The American Angus Association® is now accepting applications for the 2026 Beef Leaders Institute (BLI), an exclusive program designed to strengthen leadership skills and provide a comprehensive look at the beef industry from pasture to plate. Scheduled for June 15-19, 2026, this one-of-a-kind experience is hosted in partnership with the Angus Foundation and Certified Angus Beef® brand.
What is BLI?
Since its inception in 2008, BLI has equipped Angus breeders ages 25 to 45 with knowledge and connections needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Over the course of five days, participants will travel through multiple states, touring facilities that represent every link in the beef value chain, from feedlots and packing plants to retail and food service. Stops include the Association headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Certified Angus Beef Culinary Center in Wooster, Ohio, along with visits to leading industry partners.
Why It Matters
The beef industry is complex and understanding how each segment works together is critical for producers who want to make informed decisions on their operations.
“Our Angus breeders are the very beginning of the food chain,” said Kara Lee, director of producer engagement at CAB. “They are raising the high-quality Angus genetics that start it all. BLI helps them see how those genetics impact every step along the way to the consumer.”
Past attendees echo this sentiment. “To tour other parts of the industry, like a large packing plant, and hear about the challenges and how we, as producers, can help reduce those challenges – that is very valuable,” said Rob Phillips of RL Valley Ranch, a 2024 participant. The program not only provides insight into market trends and consumer expectations but also fosters leadership skills that strengthen the Angus breed for generations to come.
A Hands-On Learning Experience
The 2025 class, for example, began their journey at the Association headquarters, learning about member resources and industry trends before setting out on their treck. Stops included Tyson Fresh Meats, Weborg Feeding Co., Buckhead Meat and Seafood, STgenetics, and Meijer retail stores. The week concluded at CAB headquarters, where attendees explored carcass specifications and even cooked alongside chefs in the Culinary Center.
“It was a great experience to be able to see the whole industry,” said Kelsey Stabler, a 2025 attendee from Maryland. “So much of our time is spent out in the field. It was nice to finally see on such a large scale, the pasture-to-plate process.”
While the tours and discussions are invaluable, many participants say the relationships built during BLI are the most lasting takeaway. “They always say ‘iron sharpens iron,’” noted Cole Gardiner of Gardiner Angus Ranch, a 2024 attendee. “There are lots of minds I can now reach out to that are very knowledgeable about how to develop cattle and what’s going on in our industry today.”
Program Details
· Dates: June15-19, 2026
· Eligibility: American Angus Association members ages 25–45
· Cost: Transportation during the program, lodging, meals, and materials are provided. Attendees are responsible for travel to Kansas City or St. Joseph, Mo., and return travel from Cleveland, Ohio.
· Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
· For more information or to apply, visit www.angus.org/events/beef-leaders-institute or contact the Events & Junior Activities Department at 816-383-5100 or events@angus.org.
About the Angus Foundation:
Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $5.3 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.5 million in beef cattle research in the past decade.
For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.
