Montana Beef Network

Learn more about this program on the Montana Beef Network website

Mission:

To assist Montana livestock producers in receiving added value for their cattle by identifying cattle that meet specific beef quality and consistency targets. The foundation of the network is data collection and information exchange.

The Montana Beef Network is a systems approach, allowing producers to address livestock pricing and quality issues through various levels of involvement. This systems approach can be broken down into three main areas:

1. Beef Quality Assurance Certification
   Montana State University has developed an educational forum through which beef industry issues are being addressed. Development of the Montana Beef University educational programs has proven to be a very successful endeavor for the unique partnership between Montana State University and the Montana Stockgrowers Association. Beef Quality Assurance is a national effort to address the quality and consistency of the beef being made available to the end consumer.
   
   
2. Feeder Cattle Certification
   Recognition of standardized beef animal quality procedures and vaccination regimes has been shown through various University and industry research to carry a premium financial value. Feeder Cattle Certification is an effort aimed at allowing producers to capture immediate premiums available in today's market, when marketed aggressively.
   
   
3. Animal Identification & Information Exchange
   Through the use of electronic identification (EID) tags, individual animals are being tracked through the beef industry. Montana producers are receiving carcass information and sometimes even feedlot information, allowing them to identify production characteristics for their herd and for individual bloodlines beyond typical ranch production traits. This information allows producers to position their production for the future, and identify specific markets that fit their product.