R-CALF USA National Convention
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The 2026 R-CALF USA National Convention and Trade Show is set for June 16–18 at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota. Registration is now open.
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.
Early-bird registration rates increase on June 1, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spot soon.
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 [email protected]. Visit www.rcalfconvention.com for more information.
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.
Early-bird registration rates increase on June 1, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spot soon.
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 [email protected]. Visit www.rcalfconvention.com for more information.
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Where is it happening?
The Monument, 444 N Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701-1147, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherR-CALF USA
