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.