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 26, 2026 – Hundreds of cattle and sheep producers from more than 23 states gathered in Rapid City last week for the 2026 R-CALF USA National Convention and Trade Show. Held under the theme “Fire in the Brand,” the event also drew more than 2,000 additional viewers through its online livestream.
The three-day event brought independent cattle and sheep producers together to actively participate in the issues shaping their industry and organization. From committee meetings and policy debates to educational presentations and networking activities, attendees and speakers addressed industry challenges, strengthened relationships, developed organizational policy and helped shape the future direction of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries.
“R-CALF USA is a true America First cattle organization, and we encourage our members to participate in every aspect of the organization and engage in discussion, even on the contentious issues,” said R-CALF USA President Dave Hyde. “Every issue discussed this week connected directly to challenges producers are facing at home and priorities R-CALF USA is advancing before Congress, federal agencies and the administration. This convention gives producers the opportunity to come together, learn together and help shape the future of their industry.”
Throughout the convention, speakers addressed issues that align with R-CALF USA’s top policy priorities, including mandatory country-of-origin labeling, cattle market competition, beef checkoff reform, electronic identification mandates, trade policy, property rights, animal health and livestock predation.
Featured speakers included Bill Bullard, economist T. Jake Smith, Hayden Ballard, Dr. Max Thornsberry, Dr. Lora Bledsoe of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Good Rancher CEO Ben Spell, Brett Kenzy, Nicole Sarrine of the U.S. Department of Justice, AJ Richards, Dave Duquette, trade expert Charles Benoit, American Association of Meat Processors Executive Director Chris Young, Shad Sullivan, Dr. Julie Trask, Dr. Jim Stangle, Kenny Fox and Jim Mundorf.
Attendees received updates on R-CALF USA’s ongoing legal efforts, including litigation challenging electronic identification mandates and the organization’s antitrust lawsuit against the nation’s four largest meatpackers. The convention also featured a special presentation and audience discussion with Lonesome Lands.
Producers participated in R-CALF USA’s policy development process, considering and advancing policy proposals. Approved resolutions will be included on upcoming ballots distributed to the organization’s membership, ensuring producers play a direct role in shaping R-CALF USA’s advocacy priorities and policy positions.
“It’s always great to reconnect with members from across the country and hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities affecting the cattle industry,” said R-CALF USA Vice President Eric Gropper. “We don’t just talk about the problems. We talk about solutions and what we can do to fix them. As a true membership organization, we rely on our members to show up, get involved and help guide the ship. It’s time for cattle producers to have a stronger hand in steering the future of this industry and keeping producers and cattle on the land.”
The strong level of engagement was reflected in the organization’s live and silent auctions, which raised more than $80,000, the highest total in convention history,
“People didn’t come to Rapid City just to attend presentations; they came ready to participate,” said R-CALF USA Communications Director Jaiden Moreland. “There was a real sense throughout the week that producers are invested in the future of this industry and this organization. That commitment was reflected in the record-setting auction, which demonstrated producers’ confidence in R-CALF USA’s mission and future direction.”
Additional convention highlights included a trade show featuring more than 40 vendors, a prayer breakfast led by Dr. Max Thornsberry, social activities, raffles and live music from JJ Kent and the Aces & 8’s.
Award recipients recognized during the convention included George Chambers – Johnny Smith Legacy Award; Weinreis Brothers – Legacy Award; Tri-State Livestock News – Legacy Business Award; Eric Gropper – Top Hand Award; Charles Benoit – Sentinel Award; Wishon Cattle Company – Oak Legacy Award; Keely Covello/America UNWON – Journalist of the Year Award; Bill Kluck – Ride for the Brand Award; Scott Stubbs – Outrider Award; and Brent Espil – Top Membership Recruiter Award.
Lead Rider Award recipients included Platte Livestock Market, Platte, S.D.; Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, Wyo.; Crawford Livestock Market, Crawford, Neb.; La Junta Livestock Commission, La Junta, Colo.; Atkinson Livestock Market, Atkinson, Neb.; Huron Continental Marketing, Huron, S.D.; and Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, Fort Pierre, S.D.
All convention presentations are available on the R-CALF USA YouTube channel, and convention photos are available here.
R-CALF USA will host its 2027 National Convention and Trade Show June 22-24, 2027, at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota.
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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.