Livestock Producers to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday and Set New Industry Policies

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) is gearing up for its milestone 135th Annual Convention, scheduled for July 20-22, 2026. Taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown Convention Center, this year’s event embraces a patriotic theme: “Ag is King, Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” tying the deep roots of South Dakota ranching to the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Hundreds of cattle producers, agribusiness leaders, and industry advocates are expected to converge on Rapid City for three days of educational sessions, networking, and policy-making aimed at protecting the future of the state’s livestock industry.

A Packed Schedule of Events

The convention will offer attendees a robust agenda balancing fellowship, fundraising, and industry education. Registration opens Monday, July 20, at 2:00 p.m., followed by kickoff events.

Key highlights of the 2026 convention include:

  • “Brand our Barn” Fundraiser: Attendees are encouraged to bring their hot or electric branding irons to leave their mark on a new trade-show backdrop. For $100 per brand, all proceeds will support the SDSGA’s general fund and ongoing lobbying efforts in Pierre and Washington, D.C.
  • Monday Fun-Night & Sponsor Spotlight: A new addition this year featuring a roast beef buffet, interactive vendor games for swag, and live entertainment by Paul Larson and Ken Cook of Cowboy Culture Cowboy Style.
  • Educational Sessions: Tuesday morning begins with an inspirational breakfast, followed by a full day of expert presentations tackling rangeland management, livestock health, and pressing industry issues.
  • Tuesday Awards Banquet: The evening will honor outstanding SDSGA members and directors for their service to the agricultural community, featuring a keynote address from Carrie Stadheim, Editor of the Tri-State Livestock News.

Shaping the Future: Policy and Elections

While the convention offers plenty of time for socializing on the trade show floor, the core mission of the SDSGA will be front and center during the Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday morning, July 22.

Voting members will review and implement updated bylaws drafted by the Board of Directors over the past year. The Property Rights and Trade Committees are also slated to bring forward crucial new policies addressing modern challenges and emerging technologies in agriculture.

Members will vote on resolutions regarding:

  • Foreign ownership of agricultural land and agribusiness
  • Wind and solar farm developments
  • Data center expansions
  • Products utilizing cell-cultured technology (lab-grown meat)

Additionally, this year’s business meeting includes significant leadership elections. Members will cast their votes for President, Vice President (both eligible for a one-year term), Region 3 Vice President, and Directors for Districts 2, 4, 8, 11, 14, 15, and 16.

For more information on registration, lodging, and a full schedule of events, those interested are encouraged to go on line at South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.