By Scout Nelson
Two national cattle organizations, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) and R-CALF USA, will co-host the Livestock Producers Freedom Rally on October 7, 2024, in Rapid City, South Dakota. The rally will begin at 10 a.m. MDT in the Rushmore Room of the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center.
The event will focus on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s rule mandating electronic identification (EID) eartags for cattle and bison moving across state lines.
Key speakers include U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman, who introduced a resolution to block the mandate, and cattle market analyst Corbitt Wall, who has vocally criticized mandatory EIDs.
USCA President Justin Tupper and R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard will outline their organizations’ efforts to challenge the mandate. South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) Executive Director Doris Lauing emphasized the importance of this united effort, saying, “Even though organizations do not agree on all policy, it is great to see this unity showing support on this issue.”
South Dakota State Rep. Marty Overweg and Wyoming State Rep. Chip Neiman will also speak in support of state-level legislation opposing EID use.
The rally has garnered support from organizations nationwide, including the South Dakota Farmers Union, Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming, and the Iowa Stockgrowers Association. The event will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.
The Livestock Producers Freedom Rally will also mark the beginning of the SDSGA Annual Convention, running from October 7-9. While the rally is free to attend, pre-registration for the convention is required.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: South Dakota, General, Livestock