Agricultural News
R-Calf 22nd Annual Convention "True Grit: The Path Forward" a Success; Prepares for Deadwood in 2022
Tue, 08 Mar 2022 07:59:53 CST
R-CALF USA hosted its 22nd Annual National Convention "True Grit: The Path Forward" in Rapid City Aug. 18-20, 2021. Twenty-nine states were represented by approximately 400 cattle producers, consumers and industry representatives in attendance and over 800 guests joined the convention via online streaming: making it the largest event in the organization's 22-year history.
The organization's advancing efforts to aid cattlemen are in response to ongoing hardships and difficulties in the cattle industry; the convention reaffirmed the necessity of producer engagement throughout the country. This event follows the group's introduction of the first-ever "U.S. Cattle Industry Long Range Plan" and another year of cattle producers facing low cattle prices under strenuous conditions and alleged marketplace manipulation by the "Big 4" beef packers (Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef).
Attendees and viewers of the convention participated in 14 powerful presentations and four panel discussions, addressing topics such as trade, labeling, antitrust and the grit of the American cattle producer. A large focus of the event was placed on further amplifying the need for Congress to pass mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and pass S.949 the 50/14 Cattle Spot Market Protection Bill (50/14) to require the "Big 4" beef packers to purchase at least 50% of their cattle in the cash market each week and to harvest those cattle within 14 days.
Speakers reinforced the convention theme of "True Grit: The Path Forward" as quoted in Bill Bullard's, R-CALF USA CEO, "CEO Report" presentation:
"Right now, you have the opportunity to win and begin restoring competition to your market, if we stand together and if we enlist the ongoing support of the consumers. It's in your hands, and there is no question in anybody's minds for all the people that are watching this event, that you have the grit and determination to do just that."
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.) made a surprise visit to the convention to engage with constituents and he spoke on the importance of country of origin labeling for beef, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
"The time has come for mandatory country of origin labeling," said Rounds in the conclusion of his speech. Shortly after the convention, Sens. Rounds, Thune (R-S.Dak.); Tester (D-Mont.) and Booker (D-N.J.) introduced MCOOL legislation for beef, the American Beef Labeling Act of 2021 (S.2716), in the Senate.
R-CALF USA is delighted to announce that its upcoming 2022 Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota. The event is scheduled for Aug. 18-19, 2022. Sponsorship and attendee registration is available now at www.rcalfconvention.com
The following presentations, reports and panels can be viewed on the R-CALF USA YouTube.
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