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
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us to discuss the idea behind the campaign and why accurate labeling on plant-based beverages matters to both consumers and dairy producers.
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.

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:

Rising beef supplies and lower cattle prices, weaker hog markets, and softening dairy prices will shape producer margins heading into 2026.
Canadian tariffs would raise costs for potash, ammonia, and UAN, increasing spring fertilizer risk.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities breaks down the outlook on grain storage and domestic supply chain strength as producers weigh planting decisions with forthcoming federal aid.
Experts say flooding the zone with more money could have unintented consequences without opening new markets for planted crops and inputs under significant pressure.
Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
A permanent national E15 standard would boost corn demand, lower fuel costs, and provide a stable path for U.S. energy security.
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.