Blake McDonald: Young Producer Grateful to Special Mentors, Pays it Forward Through Advocacy
By: Emma Alexander -
“While friends traded baseball cards, I recited Angus pedigrees,” says Blake Mc Donald, a young cattleman from #Agri-Ready Designated Franklin County near Sullivan. Producing beef is all Blake has ever known, but he gives credit for his success to the mentors that opened doors along the way. Blake represents Missouri Beef Industry Council as a member of the 2025 Race to the Plate Farm Team , sharing with St. Louis Cardinals fans what his industry does for them and how much it means to him.
Where Credit is Due
“Some producers my age may tell you they have succeeded on their own, but not me,” Blake shares. “I need to acknowledge the mentorship that helped me get where I am and continues to give me opportunities to learn what I love. I am thankful every day.”
A Beef Education
Project leaders guided the 4-H and FFA experiences that unlocked doors for Blake to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned an undergraduate degree in animal science, then a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. A collegiate connection fostered a partnership which kick started his career.
A Partnership through Beef
Blake made a beef equity share agreement with retired MU Animal Science professor Dr. Gary Allee. “I would not be where I am today without Dr. Allee,” Blake remembers. He worked in all aspects of Dr. Allee’s beef farm as the two battled harsh winters and droughts together. “I made a lot of mistakes. But he was an educator at heart, and he let me learn. I learned something from him every day about agriculture and life. He was a brilliant man. I wish he were here now to see what we worked for come full circle,” Blake shares.
#Agri-Ready Designated Franklin County. According to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study, agriculture contributes $491.4 million in total value-added products to the county’s economy, supports more than 8,300 jobs, and adds $486.8 million to household incomes annually. Missouri ranks third in the U.S. for cattle and calf inventory.
Already an Advocate
Blake attended the 2019 NCBA Young Cattlemen's Conference, is a graduate of the Missouri Cattlemen's Leadership College, and a member of the 2024 Beef Leaders Institute hosted by the American Angus Association. Blake represents Missouri beef producers on the 2025 Race to the Plate Farm Team , an advocacy partnership between the St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Farmers Care. The Farm Team will educate baseball fans about agriculture through radio messaging, print advertisements, in-stadium videos, and social media content.
“We are excited to have Blake as our advocate,” shares Sydney Long, executive director of the Missouri Beef Industry Council. “He is a great example of a young producer, involved and contributing to multiple facets of the beef industry.”
The Cows Have Come Home
Blake returned home to #Agri-Ready Franklin County in 2024. He has a herd of 100 registered Angus and Sim-Angus cattle. “I couldn’t do what I do without help from both sides of the family,” Blake says. He cares for cattle across several farms, lending a hand to his in-laws and parents. In partnership with his dad, John, and brother, Bryce, the trio operate McDonald Cattle Company. Blake also leverages his years of experience and networking in the Angus community into marketing, customer relations, and sale preparation for Sydenstricker Genetics in Mexico, Mo.
All in the Family
Blake’s wife, Emily, is no stranger to the beef industry. She earned a doctorate in pharmacy and her flexible, remote career allows her to expand the couple’s freezer beef business. 2M Beef offers individual beef cuts and packages in an online store. “Emily does a great job with our website and marketing,” Blake smiles. “I take care of the cattle while they are alive, and she handles them when they are not.”
Reasons to Advocate
“I am passionate about cattle and the beef business. I don’t see myself doing anything else,” Blake shares. “As a young producer, it is important that to show up and stay involved.” Blake and Emily have two young daughters, Clara (3) and Lily (born in February) and they want to give them the same opportunities to love the beef industry that they experienced. Blake serves as the Region 2 Vice-President for Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.
Missouri Farmers Care’s Race to the Plate is brought to you by Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Corn, Midwest Dairy, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Pork Association, and MFA, Inc.
