BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//R-CALF USA - ECPv6.15.16//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:R-CALF USA X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for R-CALF USA REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20220313T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20221106T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240404T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240404T123000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240321T165515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240321T171740Z UID:26088-1712232000-1712233800@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Belle Fourche Livestock Calf Sale Fundraiser DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/belle-fourche-livestock-calf-sale-fundraiser/ CATEGORIES:Livestock Fundraisers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240319T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240319T203000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240307T184555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T184719Z UID:25853-1710874800-1710880200@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Producer Meeting - Niobrara\, NE DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/cattle-producer-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240223T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240224T110000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240214T183011Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240214T183031Z UID:25664-1708711200-1708772400@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:CEO To Speak at Two Meetings in Arkansas DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/ceo-to-speak-at-two-meetings-in-arkansas/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240201T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240201T120000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240116T001945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T001945Z UID:25488-1706778000-1706788800@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Cattle Producer Seminar at BHSS DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/cattle-producer-seminar-at-bhss/ CATEGORIES:Panel END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240131T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240131T180000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240116T001413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T001413Z UID:25485-1706716800-1706724000@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY: Meeting and Social at BHSS DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/meeting-and-social-at-bhss/ CATEGORIES:Meetings,Panel END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240129T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240129T193000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240125T220710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240125T220825Z UID:25573-1706554800-1706556600@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Watch Tomi’s Interview of Coy Young DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/watch-tomis-interview-of-coy-young/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240126T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240203T193000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240116T000304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T000304Z UID:25481-1706263200-1706988600@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:R-CALF USA at the BHSS DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/r-calf-usa-at-the-bhss/ CATEGORIES:Booth,Meetings,Panel END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240124T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240124T140000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240110T173057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T173057Z UID:25459-1706090400-1706104800@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Iowa Stock Growers Assoc. Meeting DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/iowa-stock-growers-assoc-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240123T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240123T123000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20240109T181837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240109T181837Z UID:25455-1706011200-1706013000@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Atkinson Livestock Market Rollover Fundraiser DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/atkinson-livestock-market-rollover-fundraiser/ CATEGORIES:Livestock Fundraisers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231230T115500 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231230T121000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231218T184446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T184541Z UID:25355-1703937300-1703938200@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Tri-County Stockyards in Motley\, MN to Host Calf Sale DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/tri-county-stockyards-in-motley-mn-to-host-calf-sale/ CATEGORIES:Livestock Fundraisers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231215T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231215T123000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231205T174556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231205T174556Z UID:25288-1702641600-1702643400@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Winner Livestock Rollover Fundraiser DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/winner-livestock-rollover-fundraiser/ CATEGORIES:Livestock Fundraisers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231209T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231209T130000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231201T214539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231201T214539Z UID:25278-1702125000-1702126800@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Creighton Livestock Market Rollover DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/creighton-livestock-market-rollover/ CATEGORIES:Livestock Fundraisers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231207T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231207T200000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231205T175637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231205T175637Z UID:25291-1701975600-1701979200@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:R-CALF USA Facebook Live Meeting DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/r-calf-usa-facebook-live-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231118T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231118T183000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231106T190057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T191131Z UID:25166-1700294400-1700332200@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:CEO\, Pres. to speak at I-BAND Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/ceo-pres-to-speak-at-i-band-annual-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231107T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231107T140000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231025T232543Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T155012Z UID:25121-1699351200-1699365600@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:CEO to Speak at Producer Meeting in South Carolina DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/ceo-to-speak-at-producer-meeting-in-south-carolina/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231104T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231104T170000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231023T170653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231023T171154Z UID:25108-1699090200-1699117200@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:OISA Day of Education DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/oisa-day-of-education/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231021T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231021T203000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20231016T210627Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231016T210627Z UID:25014-1697900400-1697920200@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Former pres. to speak at ICOM meeting DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/former-pres-to-speak-at-icom-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231003T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231004T170000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20230926T172725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230926T173315Z UID:24920-1696320000-1696438800@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:CEO to speak at SDSGA Convention DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/ceo-to-speak-at-sdsga-convention/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230923T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230923T170000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20230914T173320Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230914T175340Z UID:24648-1695459600-1695488400@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:CEO To Speak at ICOW Meeting DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/ceo-to-speak-at-icow-annual-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230920T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230920T140000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20230912T163654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T163654Z UID:24619-1695207600-1695218400@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:Platte\, SD Calf Sale Fundraiser DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/platte-sd-calf-sale-fundraiser/ LOCATION:Platte Livestock Market\, 36580 SD Highway 44\, Platte\, SD\, 57369\, United States CATEGORIES:Livestock Fundraisers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230912T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230913T180000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20230829T175033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230829T231623Z UID:24403-1694541600-1694628000@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:North Dakota Town Hall Meetings DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/north-dakota-town-hall-meetings/ CATEGORIES:Meetings ORGANIZER;CN="I-BAND":MAILTO:independent.beef.assoc.nd@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230815T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230815T130000 DTSTAMP:20261018T032319 CREATED:20230807T233414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230807T233414Z UID:24297-1692100800-1692104400@www.r-calfusa.com SUMMARY:R-CALF USA President to be on Dakotafest Panel DESCRIPTION:2026\n \n Speaker Videos\n \n on YouTube\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WATCH HERE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026\n \n Annual National Convention\n \n \n \n \n \n 2027 Annual National Convention & Trade Show \n \n \n \n at The Lodge in Deadwood\, S.D.\, June 22-24 \n \n \n \n \n Days Hours Minutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attendee Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trade Show/Sponsor Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotel Accommodations \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DoubleTree by Hilton(605) 348-4000  SOLD OUT 505 N 5th StreetRapid City\, SD 57701 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hayden BallardJ.D.\, LL.M.\, M.S. \nRancher and attorney\nHayden 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.\nSponsored by: Korman Ranch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles BenoitTrade Counsel\, Coalition for a Prosperous America\nCharles 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Lora BledsoeU.S. Department of Homeland Security\, Office of Health Security\, Policy Advisor\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bill BullardR-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer\nBill 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave DuquetteFounder & Executive Director\, Western Justice \nDave 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.\nSponsored by: Brock Livestock Co. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EID PanelDr. Jim Stangle\, Veterinarian (SD)\nDr. Julie Trask\, Veterinarian (SD)\nKenny Fox\, Animal ID Chair\, R-CALF USA\nModerated by: Jim Mundorf\, Lonesome Lands\nSponsored by: Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brett KenzyFormer R-CALF USA President\, Checkoff Chair \n\nBrett 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. \nSponsored by: Rosebud Farmers Union \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lonesome LandsJim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan\nThe 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. \n\nDon’t miss their live podcast recording at the convention! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Patrick McGahanPartner\, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP\nPatrick 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AJ RichardsFrom the Farm Founder & CEO\n\nAJ 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. \nSponsored by: Weldon Ranches \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n T. Jake SmithAssistant Professor\, Agricultural Economics\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln \nJake 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.\nSponsored by: Bar N Cattle \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben SpellGood Ranchers Founder and CEO \nBen 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.\nSponsored by: American Grassfed Association \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shad SullivanRancher and R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair\n\nShad 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.\nSponsored by: Vander Wey Ranch \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Max ThornsberryFormer R-CALF USA President\, Parliamentarian\, Animal Health Chair\nDr. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John VecchioneSenior Litigation Counsel New Civil Liberties Alliance\nJohn 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris YoungExecutive Director- American Association of Meat Processors \n\nChris 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. URL:https://www.r-calfusa.com/event/r-calf-usa-president-to-be-on-dakotafest-panel/ LOCATION:Dakotafest Grounds\, 2300 E. Spruce St.\, Mitchell\, SD\, 57301\, United States CATEGORIES:Panel END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR