CattleCon 2026: Cattle Producers Approaching Risk Management with Growing Optimism

As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — CattleCon is officially underway in Nashville, bringing together cattle producers and industry leaders from across the country to Music City for an event packed with discussions on key issues facing the cattle industry, including risk management and market opportunities.

Markets Specialist Tony St. James spoke with Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance on the show floor to get insight into what producers can expect.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Charleston shared details about Specialty Risk Insurance’s presence at CattleCon, including where attendees can find their booth and the services and conversations they are offering producers throughout the week.

Charleston says he is excited about the remaining events and discussions at CattleCon, emphasizing the value of connecting directly with producers and fellow industry professionals. With optimism building in the cattle market, he noted that many producers are stopping by to discuss how to manage risk in a strong market, protect operations, and take advantage of current opportunities.

CattleCon continues this week in Nashville, offering education, networking, and insight into the issues shaping the future of the cattle industry.

Related Stories
She saw him play besides greats like Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Conway Twitty, and more.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.