Question 1

What is the Campustown Showdown?

Accepted Answer

The Campustown Showdown is like no other cattle show in the nation. This unique show on April 25-26, 2025 starts at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center where exhibitors will compete to have the chance to show their market prospect cattle or breeding heifers in the streets of the Campustown Business District. The judges will select the Grand & Reserve Champion for the market & breeding cattle divisions. While in Campustown, exhibitors will be awarded cash prizes, and public attendees will enjoy live music, a fashion show, shopping, and other performances and experiences. To learn more, visit www.campustownshowdown.com/who-we-are.

Question 2

What is a cattle show?

Accepted Answer

A cattle show is an event where cattle are exhibited and judged on certain traits as specified by their respective breed standard. Most cattle shows also include a showmanship portion. Showmanship is defined as the ability to present the animal to the best of its genetic ability and involves knowing the basic skills of the show ring, while bringing attention to the animal’s strengths and minimizing the animal’s weaknesses.

Question 3

What is a “Grand Drive” at a cattle show? What is unique about Campustown Showdown Grand Drive?

Accepted Answer

A Grand Drive at a cattle show is essentially the championship round. The Campustown Showdown’s Grand Drive event is unique because no other cattle show in the nation hosts the Grand Drive in the middle of an entertainment district with live music, a fashion show and vendors. In this environment, consumers are provided with an immersive experience of the cattle industry’s producer-to-consumer journey.

Question 4

When and where is the event being held?

Accepted Answer

Exhibitors will compete on Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. starting with the showmanship competition at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa. On Saturday, April 26 the competition resumes at 9:30 a.m. with market beef and breeding heifer divisions. The top competitors will advance to the Grand Drive on Welch Avenue in Campustown at 6:30 p.m. in Ames, IA.

Question 5

Is this event open to the public?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a family-friendly event. There is no cost to attend.

Question 6

What activities are available for public attendees?

Accepted Answer

While at the main show at the Hansen Ag Center, attendees can watch youth compete for the chance to show at the Grand Drive event while also having the opportunity to enjoy great food and shopping from a variety of vendors from across the region. During the Grand Drive event in Campustown, there will be live music, shopping from vendors and local businesses, and a fashion show, while also watching the winners being selected.

Question 7

Are there parking facilities near the event?

Accepted Answer

Parking at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center is available in the lot east of the building, accessible from Hayward Ave. and Mortensen Road and is of no cost. Parking at the Campustown during the Grand Drive event is subject to existing nearby parking and any associated costs.

Question 8

What accommodations are available near the event?

Accepted Answer

Room blocks are available at the following hotels:
Best Western Plus, 2500 University Blvd
Comfort Inn & Suites Ames, 603 S. 16th Street

For more information, visit www.campustownshowdown.com/hotels.

Question 9

Are there food and drink options on-site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at the Hansen Agricultural Learning Center there will be vendors available for food and shopping. In Campustown, vendors and local businesses will provide a fun shopping experience. For a list of restaurants and businesses in Campustown, visit https://discoverames.com/shop/campustown.

Question 10

How can I stay updated about the event?

Accepted Answer

Visit www.campustownshowdown.com to learn more or to sign up to receive email newsletters. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and announcements.

Question 11

Who should I contact for more information?

Accepted Answer

Please visit www.campustownshowdown.com/contact or contact Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director, at (785) 443-1569 or christianc@thegranddrives.com.

Ames, IA

April 24-25, 2026

Presented by MaxAg

Frequently Asked Questions