The Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch is looking for area ranchers to help out in their “Homes for Heifers” program. As a member of the program, a rancher has the option to receive a bred heifer from the Boys and Girls Ranch. The heifer, which has been selected for a good disposition, maternal traits, and soundness, is then run with the rancher’s cattle. Once the heifer calves, representatives from the Boys and Girls Ranch will pick up the calves for transport to the YBGR Feedlot (where it will provide youth with hands on experiences working with cattle), or the rancher has the option of selling the calf under YBGR’s name. The rancher then has the option of running the heifer for subsequent years and donating the calves. The rancher is under no responsibility if the cow or calf dies while under his or her care.

The Homes for Heifers program has been around for many years, with area ranchers donating to the program since shortly after YBGR began, in 1957.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch is non-profit organization located just west of Billings, which specializes in working with troubled Montana youth, and serves around 600 youth at any given time. Proceeds from the Homes for Heifers program benefit the YBGR’s vocational technology programs, allowing the youth to learn such important life skills such as small engine repair, welding, construction, gardening, and bee keeping. The YBGR operates a 410 acre working ranch, where the horses and cattle provide a therapeutic aspect, while teaching animal husbandry.

YBGR also takes donations of calves, if a rancher prefers. The Homes for Heifers program is a unique way for generous ranchers to make a difference in the lives of troubled youth.

For those interested in the program, please call Gary Adams, Director of Farm and Ranch Operations at 406-855-5230, or local representative Dan Gali at 436-2228.