand, producers can take a proactive approach reducing risk, improving herd health, and avoiding costly losses before they happen—ultimately protecting your investment.

Igenity Feeder test predicts how cattle will perform where it matters most—on feed and at harvest—linking genetics to carcass value and profitability. Using tools like the Terminal Index (ITI), Days on Feed Index (DOF), and Branded Tier, gives a clear snapshot to sort and market cattle with confidence. The ITI combines the most economically relevant traits into a single value—hot carcass weight, marbling, ribeye area, tenderness, residual feed intake, and back fat thickness. High-ranking cattle in this category deliver heavier carcasses and stronger returns. Cattle in the 5.5–6.5 ITI range often stay on feed longer to reach marbling premiums, while those above 5.95 ITI rank in the top 25 percent (Elite Branded Tier). Leading the way in this elite category are standouts like M69, M15, and M17, cattle that combine performance and carcass merit at a high level. Not far behind, cattle such as M52, M96, M95 offer a strong balance of value, landing in that desirable mid-range ITI window while still delivering the marbling needed to hit premium targets.

Overall, Igenity testing makes complex genetic information easy to understand. It helps producers choose the best animals, avoid costly mistakes, and improve their herd year after year. Instead of relying on guesswork, they can use clear, simple data to raise healthier cattle, produce better beef, and increase their returns.

Hello Donors!

Thanks to your generous support, we have 102 animals in this year’s program. The contest began February 4, 2026, at Yellowstone Cattle Feeders in Shepherd, where starting weights and TSUs were recorded to kick off the competition.

Donors should have already received an email with your tag number(s) and starting weight(s). If you did not receive that information, please reach out and we’ll make sure you have everything you need. You can find all starting weights organized by tag number below.

We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our donors and the leadership from the Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors and the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Board of Trustees who generously volunteered their time to help haul and deliver steers to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders. It’s a true team effort, and we’re grateful for your hands-on support.

Below you’ll find photos from the official start of the contest, including the weigh-in and TSU collection. We’re excited to share the kickoff with you and look forward to keeping you updated as the contest progresses. Thank you again for your commitment to the Cattle Drive Program and to the future of Montana ranching!

Questions? Please reach out to Rachael Green at rachael@mtbeef.org or (406) 442-3420.

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.

Final Update for the 2024 Cattle Drive

Questions? Contact MSF at foundation@mtbeef.org

The second group of cattle has been harvested, and the data is now available for you to download using the button below. With this final round of animals, the 2024 Cattle Drive officially comes to a close. MSF extends our sincere gratitude to all of our donors for making this program possible.

Contest winners will be announced during MSGA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show in Billings, December 10–12, 2025. Thanks to the generous partnership of Western Ranch Supply and MJE Livestock Equipment, the overall winner of the 2024 Cattle Drive will receive a portable panel trailer package valued at more than $17,000.

Questions? Contact MSF at foundation@mtbeef.org or (406) 461-0642.

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) partnered with AgriBeef to provide a capstone experience which allowed its Cattle Drive Program donors to follow the full lifecycle of their donated steer. Tour participants were also joined by agency directors from the Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Department of Livestock, and Idaho Department of Agriculture. This exclusive opportunity offered attendees the chance to review valuable information on their donated steers, including genetic analysis and carcass data. The educational event culminated at TrueWest Beef’s processing facilities in Jerome, Idaho.

The Ribeye Road Trip represented the final step in this year’s Cattle Drive journey, which started in early 2025. The first day, the group traveled to Jerome, Idaho, for an evening dinner and discussion with AgriBeef leadership. The following day, attendees toured the TrueWest Beef meat processing facilities and the Intermountain Beef feedlot, before returning back to Montana.

The experience allowed participants to witness firsthand carcass grading, how value is determined at the processor level, and how decisions made at the ranch translate into outcomes at harvest. Forty of MSF’s Cattle Drive steers were shipped to AgriBeef in advance of the tour so donors could see their animal data. By engaging directly with plant personnel and seeing the carcass evaluation process up close, participants gained valuable insight into how premiums, discounts, and quality metrics are tied back to ranch-level practices.

The Ribeye Road Trip reinforced the Cattle Drive Program’s goal of developing well-informed, forward-thinking cattle producers who understand each link of the supply chain and are equipped to make data-driven decisions that strengthen both their own operations and the future of Montana’s beef industry. 

This event was made possible by the generous support of AgriBeef, Animal Health International, Compass Ag Solutions, Elanco, Northern Livestock Video Auction, NW Mixer Feeders, Rabo AgriFinance, TrueWest Beef, Y-Tex Corporation, and Yellowstone Cattle Feeders.

MSF’s Cattle Drive Program is an immersive, start-to-finish experience designed to give cattle producers a comprehensive understanding of the modern beef supply chain—from pasture to plate. MSF is now accepting donations for the 2025 Cattle Drive. To learn more or to participate, visit www.mtbeeffoundation.org.

Our partners at NEOGEN hosted an educational webinar for our Cattle Drive donors. Dr. Paige Pratt, PhD, genomics specialist with NEOGEN, walked through the genomic results from donated steers. This session showcased real data from Igenity Beef, Igenity Feeder, and Igenity BCHF results, highlighting what these insights mean for cattle performance – especially around terminal values and days on feed. If you were not able to attend, a recording of the webinar can be found below. Follow the registration steps and once completed, the webinar will be available.