DENVER— The Red Angus Association of America is excited to announce the launch of the GridMaster Challenge, a new educational contest designed to give commercial producers and members firsthand insight into the fed-cattle sector while evaluating the genetic potential of their herds.
Developed by RAAA’s commercial marketing specialists and approved by the RAAA Board of Directors, the GridMaster Challenge provides an opportunity for both junior and adult members, as well as commercial producers enrolled in RAAA’s process-verified programs, to collect valuable carcass and feedyard performance data. The program will be hosted in partnership with the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity at Nilan Feedyard in Oakland, Iowa.
“The GridMaster Challenge is a great way to collect valuable data while building stronger relationships within the breed and with industry professionals,” said Taylor Ohlde, RAAA commercial marketing specialist. “Even a pen of three steers or a single steer can provide more information than most commercial producers ever see, and that knowledge can be transformative.”
Participants will maintain ownership of their cattle throughout the contest and receive detailed reports on growth, carcass merit, health protocols and genetic evaluation. Data collected, including carcass ultrasound, foot and leg scoring, and genomic testing, will also contribute to the RAAA’s national genetic evaluation.
“Producers often ask how they can extract more value and learn about their cattle’s feed and carcass performance. The GridMaster Challenge provides that opportunity,” said Cory Peters, RAAA commercial marketing specialist. “Participants will gain firsthand experience in how the feeding and packing sectors work while discovering more about their herd’s genetic potential. The goal is to use that insight to make well-informed management and selection decisions.”
The Challenge is designed to be inclusive, educational and engaging for operations of all sizes.
“We want producers of every size to feel included,” Ohlde added. “Whether you bring one head or many, there will be opportunities to learn, grow and connect with others in the beef industry.”
Key program requirements include:
- Enrollment deadline: Nov. 15, 2025
- Delivery to Nilan Feedyard: Dec. 1–7, 2025
- Open to RAAA and Junior Red Angus members in good standing, or commercial producers enrolled in RAAA’s Angus Access program
- Steers only, born Jan. 1-April 30, 2025, weighing 600-950 pounds at delivery
- Entry fee: $120 per head, covering genetic testing, carcass ultrasound and data collection. Remaining fees will be financed throughout the duration of the test.
An educational field-day event, open to all participants and RAAA stakeholders, will be held in spring 2026 prior to harvest, focusing on the fed cattle and packing sectors.
For more information or to enroll visit redangus.org or contact Taylor Ohlde at 913-626-2715 or Cory Peters at 402-418-2351.
The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and using scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.RedAngus.org.
SOURCE: Red Angus News Release
