For Immediate Release:
By: R-CALF USA Communications Director Jaiden Moreland
Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
BILLINGS, Mont., May 6, 2026—R-CALF USA today released the speaker lineup and agenda for its 2026 National Convention and Trade Show, set for June 16–18 at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota. Registration is now open.
At a time when consolidation, market volatility and global pressures continue to reshape the cattle industry, the convention will bring together hundreds of producers, industry leaders and policy experts for three days focused on the most pressing challenges facing U.S. cattle and sheep producers.
Themed Fire in the Brand, the event will reflect the conviction of independent producers to stand behind their industry, their livelihoods and the future of U.S. cattle production.
Pre-convention activities will begin Tuesday, June 16, with committee meetings for policy development, an affiliate council meeting and a welcome reception featuring a sponsor presentation, followed by committee reports covering key policy areas.
The main program begins Wednesday, June 17, with a prayer breakfast led by R-CALF USA Animal Health Chair and former president Dr. Max Thornsberry. Sessions throughout the day will include Good Ranchers Founder and CEO Ben Spell on connecting American consumers to American beef; R-CALF USA Checkoff Chair and South Dakota rancher Brett Kenzy on checkoff reform; Western Justice Executive Director Dave Duquette on wolf and predator issues; and Coalition for a Prosperous America Trade Counsel Charles Benoit on tariffs and trade policy.
Wednesday afternoon will feature an electronic identification (EID) panel with South Dakota veterinarians Dr. Jim Stangle and Dr. Julie Trask, alongside R-CALF USA Animal ID Chair Kenny Fox. The panel will be followed by a social and the For the Brand Banquet and Supper. A keynote speaker will be announced in the coming weeks.
Thursday, June 18, will open with a membership breakfast and updates from R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard, Scott + Scott Partner Patrick McGahan on the organization’s antitrust litigation, and New Civil Liberties Alliance Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione on the group’s EID lawsuit.
Additional sessions will feature rancher and attorney Hayden Ballard on private property rights; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Policy Advisor Dr. Lora Bledsoe on New World screwworm and “narco-ranching”; and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Assistant Professor T. Jake Smith on competition and buyer power in the beef packing industry. Presentations will conclude with R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair and Texas-Colorado rancher Shad Sullivan.
The organization’s annual business session will take place Thursday afternoon, where members will present proposed policy resolutions and debate positions that guide R-CALF USA’s advocacy efforts nationwide. Final voting will take place via mail-in ballot.
The convention will also feature a full trade show and activities, including a branding party where attendees are encouraged to bring their branding irons to leave their mark on a commemorative display. The event will conclude with the Denim and Diamonds Gala, including a steak dinner, auction and dance featuring JJ Kent and the Aces and 8’s.
Additional speakers and program updates will be announced, including several invited federal officials.
Early-bird registration rates increase on June 1, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spot soon. Room blocks close May 20.
Event details, the full agenda, hotel information and registration are available at www.rcalfconvention.com.
The event is open to media. For media inquiries, contact 406-252-2516 or r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com.
# # #
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.