Where it begins: conversation and connection

NJAA members gathered to meet peers and industry professionals. Eight Iowa State alumni joined roundtable discussions, talking about their experiences in college and beyond as industry professionals working in agriculture from veterinary sciences to implementing sales and livestock marketing. Those conversations gave juniors the opportunity to ask candid questions, explore careers they are curious about and begin thinking what their own paths as a professional might look like.

Connecting campus and careers

At Iowa State University, juniors saw how classroom learning connects to real-world careers in the beef industry. Through campus tours, lab visits and conversations with faculty and students, they explored animal science, veterinary medicine and agricultural business programs, gaining a clearer picture of just a few of the many degree paths they can study.  

From the meat laboratory to classrooms, members explored how hands-on learning opportunities are a key component of Iowa State’s teaching objectives and a selling point for students entering the industry.

Innovation and big-picture thinking

At the Student Innovation Center, Raising the Bar attendees shifted focus to creativity and entrepreneurship. Juniors explored how innovation and problem-solving shape successful businesses within and beyond agriculture.

NJAA members ended their time on campus with a tour of Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where they gained insight into animal health careers through facility tours and conversations with veterinary students.

Inside the industry

Off-campus tours gave attendees behind-the-scenes access to operations that influence the industry and support producers daily. 

At Nichols Cryo Genetics, members learned how technology, genetics and management come together to serve breeders through semen collection, storage and distribution, highlighting the critical role these services play in genetic progress.

Juniors explored the reproductive side of the industry during a visit to Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services, gaining a closer look at embryo transfer (ET), reproduction strategies and veterinary care. Through artificial insemination (AI) stations and live aspiration demonstrations, participants gained insight into reproductive technologies that improve efficiency, advance genetics and support customers’ success.

A tour of Vermeer highlighted how agriculture connects with manufacturing, marketing, engineering and global markets, broadening perspectives on where an interest in ag can lead.

Herd visits gave NJAA members the opportunity to see seedstock operations at different stages and styles of production. 

At High Point Genetics, juniors toured a progressive operation that emphasizes modest birth weights while demanding breed-leading growth and performance, along with eye appeal and functional design.

At Hoover Angus Farms, NJAA members explored a multigenerational approach to seedstock production — reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision-making and long-term commitment within the Angus breed.

Leadership in practice

The final day of the conference focused on picturing their future, challenging members to dream big, build vision boards and consider how the networks they developed at the conference could translate into future opportunities.

Through junior board-led workshops, juniors explored what meat science, vet science and herd management looks like with interactive activities at a sensory tasting panel, suture practice and tissue sampling unit (TSU) collection stations.

When the final sessions wrapped up, attendees left Raising the Bar with a broadened perspective, not just through places visited, but through conversations, connections and experiences that aim to help shape how they see their futures within agriculture and the Angus breed.

The Angus Foundation makes the Raising the Bar conference possible with support from the Angus Fund and the Ed and Wilma Minix of Black Witch Farm Angus Youth Scholarship and Activities Endowment Fund.