Introducing

ICA's CAPITAL Circle

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) proudly recognizes members who demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to the ICA PAC. As a member of the new ICA CAPITAL Circle, you will be a part of an elite group of leaders dedicated to advancing policy priorities that protect and strengthen Iowa’s cattle producers. 

ICA PAC Is The Conduit 

In today’s political environment, the ICA Political Action Committee (PAC) ensures that Iowa’s cattle producers have a seat at the table alongside other countless competing and well-funded interests. PAC contributions open the door to meaningful conversations and create opportunities to educate decision-makers. They strengthen relationships with policymakers who champion our industry.  


 Donate 

capital-circle-small_1

The CAPITAL Circle Advantage

As a thank you for your continued support, CAPITAL Circle donors receive: 

  • Recognition on the CAPITAL Circle program promotion (website, social media, ICA annual report, and select ICA-sponsored events) 
  • Exclusive briefings, meetings, access and event invites, and timely email updates 
  • CAPITAL Circle donor identifier – lapel pin and ribbons at events 
  • Exclusive ICA PAC CAPITAL Circle apparel 
  • Opportunity for distinguished annual recognition as the CAPITAL Circle Top Donor Award at the annual Iowa Cattle Industry Convention 
Achieving CAPITAL Circle Status 

The CAPITAL Circle recognizes dedicated individuals who contribute at least $1,000 annually to the ICA PAC. 

Qualified donations (contributed at once or in increments throughout the year): 

  • Direct monetary contributions to the ICA PAC (direct donations via check, cash*, or card, or purchase or participation in other PAC fundraising activities).
  • Funds generated from item donations (credited at the value of the item). 
Iowa cattlemen deserve a consistent voice. ICA’s CAPITAL Circle is where leadership meets long-term advocacy. Donate today and join the Circle! 

*Cash contributions must be identifiable; anonymous or pooled cash donations cannot be credited toward CAPITAL Circle contributions due to tracking limitations. 

Contributions must comply with all applicable PAC and campaign finance laws.

CAPITAL Circle FAQs

How do I join?

As soon as you have met or exceeded the donations of $1,000+, you will automatically become a member of the CAPITAL Circle Program for the year. 

Do I have to give the full $1000 at once? 

No. Contributions may be made in any increment throughout the year, as long as the $1,000 annual minimum is met. 

How is my status verified? 

ICA staff track all qualifying PAC contributions. CAPITAL Circle status is recognized upon meeting the $1000 minimum/year donation threshold. You will be notified by an ICA staff member regarding your status once met. 

Can I renew my CAPITAL Circle status? 

Yes. Recognition of CAPITAL Circle status follows the calendar year. Once you have donated a minimum of $1,000 in any given year, your status for the program will be recognized. 

Does CAPITAL Circle membership provide direct political influence or access? 

Yes. Recognition reflects dedicated support for advocacy while providing exclusive access to policymakers through special ICA PAC events.

How do I win the CAPITAL Circle Top Donor Award?

The CAPITAL Circle Top Donor Award will recognize the single highest ICA PAC contributor during the calendar year. The award will recognize the individual who has gone above and beyond in giving to the PAC.

Dixie's Biergarten Named the 2026 Iowa's Best Burger

Erika Osmundson, Director of Communications | May 1, 2026

Craft beer and delicious beef make the perfect pair at this year’s Iowa’s Best Burger winner, Dixie’s Biergarten in Decorah, Iowa. Owners Nick and Jordyn Harless invite you to their laid-back, historic taproom to experience a beefy smashburger with loads of juicy flavor. 

This year’s Best Burger is hand-crafted with high-quality, fresh, never-frozen ingredients. The feature, of course, is the beef. The foundation of the burger is two four-ounce smash patties made of a proprietary, custom-blend that includes brisket and chuck, ground to a precise fat percentage. 

The burger is served in a quality brioche bun and topped with fresh tomato, leaf lettuce, and pickles. The beef patties are finished with grilled onions, and let’s not forget the special SMASH sauce.  

“Iowa’s Best Burger contest celebrates both the quality of beef and the creativity of the restaurateurs who bring it to life for consumers,” said Kylie Peterson, marketing and communications director for the Iowa Beef Industry Council, a co-sponsor of the Iowa Best Burger Contest. “Nick and Jordyn have crafted not only a standout burger that guests will love, but an experience that keeps them coming back.” 

The significance of the contest has already been realized for Dixie’s Biergarten as part of the top 10. Nick shared that burgers are traditionally a top seller, but since being named to the top 10, their burger sales have more than doubled, from 75 to 90 burgers on a good day to 153 more recently. 

“An important outcome of this contest is recognizing restaurants that serve as the heartbeat of their communities,” said Erika Osmundson, communications director for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, a co-sponsor of the contest. “It’s a powerful platform to highlight the connection between exceptional beef, the dedicated producers behind it, the creativity of chefs, and the communities that make Iowa strong.” 

Originally, the Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. taproom, Dixie’s Biergarten, continues to offer a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, featuring the best in Iowa craft beers with more than 25 on tap. However, unlike the original vision for the taproom, a dream led to serving food and the best burger in our state for 2026.  

PLAN YOUR VISIT
Dixie’s Biergarten | 310 College Dr. | Decorah, IA 
Website: www.dixiesbiergarten.com
Food Hours:  Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Taproom open additional days/hours) 

We encourage you to check Dixie’s Biergarten’s Facebook page for updates or announcements before visiting. 

For a full feature article with additional content and details, click here.  

Photos can be found here.