For Immediate Release
By: R-CALF USA Communications Director Jaiden Moreland
Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
BILLINGS, Mont., Oct. 23, 2026 — R-CALF USA has established two new committees to address challenges facing ranchers operating on federal lands and encourage the next generation of independent cattle and sheep producers to become more involved in the organization and industry.
R-CALF USA Vice President Eric Gropper said the Federal Lands Committee was created in recognition of the increasing complexity of federal land management issues and the need for dedicated attention to ranchers who graze livestock on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service.
Lorene Bonds of Colorado will chair the committee, with Marie Lawson of Nevada and R-CALF USA Region XI Director Brent Espil of Nevada, Region I Director George Wishon of Washington and Region IV Director Cash Carruth of New Mexico providing oversight.
The committee will focus on federal grazing policies, agency overreach, land access, predator management and other land-use issues. It will work alongside R-CALF USA’s existing Private Property Rights Committee, expanding the organization’s ability to address the unique challenges facing federal lands ranchers.
“Ranchers who depend on federal lands face challenges that are different from those faced by producers operating strictly on private property, and those issues deserve dedicated attention,” said Gropper. “Whether it’s grazing policies, federal agency overreach or legal battles that threaten a rancher’s livelihood, we need to make sure these producers have a strong voice and that their concerns are being addressed. This committee gives us a way to focus on those issues and work toward meaningful solutions.”
The Emerging Livestock Leaders Committee will bring together R-CALF USA members aged 30 and younger to build a community where young cattle and sheep producers can connect with their peers, learn from experienced ranchers and become more involved in the organization and broader livestock industry. Through mentorship, educational opportunities, producer discussions and outreach activities, members will be encouraged to ask questions, share their perspectives, participate in grassroots advocacy and develop the experience and confidence to take on leadership roles.
R-CALF USA Region VII Director David Mock of Illinois will chair the committee, joined by Lawson, Emma Hamlin of Texas and Ellie Foxhoven of Nebraska. All four were recipients of the 2026 Kimmi Lewis Memorial Convention Scholarship.
“If we want R-CALF USA to be here 20 or 30 years from now, we need young producers involved today,” said R-CALF USA President Dave Hyde. “We need to help them understand the issues affecting independent cattle producers, give them the information and tools to sort through everything they hear and provide opportunities for them to bring their own ideas to the table.”
R-CALF USA members interested in participating in either committee may contact r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com.
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Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle and sheep producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries. Visit www.r-calfusa.com or call 406-252-2516 for more information.