For Immediate Release
Contact: R-CALF USA Communications Director Jaiden Moreland
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
RAPID CITY, S.D., June 10, 2026 — With just one week remaining until the 2026 R-CALF USA National Convention and Trade Show, R-CALF USA announced its final convention program and speaker lineup.
The convention, themed “Fire in the Brand,” will be held June 16-18 at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota, bringing together hundreds of cattle and sheep producers from across the United States to discuss market competition, food security, animal health, trade policy, property rights and the future of independent livestock production.
Lonesome Lands, the nationally recognized podcast hosted by Jim Mundorf and Shad Sullivan, will headline the convention banquet on Wednesday, June 17. The evening will feature an interactive podcast experience with commentary and special guests.
In addition to the banquet program, Sullivan will deliver a presentation Thursday afternoon, while Mundorf will moderate the EID panel Thursday morning.
AJ Richards, founder and CEO of From the Farm, Chris Young, executive director of the American Association of Meat Processors, and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine of the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice will all address attendees Wednesday afternoon.
These featured speakers join an already strong lineup, including rancher and attorney Hayden Ballard; Coalition for a Prosperous America Trade Counsel Charles Benoit; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Policy Advisor Dr. Lora Bledsoe; R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard; Western Justice Executive Director Dave Duquette; R-CALF USA Animal ID Chair Kenny Fox; R-CALF USA Checkoff Chair Brett Kenzy; attorney Patrick McGahan of Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP; University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural economist Dr. T. Jake Smith; veterinarian Dr. Jim Stangle; Good Ranchers CEO Ben Spell; Dr. Max Thornsberry; veterinarian Dr. Julie Trask; and New Civil Liberties Alliance Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione.
In addition to presentations and policy discussions, attendees will have opportunities to participate in branding parties on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the Denim and Diamonds Gala featuring live music by JJ Kent and the Aces and 8s, a trade show, live and silent auctions, raffles, and the annual prayer breakfast.
More information, including the full convention agenda, is available at www.rcalfconvention.com.
The convention will be livestreamed on www.cattleusa.com.
The event is open to media. For media inquiries, contact 406-252-2516 or r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com.
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Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle and sheep producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries. Visit www.r-calfusa.com or call 406-252-2516 for more information.