RAPID CITY, S.D. — R-CALF USA and the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) upheld their more than 20-year tradition of sharing a booth at the 2026 Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, providing a central gathering place for cattle producers and focusing on membership recruitment, fundraising, grassroots outreach and policy engagement.
The booth drew strong interest throughout the week, featuring the 2026 R-CALF USA saddle, handmade by Baxter Badure of Belvidere; a saddle rack crafted by Leroy Wicks of Dupree; and SDSGA’s engraved commemorative .22 Henry Golden Boy rifle and .45 Colt revolver.
R-CALF USA Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland represented the organization throughout the event, meeting with producers and reporting strong success in both membership growth and fundraising.
R-CALF USA leadership also attended the stock show, including CEO Bill Bullard; Vice President Eric Gropper; Region Directors Ron Volk and Mario Tarango; and Committee Chairs Shad Sullivan, Bill Kluck, Kenny Fox and Theresa Fox.
“Events like the Black Hills Stock Show are where our foundation is strengthened,” Moreland said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to bring producers together, listen to what ranchers are dealing with on the ground and stay focused on the policies and reforms producers need.”
R-CALF USA also hosted a producer meeting and social during the stock show, offering members and attendees an opportunity to discuss updates and current challenges in the cattle and sheep industries.
In addition, SDSGA hosted the Livestock Producer Property Rights Rally, where Sullivan, R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair, addressed regulatory overreach, private property rights and the federal EID eartag mandate.
During the stock show, cattle producers and industry leaders also participated in state-level discussions surrounding HB1077, legislation addressing the regulation of cell-cultured meat products in South Dakota.
Gropper testified before the South Dakota Senate, and former R-CALF USA President and Checkoff Chair Brett Kenzy testified before the South Dakota House of Representatives as part of the broader producer effort led by SDSGA and other state stakeholders.
The bill passed both chambers but was later vetoed by Gov. Larry Rhoden.
Moreland said the week’s events, conversations and engagement will carry forward beyond the stock show as producers continue working to address the challenges facing independent cattle operations at the state and national levels.
The 2026 saddle raffle will continue through R-CALF USA’s National Convention, June 16–18, 2026, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Tickets may be purchased at Fort Pierre Livestock Auction in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, by calling R-CALF USA at 406-252-2516 or in person at the convention.
