GridMaster CHALLENGE

Logo for the "Red Angus Grid Master Challenge" with a dark red silhouette of a beef cut on the left and bold red and navy text to the right.

Hosted in partnership with the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity at Nilan Feedyard in Oakland, Iowa, the GridMaster Challenge allows producers to retain ownership of their cattle through finishing and harvest.

Participants receive detailed reports on:

  • Growth and feedyard performance

  • Carcass merit and grading results

  • Health and management protocols

  • Genomic and genetic evaluations

Data collected – including carcass ultrasound, foot and leg scoring and genomic testing – contributes to the RAAA’s national genetic evaluation. The information helps participants make more informed breeding and management decisions that enhance herd performance and profitability.

The GridMaster Challenge is open to:

  • RAAA and Junior Red Angus members in good standing
  • Commercial producers enrolled in Angus Access

The program is designed to be inclusive and educational for operations of all sizes, whether producers enter one head or an entire pen.

Logo with the words "ANGUS ACCESS." The "A" is shaped like a hand with a thumbs-up, and the "U" in "ACCESS" has a keyhole in the center. The colors used are dark blue and maroon.

For more information on Angus Access, click here. 

 

  • Enrollment deadline: Nov. 15

  • Delivery to Nilan Feedyard: Dec. 1–7

  • Cattle requirements: Steers only, born Jan. 1–April 30, 2025, weighing 600–950 lbs. at delivery

  • Entry fee: $120 per head (includes genetic testing, carcass ultrasound and data collection)

An educational field day is held each spring at Nilan Feedyard for participants and Red Angus stakeholders. The event focuses on feedyard management, carcass evaluation and insights from industry professionals.

Download the complete list of guidelines here. 

The GridMaster Challenge provides producers with the tools and information needed to make data-driven decisions and improve herd performance across all segments of the beef supply chain.

Download the guidelines and registration form here to join the GridMaster Challenge and email the completed registration to Cory Peters at cory@redangus.org. You may also email to Taylor Ohlde at taylor@redangus.org, or mail to the RAAA office at 18335 E 103rd Ave, Suite 202 Commerce City, CO 80022.