June 28, 2026:
Hundreds of cattle and sheep producers from more than 23 states gathered in Rapid City last week for the 2026 R-CALF USA National Convention and Trade Show. Held under the theme “Fire in the Brand,” the event also drew more than 2,000 additional viewers through its online livestream.
Courtesy photo.
The three-day event brought independent cattle and sheep producers together to actively participate in the issues shaping their industry and organization. From committee meetings and policy debates to educational presentations and networking activities, attendees and speakers addressed industry challenges, strengthened relationships, developed organizational policy and helped shape the future direction of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries.
“R-CALF USA is a true America First cattle organization, and we encourage our members to participate in every aspect of the organization and engage in discussion, even on the contentious issues,” said R-CALF USA President Dave Hyde. “Every issue discussed this week connected directly to challenges producers are facing at home and priorities R-CALF USA is advancing before Congress, federal agencies and the administration. This convention gives producers the opportunity to come together, learn together and help shape the future of their industry.”
Throughout the convention, speakers addressed issues that align with R-CALF USA’s top policy priorities, including mandatory country-of-origin labeling, cattle market competition, beef checkoff reform, electronic identification mandates, trade policy, property rights, animal health and livestock predation.
Featured speakers included Bill Bullard; economist T. Jake Smith; Hayden Ballard; Dr. Max Thornsberry, Dr. Lora Bledsoe of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Good Rancher CEO Ben Spell; Brett Kenzy; Nicole Sarrine of the U.S. Department of Justice; AJ Richards; Dave Duquette; trade expert Charles Benoit; American Association of Meat Processors Executive Director Chris Young; Shad Sullivan; Dr. Julie Trask, Dr. Jim Stangle, Kenny Fox; and Jim Mundorf.
Brett Kenzy.
Courtesy photo.
Attendees received updates on R-CALF USA’s ongoing legal efforts, including litigation challenging electronic identification mandates and the organization’s antitrust lawsuit against the nation’s four largest meatpackers. The convention also featured a special presentation and audience discussion with Lonesome Lands.
Producers participated in R-CALF USA’s policy development process, considering and advancing policy proposals. Approved resolutions will be included on upcoming ballots distributed to the organization’s membership, ensuring producers play a direct role in shaping R-CALF USA’s advocacy priorities and policy positions.
“It’s always great to reconnect with members from across the country and hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities affecting the cattle industry,” said R-CALF USA Vice President Eric Gropper. “We don’t just talk about the problems. We talk about solutions and what we can do to fix them. As a true membership organization, we rely on our members to show up, get involved and help guide the ship. It’s time for cattle producers to have a stronger hand in steering the future of this industry and keeping producers and cattle on the land.”
The strong level of engagement was reflected in the organization’s live and silent auctions, which raised more than $80,000, the highest total in convention history.
“People didn’t come to Rapid City just to attend presentations; they came ready to participate,” said R-CALF USA Communications Director Jaiden Moreland. “There was a real sense throughout the week that producers are invested in the future of this industry and this organization. That commitment was reflected in the record-setting auction, which demonstrated producers’ confidence in R-CALF USA’s mission and future direction.”
Additional convention highlights included a trade show featuring more than 40 vendors, a prayer breakfast led by Dr. Max Thornsberry, social activities, raffles and live music from JJ Kent and the Aces & 8’s.
Award recipients recognized during the convention included George Chambers – Johnny Smith Legacy Award; Weinreis Brothers – Legacy Award; Tri-State Livestock News – Legacy Business Award; Eric Gropper – Top Hand Award; Charles Benoit – Sentinel Award; Wishon Cattle Company – Oak Legacy Award; Keely Covello/America UNWON – Journalist of the Year Award; Bill Kluck – Ride for the Brand Award; Scott Stubbs – Outrider Award; and Brent Espil – Top Membership Recruiter Award.
Bill Kluck (left) receives the Ride for the Brand Award.
Courtesy photo.
Lead Rider Award recipients included Platte Livestock Market, Platte, S.D.; Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, Wyo.; Crawford Livestock Market, Crawford, Neb.; La Junta Livestock Commission, La Junta, Colo.; Atkinson Livestock Market, Atkinson, Neb.; Huron Continental Marketing, Huron, S.D.; and Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, Fort Pierre, S.D.
All convention presentations are available on the R-CALF USA YouTube channel, and convention photos are available here.
R-CALF USA will host its 2027 National Convention and Trade Show June 22-24, 2027, at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota.
May 9, 2026:
R-CALF USA has released the speaker lineup and agenda for its 2026 National Convention and Trade Show, set for June 16–18, 2026, at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota. Registration is now open.
At a time when consolidation, market volatility and global pressures continue to reshape the cattle industry, the convention will bring together hundreds of producers, industry leaders and policy experts for three days focused on the most pressing challenges facing U.S. cattle and sheep producers.
Themed Fire in the Brand, the event will reflect the conviction of independent producers to stand behind their industry, their livelihoods and the future of U.S. cattle production.
Pre-convention activities will begin Tuesday, June 16, with committee meetings for policy development, an affiliate council meeting and a welcome reception featuring a sponsor presentation, followed by committee reports covering key policy areas.
The main program begins Wednesday, June 17, with a prayer breakfast led by R-CALF USA Animal Health Chair and former president Dr. Max Thornsberry. Sessions throughout the day will include Good Ranchers Founder and CEO Ben Spell on connecting American consumers to American beef; R-CALF USA Checkoff Chair and South Dakota rancher Brett Kenzy on checkoff reform; Western Justice Executive Director Dave Duquette on wolf and predator issues; and Coalition for a Prosperous America Trade Counsel Charles Benoit on tariffs and trade policy.
Wednesday afternoon will feature an electronic identification (EID) panel with South Dakota veterinarians Dr. Jim Stangle and Dr. Julie Trask, alongside R-CALF USA Animal ID Chair Kenny Fox. The panel will be followed by a social and the For the Brand Banquet and Supper. A keynote speaker will be announced in the coming weeks.
Thursday, June 18, will open with a membership breakfast and updates from R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard, Scott + Scott Partner Patrick McGahan on the organization’s antitrust litigation, and New Civil Liberties Alliance Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione on the group’s EID lawsuit.
Additional sessions will feature rancher and attorney Hayden Ballard on private property rights; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Policy Advisor Dr. Lora Bledsoe on New World screwworm and “narco-ranching”; and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Assistant Professor T. Jake Smith on competition and buyer power in the beef packing industry. Presentations will conclude with R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair and Texas-Colorado rancher Shad Sullivan.
The organization’s annual business session will take place Thursday afternoon, where members will present proposed policy resolutions and debate positions that guide R-CALF USA’s advocacy efforts nationwide. Final voting will take place via mail-in ballot.
The convention will also feature a full trade show and activities, including a branding party where attendees are encouraged to bring their branding irons to leave their mark on a commemorative display. The event will conclude with the Denim and Diamonds Gala, including a steak dinner, auction and dance featuring JJ Kent and the Aces and 8’s.
Additional speakers and program updates will be announced, including several invited federal officials.
Early-bird registration rates increase June 1, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spot soon.
Event details, the full agenda, hotel information and registration are available at www.rcalfconvention.com. Room blocks close May 20.
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