Nine students passionate about the beef industry recently had the opportunity to attend the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) conference in Texas, accompanied by several faculty and staff members including Randie Culbertson, David Bruene, Calvin Hartz, Briana Ver Steegh, Jason Ross, and Brad Skaar. This trip was part of the Beef Leadership Fellows program, designed to provide students with leadership exposure and hands-on industry experience.
Brinkman, senior in animal science and agronomy, highlighted networking as the best part of the trip, emphasizing the chance to connect with industry professionals and explore innovative solutions for cattle producers. “The best part of the trip for me was the networking opportunities and the ability to see what different companies are working on to help cattlemen become more innovative and efficient,” he said. He also reflected on an idea he wished to bring back to the Animal Science Department at Iowa State, focusing on utilizing basic data collected by cow-calf operations to improve breeding decisions based on consumer demand.
Grant Boyd, a sophomore in animal science, shared a similar sentiment about networking but also appreciated experiencing Texas for the first time. “Since I had never been to Texas before, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a new part of the country and how the cattle industry functions there,” he said. Grant also noted the diverse perspectives within the cattle industry, recognizing that while opinions may differ, collaboration is essential for shaping beneficial policies. He suggested that this approach could also enhance discussions within the Animal Science Department. 
Mary Ann Fox, junior in agricultural systems technology, found the opportunity to connect with producers and industry professionals from across the country to be the most valuable aspect of the trip. “The convention truly lives up to its slogan, ‘Where the beef industry meets,’ as it brings together people from all sectors of the beef industry to share knowledge, insights, and casual conversation,” she said. She also expressed interest in incorporating technology advancements in cattle management into Iowa State coursework, particularly AI-driven cattle production data management.
Ella Hommel, a senior in agricultural business, international agriculture, and political science, enjoyed visiting the ranches along the way to San Antonio, which showcased a range of operations from elite Brahman seedstock breeders to large-scale commercial partnerships with Walmart. “It was interesting to see how different the production system is in Texas,” she noted. One of her key takeaways was the impact of policy decisions in Washington, D.C., on beef producers, something she found especially relevant as she is taking agricultural policy courses and has an internship in an ag policy role this spring.
Throughout the trip, students visited several notable cattle operations, including 44 Farms, one of the largest purebred Angus operations in the U.S. They also toured Capitol Land and Livestock, a major feeder calf marketing program, and BRC Ranch, a prestigious Brahman breeding operation. Other key stops were Heartbrand Cattle, known for its Akaushi cattle production, and Renew Livestock Company, an entrepreneurial Wagyu operation. These visits provided students with insight into various aspects of beef production, from genetics and breeding to large-scale retail partnerships.
One of the most surprising aspects of Texas beef production for multiple students was the significant presence of Brahman cattle. Matt was particularly intrigued by the history of the breed and its influence in the region. “One of the most surprising things I learned in Texas was the presence of Brahman cattle and the history behind them,” he said. Ella was also struck by the unique predator challenges faced by Texas ranchers, such as vultures preying on newborn calves, an issue not commonly encountered in Iowa.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Skaar emphasized the program’s goal of exposing students to the decision-making and leadership aspects of the beef industry. “These students represent the future leadership in the US beef industry. As such, it is important to meet the current leaders of our industry, to understand how change happens and why it happens in the industry. There is no better place to make that happen than at the NCBA Annual Convention. The network that this experience offers creates opportunities for employment and internships for the students on the trip. And because they are such great representatives of our university, they open doors for their peers at home,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for the continued support of the program and looks forward to selecting students for next year’s trip.
Students interested in gaining leadership experience and deeper insights into the cattle industry are encouraged to contact Dr. Skaar to learn more about the Beef Leadership Fellows program.