R-CALF USA

R-CALF USA Rollover Calf Sale Fundraiser
2026-02-03 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver)
What: R-CALF USA Rollover Calf Sale Fundraiser
When: 11:15 a.m. CST, Tues., Feb. 3, 2026
Where: Huron Continental Marketing, 39763 US Hwy 14 W, Huron, SD 57350
Contacts: R-CALF USA Director Ron Volk at 701-218-0352 or ronvolk1873@gmail.com; or Kim Ulmer at 605-845-8700 or ulmer8700@gmail.com

Description – Huron Continental Marketing will host an R-CALF USA rollover calf sale fundraiser to benefit R-CALF USA and its state affiliate, the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota (I-BAND). The fundraiser will take place at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Huron, South Dakota.
To ensure supporters across the region can participate, the event will also be livestreamed on www.cattleusa.com, allowing anyone unable to attend in person to watch the sale and place bids online.
R-CALF USA Region III Director Ron Volk, who also serves on the I-BAND board of directors, will donate a heifer calf for auction. All proceeds from the sale will be split 50/50 between R-CALF USA and I-BAND.
Before the auction begins, Volk will provide a brief update on the organizations’ ongoing work on key issues affecting independent U.S. cattle and sheep producers, including mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL), checkoff reform, animal identification, animal health concerns, and trade.
Rollover auctions are volunteer-driven fundraising events in which supporters bid on a donated calf and then donate it back, allowing it to be auctioned repeatedly until bidding concludes. After the final rollover bid, the calf will be sold to the highest bidder.
R-CALF USA stands apart from other national cattle associations because it relies solely on membership dues and donations to carry out its mission to ensure the continued profitability and independence of U.S. cattle and sheep producers.
Businesses or individuals who wish to support the U.S. cattle industry and contribute to the rollover auction may contact R-CALF USA at 406-252-2516 or 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. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or call (406) 252-2516.

R-CALF USA Rollover Calf Sale Fundraiser
2026-04-29 12:00 - 17:00
What: R-CALF USA Rollover Calf Sale Fundraiser
When: Noon MDT, Wed., April 29, 2026
Where: La Junta Livestock Commission, 24026 County Road 30.25, La Junta, Colo. 81050
Contacts: Gerald Schreiber at (970) 768-3436 or schreiberranch1910@gmail.com

Description – La Junta Livestock Commission will host an R-CALF USA rollover calf sale fundraiser at noon on Wednesday, April 29. A red Angus calf donated by James Bledsoe and Wil Bledsoe of Hugo, Colo., will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to R-CALF USA.
R-CALF USA is a one-member/one-vote organization. Voting members must own cattle. Associate members support the cause and do not own cattle. Activities carried out by R-CALF USA for the benefit of the U.S. cattle industry are funded exclusively by the independent cattle producers who pay their membership dues and by cattle producers, main-street businesses, and other individuals who participate in and contribute to fundraising events.
R-CALF USA works on various issues that affect the continued profitability and viability of independent U.S. cattle producers, such as mandatory country-of-origin labeling, checkoff reform, animal identification, animal health concerns, captive supplies and packer ownership of livestock, as well as various trade agreements.
Businesses supported by the cattle industry and individuals in the cattle industry can contact R-CALF USA at (406) 252-2516 or r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com; or Gerald Schreiber at 970-768-3436 or schreiberranch1910@gmail.com to make a contribution for the rollover auction.
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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. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or call (406) 252-2516.

R-CALF USA Rollover Calf Sale Fundraiser
2026-04-29 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-05 12:00 - 17:00
What: R-CALF USA Rollover Calf Sale Fundraiser
When: Noon CDT, Fri., June 5, 2026
Where: Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, 802 Salebarn Road, Ft. Pierre, SD 57532
Contact: Ft. Pierre Livestock Auction, 605-223-2576 or auction@ftpierrelivestock.com

Description: Fort Pierre Livestock Auction is set to hold its annual R-CALF USA rollover auction calf sale fundraiser at noon on Friday, June 5. Dean and Delia Johnson of Fairburn, South Dakota, have donated a calf that will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefiting R-CALF USA.
A complimentary beef barbecue lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and raffle tickets will be sold for the annual R-CALF USA saddle, hand-crafted by Baxter Badure of Belvidere, South Dakota.
R-CALF USA is a one-member/one-vote organization. Voting members must own cattle. Associate members support the cause and do not own cattle. Activities carried out by R-CALF USA for the benefit of the U.S. cattle industry are funded exclusively by the independent cattle producers who pay their membership dues and by cattle producers, main-street businesses, and other individuals who participate in and contribute to fundraising events.
R-CALF USA works on various issues that affect the continued profitability and viability of independent U.S. cattle producers, such as mandatory country-of-origin labeling, checkoff reform, animal identification, animal health concerns, captive supplies and packer ownership of livestock, as well as various trade agreements.
Businesses supported by the cattle industry and individuals in the cattle industry can contact R-CALF USA at (406) 252-2516 or r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com; or Ft. Pierre Livestock Auction at 605-223-2576 or auction@ftpierrelivestock.com to make a contribution for the rollover auction.
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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. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or call (406) 252-2516.

Annual Convention and Trade Show
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-18 | The Monument, 444 Mt. Rushmore Road N., Rapid City, 57701
Speaker Videos
on YouTube

WATCH HERE

2026
Annual National Convention

2026 Annual National Convention
at The Monument in Rapid City, S.D., June 16-18
Days Hours Minutes

Attendee Registration

Trade Show/Sponsor Registration

Hotel Accommodations
DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000
SOLD OUT
505 N 5th StreetRapid City, SD 57701
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites(605) 348-8300
Rooms start at $179/night + tax.
Room Block SOLD OUT
Regular rated rooms still available with limited supply
445 Mt. Rushmore Rd.Rapid City, SD 57701

2026 Agenda

Tuesday, June 16

3 – 7 p.m.Trade Show Set Up3 p.m.Committee Meetings5 p.m.Affiliate Council Meeting6 p.m.Welcome Reception Sponsored by American Stewards of LibertyCommittee Reports – Shad Sullivan, Property Rights; Kenny Fox, Animal ID; Brett Kenzy, Checkoff; Eric Gropper, Country-of-Origin Labeling; Max Thornsberry, Animal Health; Eric Nelson, Trade; Bill Kluck, Sheep; Theresa Fox, MembershipBranding Party Sponsored by W&W Ventures
Wednesday, June 17

7 a.m.Trade Show Set Up and Registration Open8 a.m.Trade Show OpenConvention Welcome8:30 a.m.Annual Prayer Breakfast— Dr. Max Thornsberry, Animal Health Chair; Former President9:45 a.m.Trade Show BreakSponsored by Kent Nutrition, Circle 5 Cow School, and D Lazy T Ranch10:30 a.m.
Connecting Consumers to American Beef— Ben Spell, Founder and CEO, Good RanchersSponsored by American Grassfed Association
11:15 a.m.
The Power of a Dollar— Brett Kenzy, South Dakota Rancher; Checkoff Chair; Former PresidentSponsored by Rosebud Farmers Union Co-op
12 p.m.
Lunch and Trade Show BreakSponsored by Valentine Livestock Auction, Keyhole Ranch, and Farm Credit Services of America
1 p.m.DAAG Nicole Sarrine— Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Conduct, Department of Justice, Antitrust Division1:30 p.m. Reclaiming Food Sovereignty from the Ranch Up— AJ Richards, Founder & CEO, From the Farm Sponsored by Weldon Ranches2:15 p.m.Ranchers Moving the Needle on Wolves— Dave Duquette, Founder and Executive Director, Western JusticeSponsored by Brock Livestock Co.3 p.m.Trade Show BreakSponsored by Becker Ranch, Volk Ranch, and Huron Continental Marketing3:45 p.m.Tariffs, Trade Policy, and Their Impact on American Ranchers— Charles Benoit, Trade Counsel, Coalition for a Prosperous America4:30 p.m.The State of Independent Meat Processing in America— Chris Young, Executive Director- American Association of Meat Processors5 p.m. Trade Show Closed Hot Iron Happy Hour Social Sponsored by Producers Livestock Marketing, Moly Manufacturing, K4 Cattle, and Farm Credit Services of America Branding Party Sponsored by W&W Ventures6 p.m.For the Brand Banquet and SupperSponsored by Tri-State Livestock News— Featuring an evening with Lonesome Lands
Thursday, June 18

8 a.m.Registration and Trade Show OpenR-CALF USA Membership breakfast Sponsored by Ft. Pierre Livestock AuctionCEO Report — Bill Bullard, CEOAntitrust Litigation Update— Patrick McGahan, Partner, Scott + ScottEID Litigation Update— John Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel, New Civil Liberties Alliance9:30 a.m.Trade Show Break Sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union, Carruth Ranch, and Clark & Associates Land Brokers10:15 a.m.EID Panel— Jim Stangle, Julie Trask, Kenny Fox, Jim Mundorf (Moderator)Sponsored by Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming11:30 a.m.
A Primer and Update on Federal Land Grazing— Hayden Ballard, J.D., LL.M., M.S.; Utah/Arizona Rancher and AttorneySponsored by Korman Ranch
12:15 p.m.
LunchSponsored by Ag West Feeds
Competition and Buyer Power in the US Beef Packing Industry— T. Jake Smith, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska–LincolnSponsored by Bar N Feed Yards1:15 p.m.Trade Show Break Sponsored by Mobridge Livestock Market and Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming2 p.m.Narco-Ranching and New World Screwworm — Dr. Lora Bledsoe, Policy Advisor, Office of Health Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security2:45 p.m.An Imperfect Perfect Vision— Shad Sullivan, Texas/Colorado Rancher; Property Rights ChairSponsored by Vander Wey Ranch3 p.m.Trade Show Break Sponsored by Trask Family Seeds and The Cattle Business Weekly3:30 p.m.Business Session, Board Nominations, and Policy Resolutions5 p.m.Trade Show ClosedEmber Hour SocialSponsored by Jenner Equipment, County Line Helicopter, Bar N Cattle, and Leininger Ranch6 p.m.Denim and Diamonds Gala: Dinner, Auction, and Dance featuring JJ Kent and the Aces and 8’sSponsored by Weinreis Brothers
** Agenda subject to change. Additional speakers to be announced.

Downloadable PDF Version

2026 Speakers

Hayden Ballard
J.D., LL.M., M.S.
Rancher and attorney
Hayden Ballard is a sixth-generation rancher from Southern Utah/Northern Arizona, an attorney, and founder of Great Western Resources, where he advocates for land-use and agriculture policy in the West. He has served as a lecturer on western ranching issues and has engaged in national policy work, including participation in a U.S. Supreme Court amicus filing. He also works in agricultural insurance and remains active in ranching with his family.
Sponsored by: Korman Ranch

Charles Benoit
Trade Counsel, Coalition for a Prosperous America
Charles is Senior Trade Counsel at the Coalition for a Prosperous America, where he advises on trade policy and enforcement. An experienced trade attorney, he has represented clients before federal courts, the USITC, and USTR, and previously served as outside counsel to the European Commission during U.S.–EU trade negotiations.

Dr. Lora Bledsoe
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Security, Policy Advisor
Dr. Lora Bledsoe, DVM, serves as a Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, working on agricultural resilience and animal health policy. She brings over a decade of experience as a food animal veterinarian, along with leadership in rural public service, including founding a mobile veterinary practice and serving as a mayor.

Bill Bullard
R-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer
Bill Bullard serves as CEO of R-CALF USA, advocating for independent cattle producers across the United States. With a background as a South Dakota cow/calf producer and former public utilities executive, he has testified before Congress and federal agencies and leads the organization’s legal and policy initiatives.

Dave Duquette
Founder & Executive Director, Western Justice
Dave Duquette is the founder of Western Justice and a longtime advocate for agriculture and rural America. A Marine and former horse trainer from Oregon, he has worked on key legislation in Washington, D.C., supporting farmers’ and ranchers’ rights. Through his work, he defends the Western way of life and promotes policies impacting livestock, land use, and wildlife management.
Sponsored by: Brock Livestock Co.

EID Panel
Dr. Jim Stangle, Veterinarian (SD)
Dr. Julie Trask, Veterinarian (SD)
Kenny Fox, Animal ID Chair, R-CALF USA
Moderated by: Jim Mundorf, Lonesome Lands
Sponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming

Brett Kenzy
Former R-CALF USA President, Checkoff Chair
Brett Kenzy is a fourth-generation rancher in South Dakota, operating Kenzy Backgrounding with his family. A U.S. Army veteran and former R-CALF USA president, he advocates for independent ranchers and the strength of rural communities.
Sponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union

Lonesome Lands
Jim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan
The Lonesome Report brings you candid conversations between Lonesome Lands journalist Jim Mundorf and cattle rancher Shad Sullivan. This biweekly, opinion-based podcast dives into current industry events and news, unpacking their impact on agriculture and rural America.

Don’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention!

Patrick McGahan
Partner, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP
Patrick McGahan is a partner at Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP, where he focuses on antitrust and competition litigation for corporate and institutional clients. He has significant experience in agricultural antitrust matters and is co-lead counsel in the In re Cattle and Beef Antitrust Litigation. His broader practice includes securities litigation, arbitration, and complex commercial disputes.

AJ Richards
From the Farm Founder & CEO
AJ Richards grew up in a fifth-generation ranching family in southern Utah, served with the Utah Army National Guard, including a combat deployment to Iraq, and found his way back to agriculture through a cousin’s ranch — selling beef direct to consumers and watching up close how a system built around consolidation squeezes the margin out of family operations. When COVID exposed just how fragile that centralized supply chain really was, he built From The Farm: a platform that connects consumers directly with family farms and ranchers, cuts out the middlemen, and treats food sovereignty as the national security issue it is. An R-CALF USA member and advocate for independent producers, AJ is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with other R-CALF members to work alongside USDA leadership and federal partners to push for regulatory reforms that allow family farms to compete on their own terms. He lives with his wife and two of his three daughters in Cody, Wyoming.
Sponsored by: Weldon Ranches

T. Jake Smith
Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jake Smith is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His research focuses on how market structure, procurement practices, and public policy influence prices, production, and resilience in agricultural sectors, including the beef packing industry. He holds a PhD in Economics from Iowa State University, where he also served as a postdoctoral researcher.
Sponsored by: Bar N Cattle

Ben Spell
Good Ranchers Founder and CEO
Ben Spell founded Good Ranchers in 2018 and has grown it into a nationally recognized direct-to-consumer brand serving more than 100,000 families. He is a strong advocate for American agriculture and domestic supply chains, using his platform to support U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Sponsored by: American Grassfed Association

Shad Sullivan
Rancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair
Shad Sullivan is a fifth-generation rancher from southeast Colorado who operates his family’s stocker cattle operation. A West Texas A&M graduate, he is a national advocate for private property rights and serves in leadership roles with R-CALF USA while also contributing to ranching-focused media and outreach.
Sponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch

Dr. Max Thornsberry
Former R-CALF USA President, Parliamentarian, Animal Health Chair
Dr. Max Thornsberry is a retired food animal veterinarian with nearly five decades of experience in livestock production and dairy calf health. A graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, he has owned and operated a feedlot, authored major veterinary reference works, and continues to provide consulting services to cattle producers nationwide.

John Vecchione
Senior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance
John Vecchione serves as Senior Litigation Counsel at the New Civil Liberties Alliance, focusing on strategic litigation against federal administrative overreach. He is an experienced trial and appellate attorney who has argued cases in courts across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and previously served as President and CEO of the Cause of Action Institute.

Chris Young
Executive Director- American Association of Meat Processors
Chris Young has over 35 years of experience in the meat industry and over 20 years working on the processing side of the industry. He previously served as the operations manager for Wild Bill’s Foods in Leola, Pa., as well as overseeing ham production for Berks Packing Company, Reading, Pa. In 2013 Young became AAMP’s Outreach specialist and represented the association before federal, state, and local agencies. In addition to serving as the liaison to USDA, FDA and state meat inspection programs, he has handled legislative and regulatory issues that directly impact small processors. Young took over as AAMP’s Executive Director in the fall of 2015 and is working to expand the association’s role as the voice of the small processor.

Checkoff Chair to Speak at CICA Convention
2026-07-17 14:00 - 2026-07-18 20:00
What: Checkoff Chair to Speak at CICA Convention
When: Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18; registration begins at 8 a.m. MDT Saturday; Checkoff Chair to speak at 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Baymont by Wyndham Cortez, 2279 Hawkins St, Cortez, CO 81321
Contact: CICA Intern Emma Amato, ejamato1@gmail.com or (719) 220-4135
Description: The Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA), an R-CALF USA affiliate, will hold its annual convention Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. Main convention activities will be held at the Baymont by Wyndham in Cortez, Colorado.
The convention will begin Friday at 2 p.m. with a gathering at the Notah Dineh Trading Post, located at 345 W. Main St., Cortez. At 4 p.m., Roni Sylvester will present “What Is Your Cost of Doing Business With the Government?” at the Baymont by Wyndham.
Registration and check-in begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. The day’s program includes committee meetings and resolution discussions, presentations by AJ Richards and Tony Heller, and the CICA business meeting. R-CALF USA Checkoff Chair and former president Brett Kenzy will speak at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by a live and silent auction.
CICA will also raffle a Henry Firearms Big Boy Large Loop .44 Rem. Mag. rifle. Raffle tickets are $10 each or six tickets for $50.
Convention registration is $100. Registration for attendees 18 years of age and under is $25. Children ages 5 and under may attend free of charge.
View the event agenda here. To register, contact Emma Amato at ejamato1@gmail.com or (719) 220-4135. The convention is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.
Lodging is available at the Baymont by Wyndham. To reserve a room, call (970) 565-3400 and ask for the CICA room rate.
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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. For more information, please visit www.r-calfusa.com or call (406) 252-2516.
