RAPID CITY, S.D. – R-CALF USA will host its 2026 National Convention and Trade Show, “Fire in the Brand,” June 16–18, 2026, at The Monument in Rapid City. It is the largest event in the country dedicated exclusively to American independent ranching families.

The convention is expected to draw hundreds of cattle producers and industry leaders from across the country for three days of education, community and candid discussion focused on the most consequential issues affecting the U.S. cattle and sheep industries.

As consolidation, trade pressures and regulatory decisions continue to reshape the market, the gathering provides independent producers an opportunity to engage directly, influence the direction of the industry and help secure the future of independent ranching for the next generation.

The event combines structured education with grassroots advocacy and relationship-building among producers committed to strengthening independent agriculture. Attendees will receive legislative and litigation updates and hear presentations on competition, trade, country-of-origin labeling, private property rights and other issues directly impacting cattle markets, operational viability and long-term profitability.

The convention also serves as the organization’s policymaking body, where working cattle producers debate resolutions and vote to establish the policy positions that direct R-CALF USA’s advocacy efforts in Washington and nationwide.

Pre-convention meetings will begin Tuesday afternoon, June 16, followed by a welcome reception that evening. General sessions will be held Wednesday and Thursday, June 17-18.

Agenda:
Tuesday, June 16
3 – 7 p.m. Trade Show Set Up
3 p.m. Committee Meetings
5 p.m. Affiliate Council Meeting
6 p.m. Welcome Reception Sponsored by American Stewards of Liberty
Committee Reports –
Shad Sullivan, Property Rights; Kenny Fox, Animal ID; Brett Kenzy, Checkoff; Eric Gropper, Country-of-Origin Labeling; Max Thornsberry, Animal Health; Eric Nelson, Trade; Bill Kluck, Sheep; Theresa Fox, Membership
Branding Party Sponsored by W&W Ventures

Wednesday, June 17
7 a.m. Trade Show Set Up and Registration Open
8 a.m. Trade Show Open, Convention Welcome
8:30 a.m. Annual Prayer Breakfast
— Dr. Max Thornsberry, Animal Health Chair; Former President
9:45 a.m. Trade Show Break
Sponsored by Kent Nutrition, Circle 5 Cow School, and D Lazy T Ranch
10:30 a.m. Connecting Consumers to American Beef
— Ben Spell, Founder and CEO, Good Ranchers
Sponsored by American Grassfed Association
11:15 a.m. The Power of a Dollar
— Brett Kenzy, South Dakota Rancher; Checkoff Chair; Former President
Sponsored by Rosebud Farmers Union Co-op
12 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show Break
Sponsored by Valentine Livestock Auction, Keyhole Ranch, and Farm Credit Services of America
1 p.m. DAAG Nicole Sarrine
— Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Conduct, Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
1:30 p.m. Reclaiming Food Sovereignty from the Ranch Up
— AJ Richards, Founder & CEO, From the Farm
Sponsored by Weldon Ranches
2:15 p.m. Ranchers Moving the Needle on Wolves
— Dave Duquette, Founder and Executive Director, Western Justice
Sponsored by Brock Livestock Co.
3 p.m. Trade Show Break
Sponsored by Becker Ranch, Volk Ranch, and Huron Continental Marketing
3:45 p.m. Tariffs, Trade Policy, and Their Impact on American Ranchers
— Charles Benoit, Trade Counsel, Coalition for a Prosperous America
4:30 p.m. The State of Independent Meat Processing in America
— Chris Young, Executive Director- American Association of Meat Processors
5 p.m. Trade Show Closed
Hot Iron Happy Hour Social
Branding Party Sponsored by W&W Ventures
6 p.m. For the Brand Banquet and Supper
Sponsored by Tri-State Livestock News
— Featuring an evening with Lonesome Lands 

Thursday, June 18, 2026
8 a.m. Registration and Trade Show Open
R-CALF USA Membership breakfast Sponsored by Ft. Pierre Livestock Auction
CEO Report
— Bill Bullard, CEO
Antitrust Litigation Update
— Patrick McGahan, Partner, Scott + Scott
EID Litigation Update
— John Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel, New Civil Liberties Alliance
9:30 a.m. Trade Show Break Sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union, Carruth Ranch, and Clark & Associates Land Brokers
10:15 a.m. EID Panel— Jim Stangle, Julie Trask, Kenny Fox, Jim Mundorf (Moderator)
Sponsored by Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming
11:30 a.m. A Primer and Update on Federal Land Grazing
— Hayden Ballard, J.D., LL.M., M.S.; Utah/Arizona Rancher and Attorney
Sponsored by Korman Ranch
12:15 p.m. Lunch
Sponsored by Ag West Feeds
Competition and Buyer Power in the US Beef Packing Industry
— T. Jake Smith, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Sponsored by Bar N Feed Yards
1:15 p.m. Trade Show Break Sponsored by Mobridge Livestock Market and Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming
2 p.m. Narco-Ranching and New World Screwworm
— Dr. Lora Bledsoe, Policy Advisor, Office of Health Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2:45 p.m. An Imperfect Perfect Vision
— Shad Sullivan, Texas/Colorado Rancher; Property Rights Chair
Sponsored by Vander Wey Ranch
3 p.m. Trade Show Break Sponsored by Trask Family Seeds and The Cattle Business Weekly
3:30 p.m. Business Session, Board Nominations, and Policy Resolutions
5 p.m. Trade Show Closed
Ember Hour Social
Sponsored by Jenner Equipment, County Line Helicopter, Bar N Cattle, and Leininger Ranch
6 p.m. Denim and Diamonds Gala: Dinner, Auction, and Dance featuring JJ Kent and the Aces and 8’s
Sponsored by Weinreis Brothers