NOBULL: 14th Annual Convention Brings in Experts from Across the Country
14th Annual Convention Brings in Experts from Across the Country
Pierre, S.D. -R-CALF USA will hold its 14th annual convention here August 2-3 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, located at 920 W Sioux Ave.
"We’re very excited to have a number of experts sharing their knowledge and experience with those in attendance," said R-CALF USA Membership Services Coordinator Laurel Masterson. "This year we’re bringing speakers from around the country to Pierre so ranchers can learn first-hand from knowledgeable experts."
The 14th Annual convention will host two well-known protectors of private property rights. The first, Cliven Bundy, will speak Friday morning. Bundy is a Nevada rancher who is now the only rancher left in Nevada’s Clark County.
Also speaking on individual rights is Sheriff Richard Mack. Sheriff Mack was Graham County, Arizona, Sheriff from 1988-1997. In 1994, he along with six other sheriffs fought against the Brady Bill and finally won in the U.S. Supreme Court. Now Sheriff Mack is an author, speaker, consultant and a strong advocate of states’ rights and individual freedoms. He will speak Saturday morning.
Brian O’Shaughnessy, Chairman of Revere Copper Products, will discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement and other trade issues Friday afternoon. O’Shaughnessy served as Revere’s President & CEO for almost twenty years until the end of 2007. He is attending the R-CALF USA convention as a board member and President of the Coalition for a Prosperous America.
Also on Friday, Roger McEowen will present and overview of key legal cases that will have a profound and lasting effect on U.S. cattle producers. McEowen is the Leonard Dolezal Professor in Agricultural Law at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he is also the Director of the ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation.
Back again this year is Dudley Butler to talk about livestock markets. Butler recently returned to his law practice after spending three years as Administrator of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). He was appointed to this position by USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
In addition to these guest speakers, R-CALF USA will also feature internal experts during the convention. However, one voice will be sorely missed this year. The loss of R-CALF USA Board Member and talented convention emcee, Joel Gill, will be felt by everyone attending convention. Although no one can replace Gill, Bob Thullner of Herreid, S.D. has graciously agreed to fill this role.
The business session, where proposed policy resolutions are brought forward and directors nominated, will take place Saturday afternoon. The convention finishes with an evening banquet, awards and a showcase of R-CALF USA-member talents.
Friday evening’s activities will be held at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center . The highlight of the event is a presentation of a hand-made saddle by Baxter Badure to the Rodeo Center in memory of the late Johnny Smith.
Room rates for the event are $96.99 plus tax per night. Please call 605-224-6877 to make reservations. This event is open to the public. To register call 406-252-2516 or for more information go to http://www.r-calfusa.com/Events/2013Convention.htm.
In order for credentialed media to secure complimentary registration and meals, they should contact R-CALF USA Membership Services Coordinator Laurel Masterson at the phone number or e-mail address listed above no later than July 31, 2013.
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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516.