Stock Show Report: Campustown Showdown Brings Cattle, Fashion, and Community to Iowa

Campustown Showdown Founder Christian Calliham shared a sneak peek, explaining how the upcoming Iowa stock show evolved from its sister event, the Aggieville Showdown in Kansas.

AMES, IOWA (RFD News) — The second annual Campustown Showdown will feature a mix of cattle showing, a fashion show, local vendors, and live entertainment, all centered around connecting consumers with producers.

Event founder Christian Calliham joined Wednesday’s Market Day Report for a sneak peek, explaining how the idea grew out of his original Aggieville Showdown in Kansas.

“After several years of being in the Aggieville Showdown, we’ve really seen this mission of connecting producers and consumers come to life, and we thought, why not expand our mission to another land grant institution town?”

In his conversation with RFD News, Calliham shared how the event will celebrate beef producers while also creating opportunities for the public to learn more about livestock.

“We also have a new segment this year, brought to us by the Iowa Beef Industry Council as we work on our mission to really bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Consumers can actually go on our socials and our website and ask questions that are topics of theirs and they will answer them on stage.”

The event will also feature a Grand Drive in the heart of downtown Ames, with the goal of bringing agriculture to the Iowa State University community.

The Campustown Showdown, set for April 24 and 25 in Ames, Iowa. More information can be found on the event’s website.

Related Stories
Streaming LIVE March 12-28 only on RFD+
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo concluded last night, marking the end of another successful year showcasing youth exhibitors, livestock producers, and the spirit of agriculture.
Three junior heifer exhibitors continue their trek through the Texas Swing at the San Antonio Stock Show, balancing competition, friendship, and life on the road.
Lynn County 4-H students showcase robotics and STEM skills at the San Antonio Stock Show, highlighting how ag education programs are preparing the next generation in agritech.
Stephenville FFA students showcase robotics skills at the San Antonio Stock Show, blending teamwork, technology, and competition for the next generation.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Women from across the farm sector gathered in Washington to discuss leadership, advocacy and industry opportunities
Texas A&M economist David Anderson says sharp declines in lamb and mutton production are helping support higher prices.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade Luke Lindberg says expanding export demand is creating new opportunities for U.S. ethanol producers.
More than 500 U.S. counties currently face shortages of large animal veterinarians, according to USDA.
The update comes as congressional leaders continue working toward passage of a new Farm Bill.
Rising input costs continue weighing on producer outlooks despite stronger expectations for land values.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
The internationally-known “King of Polka,” 18-time Grammy award winner for “Best Polka Album,” and bandleader of arguably the most popular polka band in America—Jimmy Sturr—is taking to the stage for another slate of shows made for his fans and polka lovers across the country.
This half-hour program showcases the finest traditional country music that America has to offer. Recorded live at the four-acre Circle T Arena in Hamilton, Texas, each episode of TruCountry features live performances by some of the nation’s most authentic country music artists, playing good-time songs to a jam-packed dance floor.
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.