At the beginning of February, students from Iowa State University gained firsthand insight into the cattle industry at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, where two groups represented the university through hands-on educational experiences. One group attended as part of Block & Bridle during the 105th National Block & Bridle Convention, while another traveled with Dr. Brad Skaar for an industry-focused trip. Although their schedules differed, both groups experienced the depth, innovation, and connectivity that define today’s beef industry.
The Block & Bridle group participated in a full schedule of convention activities, beginning with the opening general session and trade show, followed by Cattlemen’s College sessions, the Career Crawl, and industry networking events. The trade show, one of the largest features of CattleCon, gave students the opportunity to explore innovations across cattle production, from genetics and nutrition to equipment and data-driven management tools. 
A standout moment for many students was the closing keynote from Jimmy Yeary, who challenged attendees to rethink how they build relationships. Iowa State student Tyler Pudenz reflected on this message, saying, “One of the most impactful lessons came from Jimmy Yeary, who spoke about authenticity. He challenged us to move beyond simply saying ‘good’ when someone asks how we are and instead share something real. That small shift builds trust and makes you memorable.” Pudenz added that this lesson will influence how she approaches networking, professional relationships, and everyday interactions.
Beyond speaker sessions, Block & Bridle members participated in extensive agricultural tours across Tennessee and into Kentucky. These tours offered a deeper look into the diversity of agriculture in the region. Students visited operations such as the Middle Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center, where applied research connects directly to producer needs, and Ingram Angus, a large-scale seedstock operation known for elite genetics and performance-focused breeding. They also experienced dairy processing and value-added production at Flowers Creamery, where farm-to-product systems were on display.
Other tours highlighted different sectors of agriculture, including visits to Hatcher Family Dairy, where robotic milking technology and direct-to-consumer marketing were emphasized, and Tosh Farms in Kentucky, which demonstrated large-scale pork production and modern facility management. Stops at the WKU Smart Holstein Lab and Highland Rim Ag Research Center showcased cutting-edge dairy and beef research, including wearable sensors and data collection technologies that are shaping the future of livestock management.
The group also explored Nashville’s culture, including a visit to the historic Ryman Auditorium. The week concluded with the National Block & Bridle awards banquet, where Iowa State’s chapter was recognized nationally, earning first place in club activities, second in chapter yearbook, and third in chapter web page. For many members, the experience not only strengthened their industry knowledge but also built stronger relationships with club members from across the country.
“This experience expanded my perspective far beyond our campus,” Pudenz said. “Seeing innovation on the trade show floor and hearing directly from industry professionals reinforced my passion for combining my Animal Science and MBA education to bring both production knowledge and business strategy into my future career.” She also emphasized the personal impact of the trip, noting that shared experiences like this help build stronger teams and deeper connections within Block & Bridle.
At the same time, the group traveling with Dr. Skaar experienced CattleCon through a structured itinerary that combined education, networking, and real-world application. Their schedule included attending sessions such as Checkoff Research Insights, policy committee meetings, and Cattlemen’s College presentations like “The Weight of Progress: Are Bigger Cattle Better for the Beef Industry?” and “Efficiency That Pays: Boost Pounds, Performance, and Profit.” They also attended the opening session featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., which brought a unique perspective on leadership and performance. 
ISU student Mary Ann Fox described the overall experience as transformative, writing that CattleCon “once again proved why it’s truly the place ‘where the beef industry meets.’” She highlighted the value of the trade show, noting that it spans nearly eight acres and showcases every aspect of cattle production, while the educational sessions help connect those innovations to practical applications.
The group also participated in workshops such as “Continuing a Legacy: Succession Planning for Cattle Producers” and “Grazing with Purpose: Stewardship Strategies from the Land,” gaining insight into both the business and environmental aspects of agriculture. According to Fox, these experiences provided “practical ideas to bring home” while also creating valuable networking opportunities with professionals invested in the next generation of the industry.
Networking extended beyond the convention floor, as students met with leaders from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Andy Holt. These interactions gave students a deeper understanding of policy, advocacy, and the role of leadership in shaping the future of agriculture.
Like the Block & Bridle group, Dr. Skaar’s students also participated in industry tours. Their visits included Jones Beefmasters in Tennessee, a seedstock operation known for high-quality Beefmaster cattle, and Ames Plantation, an 18,400-acre research and education center that integrates row crops, livestock, and conservation. They also visited Kleiboeker Clover Creek Farms in Missouri, a family-run operation focused on seedstock production and responsible stewardship.
The group balanced educational experiences with opportunities to connect socially, attending events such as “Boots on Broadway” and a performance at the Ryman Auditorium. Fox noted that these moments helped strengthen relationships among students while enhancing the overall experience.
Overall, both Iowa State groups returned from CattleCon 2026 with expanded knowledge, stronger professional networks, and renewed enthusiasm for careers in animal agriculture. Through leadership development, hands-on learning, and meaningful industry connections, the experience reinforced the importance of staying engaged in a rapidly evolving field, and prepared these students to contribute to the future of the beef industry.