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
Campustown Showdown Founder Christian Calliham shared a sneak peek, explaining how the upcoming Iowa stock show evolved from its sister event, the Aggieville Showdown in Kansas.
U.S. pork production is rising slightly, driven by steady domestic demand, prices, and expanding global meat export markets beyond China.
Strong exports and prices are helping offset rising milk supplies.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined us to discuss fertilizer markets, domestic supply efforts, trade priorities, and ongoing policy work aimed at stabilizing costs for U.S. farmers.
Louisiana State University Professor Shelly Pate Kerns says a late freeze forced widespread replanting of some crops across the state.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the DOJ investigation into U.S. beef packers, concerns about cattle pricing, and ongoing trade and animal health issues affecting producers.

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:

Trust with lenders strengthens farm financial decision-making.
New farm bill amendment renames the 1890 National Scholars Program after Rep. David Scott, highlighting support for HBCU ag education.
Kubota Tractor Company President and Army National Guard Veteran Alex Woods discusses the company’s Military Appreciation Month initiatives and long-term support programs for veterans in agriculture.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman joined us to discuss planting progress, crop trends, grain movement, and farmland market activity in Iowa.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss Canada’s advisory committee and the upcoming USMCA review and its potential impact on agriculture.
The massive Morill wildfire left Nebraska ranchers facing major losses, as relief funds and federal aid step in to support recovery efforts.
Agriculture Shows
Crop yield champions David Hula from Virginia and Randy Dowdy from Georgia are back for another season with the aim of schooling more growers across the country in their winning ways.
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.