The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is now accepting donations for its 2025 Cattle Drive program, which allows donations to gain in value to contribute an even larger impact to the future of the agricultural industry. Donations can be made until December 15, 2025, and animal pick up will be coordinated beginning in mid-October. To donate, contact MSF at foundation@mtbeef.org or (406) 461-0642.
The Cattle Drive program, Montana’s largest steer feedout contest, allows ranchers and supporters to donate a steer or donate the market value of a steer. Donors can also partner with friends or neighbors to participate. Donated animals are transported to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders in Shepherd, Mont., where they are put into the program and fed to ideal market weight. When each steer is at optimum weight they are sold and harvested with all proceeds benefiting MSF programs, including educational scholarships and leadership development.
Benefits of donating to the Cattle Drive program include:
- Donors receive average daily gain (ADG) and carcass data back on all donated steers
- Custom branded Cattle Drive apparel
- NEOGEN Igenity® and Igenity® BCHF genomic test results
- Opportunity to win grand prize
- Opportunity to win incentive prizes from Montana breed associations
- A charitable tax deduction
The steer placing highest in both the ADG contest and carcass value contest is recognized as the Champion Steer. In partnership with Western Ranch Supply and MJE Livestock Equipment, MSF will award the overall winner of the 2025 Cattle Drive Program with an equipment package, valued at over $17,000.
Steers are also graded on ADG and carcass value. The top three steers in each category will be recognized at the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s 2026 Annual Convention and Trade Show.
MSF has partnered with various Montana breed associations to provide financial incentives for the contest winners, highlighting the quality cattle genetics raised by Montana producers. 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 ADG and carcass value contest, the donor stands to receive a financial award.
Donating to the Cattle Drive program is a unique way to support the future of Montana’s cattle industry while gaining valuable performance data and prize opportunities. MSF invites ranchers and supporters across the state to join this impactful effort and help invest in Montana’s agricultural community. For more information, visit www.mtbeeffoundation.org.
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