Covid convention does not disappoint boasting powerhouse lineup displaying unfaltering and fervent loyalty in attendance
-R-CALF USA
DEADWOOD, S.D. — R-CALF USA hosted its 21st Annual Convention in Deadwood, S.D., on Aug. 19-21, 2020. The convention proclaims success boasting approximately 400 attendees from over 24 states and remaining powerfully steady in the light of the raging COVID-19 pandemic. Several hundred additional guests viewed the convention through online streaming, sending its message throughout cattle county as never before.
The organization’s leadership expressed encouragement in producer awareness and engagement noting that there were many first-time attendees. The attendance of the convention pays tribute to the organization’s efforts to support cattlemen in the face of an artificially suppressed cattle market; which, the organization alleges is a result of manipulation in the marketplace by the industry’s “Big 4” beef packers (Tyson Foods, Inc., JBS S.A., Cargill, Inc., and National Beef Packing Company, LLC). The convention comes on the tail of the market malady spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, beef became scarce on store shelves as packers cut production causing a monumental disruption in the beef supply chain. Cattle prices plummeted while beef prices; and packer margins, experienced all-time highs supporting the organization’s allegations.