AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION - THE BUSINESS BREED

Raising the Bar

Raising the Bar is a three-day conference designed to develop stronger leaders within state associations, foster regional connections and prepare juniors for the future.

Raising the Bar 2026 Logo

The materials covered at Raising the Bar are tailored for high school students and older who are preparing for college.

With a maximum capacity of 50 participants, the conference offers intimate, meaningful tour stops, hands-on activities and opportunities for attendees to build lasting connections with one another before leaving on the final day. This year Raising the Bar will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, April 9-12, 2026.

Cost of attendance is $150.

If entry capacity has been met, please contact the events team at events@angus.org to be placed on the waitlist. 

Event Location:

Iowa State University

Des Moines, IA

Event Dates: April 9-12, 2026

Hotel Location: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Des Moines West

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Date & Time

Event

Location

Thursday, April 9

4-6:00 p.m.
Registration
Hotel
6:30 p.m.
Dinner at hotel
7:30 p.m.
Roundtables with Industry Leaders:
Jessica Moffit, Kadence Overby, and Ty Murray
9:00 p.m.
Angus Impact & Icebreakers
10:00 p.m.
Rules & Expectations
10:30 p.m.
Curfew

Friday, April 10

7:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Hotel
8:00 a.m.
Depart for Iowa State University
9:00 a.m.
Arrive at Iowa State University
Aimes, Iowa
9:15 a.m.
Introduction & Tour with Dr. Sterle and Dr. Skaar
ISU Animal Science Department
10-10:15 a.m.
Intro, Presentation and Tour with Dr. Houser and Matt Wenger
ISU Animal Science Meat Laboratory
11-11:15 a.m.
Intro and Presentation with Kevin Kimle
ISU Student Innovation Center
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
ISU Animal Science Department
1:00 p.m.
ISU Kent Feed Mill tour
2:00 p.m.
ISU Veterinary School tour
3:15 p.m.
Depart for Nichols Cryo Genetics
4:00 p.m.
Arrive + Tour
Nichols Cryo Genetics
5:00 p.m.
Depart for Smash Park
6:00 p.m.
Arrive + Dinner and fun
Smash Park
9:00 p.m.
Depart for Hotel
10:00 p.m.
Curfew
Hotel
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