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.

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:

Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
Singer-songwriter Shea Fisher joined the program to discuss her latest projects and her appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.