Hundreds of American cattle and sheep producers are expected to gather June 19-21, 2024, in Deadwood, South Dakota, for R-CALF USA’s 25th Anniversary National Convention and Trade Show.
The convention is the largest event of its kind for independent cattle and sheep producers in the country and serves as an annual industry highlight featuring insights from experts, researchers, journalists, policymakers, and fellow cattle and sheep producers.
“Each year, we work to create an event that emphasizes real conversations, networking, education and solutions,” said R-CALF USA Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland. “As we celebrate 25 years of fighting for American cattle and sheep farming and ranching families, we hope to reflect on and celebrate the past and use it to motivate and build momentum among our members, event attendees and fellow producers.”
Preconvention activities and meetings will kick off Wednesday, June 19, with policy development meetings, an affiliate council meeting, and a welcome reception.
On Thursday, June 20, following a convention welcome and prayer breakfast by Max Thornsberry, D.V.M., attendees will hear from international journalist Alex Newman, Department of Agriculture Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green, Coalition for a Prosperous America Trade Counsel Charles Benoit, USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, direct-to-consumer marketing expert Mike Parker, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef expert Tracy Hunt, and a Protect American Lamb panel featuring R-CALF USA Sheep Committee members Bill Kluck, Carson Jorgensen, and John Espil.
Thursday will conclude with a social featuring dinner, activities, and entertainment.
On Friday, June 21, a membership meeting breakfast will start the day. Attendees will hear updates from Patrick McGahan, antitrust attorney representing R-CALF USA in its lawsuit against the Big 4 packers, and David Muraskin, attorney representing R-CALF USA in its beef checkoff lawsuit. The meeting will also include a CEO report from R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard and reports from R-CALF USA Committee Chairs.
Speakers on Friday will include U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Department of Justice Antitrust Division Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Kades, food policy advisor Patty Lovera, and Lonesome Lands journalist Jim Mundorf.
Friday afternoon will conclude with the annual business meeting where current R-CALF USA members present policy resolutions that will then be mailed to members for a vote in a mail-in ballot.
The banquet dinner on Friday evening will include the annual saddle raffle drawing and a live auction fundraiser. The keynote address will be given by internationally renowned and award-winning investigative journalist Lara Logan. Logan is a former CBS News Chief Foreign Affairs and “60 Minutes” correspondent.
May 1 is the deadline to register for sponsor and trade show vendor opportunities and is also the deadline to apply for the Kimmi Lewis Convention Scholarship. Early bird attendee registration is currently open though registration prices will increase June 1. For event information, hotel room block information and for registration, visit www.rcalfconvention.com.
