Livestock Fencing Materials Exempt from State Sales Tax Starting October 1

Beginning October 1, up to $25,000 of the gross proceeds from the sale of fencing materials for livestock purposes will be exempt from state sales tax. This implementation comes from the passage of Senate Bill (SB)73, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams, during the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session. Producers will be required to sign an affidavit when the purchase is made from the retailer to indicate that the materials will be used for livestock fencing purposes. Materials included are t-posts, wood posts, barbed wire, net wire, smooth wire, standard metal gates, and other like materials. Learn more with this Agricultural Fencing State Sales and Use Tax Exemption fact sheet.

Saddle Up for 60 Years of Savor—October is Beef Month in Alabama!

Gov. Kay Ivey recently signed a proclamation declaring “October is Beef Month in Alabama” for the traditional start of the largest promotional month of the year for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. In preparation to kick off the association’s favorite month for its 60th year, here is some history on this time-honored tradition, as written in It’s Great to Be Number One! by Dan Hollis:

“The year 1964 would provide to be another ‘red letter’ year in Alabama’s beef promotion effort…in September came the announcement of the first October Beef Month. Governor George Wallace issued an official proclamation designating ‘October Beef Month in Alabama’, and the promoters covered the state in October with more than 35,000 posters, charts, signs, hats, and flags…The ‘October Beef Month’ idea drew some attention outside the borders of Alabama. The following editorial was printed in the November 1964 issue of ‘Livestock Breeders Journal’…It was entitled: ‘Bama’s Beef Boosts Gets Our Vote’: ‘We like the method in force in Alabama during October. It requires a lot more work, perhaps more manpower (and womanpower), and certainly more money, but long-range, it is our solution. Folks in Alabama are putting on the biggest push for beef consumption that has ever been tried by a state cattlemen’s association in history. The market is loaded, and they are going to unload on the consumer with a selling job that has enlisted the press, the packers, the county associations, and all others that have come forward to help the cattlemen out of their fix. Some folks might minimize such efforts by saying it is not that easy to clear all the alleyways and feed lots of our surplus stock, but we contend it’s the best way, and it’ll work. Besides, you’re gaining allies all the time. Folks just prefer doing business with a fellow carrying a grin on his face and full of enthusiasm, rather than a man with a chip on his shoulder and a face that reflects contempt and bitterness.’ -Livestock Breeders Journal, excerpt from November 1964.”

Sixty years later, Alabama’s cattle producers are still celebrating October Beef Month.

CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION

Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open for application, brought to you by the Cowboy vanity car tag and many, generous endowment families! Opportunities are available for all stages of postsecondary education— from incoming freshmen to doctoral candidates who are members, or whose parents or grandparents are members, for at least two consecutive years. Explore these many opportunities and APPLY today at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. Applications close November 3.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

As of today, the ACA is home to 10,270 members. That number is still growing, however, as renewals are rolling in from our third and final mail out of the year. Remember, if you recruit new members, you’ll qualify for one of several Top Hand Club prizes, thanks to our friends at SunSouth, TriGreen Equipment, John Deere and Priefert Ranch Equipment!

As we head into county annual meeting season, here’s a few reminders for our grassroots leaders. Send the date, time, and location information for your upcoming meeting to ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy as soon as possible. In order to make it in the magazine, we need it in office no later than the 10th of the previous month, but the sooner the better! If you would like a postcard invitation sent out to your membership through our office, those requests must be made two weeks prior to the preferred send date. Contact Jessica for all your county meeting needs!

AJCA Fall Field Days, That’s a Wrap!

This month, the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) hosted its fall field days. The first was held on Wednesday, September 11 in Troy, and the second was hosted today, September 25 in Cullman.

Between the two Alabama Beef Checkoff-funded events, more than 240 youth participated in a cattle judging clinic. Thanks to the help of the Auburn University Livestock Judging Team participants developed skills and took home tips in live evaluation, understanding EPD’s, note-taking, and presenting oral reasons.

Alabama Beef Checkoff Council Funds production research

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Council met in Montgomery on August 29 for its third quarterly meeting. The jam-packed agenda featured financial reviews, second quarter programming recaps and upcoming program overviews from Alabama Beef Checkoff staff, followed by a review and discussion of this year’s research grant proposals.

The following projects received funding for the 2024-2025 funding cycle:

Livestock Forage Program Triggered for 10 Counties

Ten counties in Alabama now qualify for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP): Colbert, Fayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Pickens, Walker, and Winston counties.

This program, offered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock. It also covers producers of grazed forage crop acreage of native and improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or acreage planted specifically for grazing. For more information about this program or to sign up in one of the abovementioned counties, contact your local FSA office or visit www.farmers.gov.

Out & About representing aca

On September 16, ACA Director of Field Services Reid McGuire represented ACA at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Blount County Multi-Purpose Facility. The new facility features meeting space, a kitchen, an arena, and barn with equipment for use in advanced agriscience classes. In addition to use by Blount County Schools, the facility will be used for livestock shows and meetings of ag-related groups. 

Two days later, on September 18, Reid represented the ACA at the second annual East Alabama Careers in Ag Expo at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City. The event was organized by Tallapoosa County Extension and featured exhibitors from Auburn University and businesses throughout East Alabama that offer career and educational opportunities for youth in agriculture. Over 500 youth attended the event.

REBATES AVAILABLE ON LIVESTOCK AND GRAZING PRACTICES!

Alabama’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts are reminding cattle producers that application sign-up for the Alabama Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) has begun! CIP supports several conservation practices for livestock and grazing including watering facilities, exclusion and cross fencing and herd health.  New to the program are corral systems, squeeze chutes, and feed troughs. Eligible applicants can receive a 75 percent rebate on the cost of installation. Check with your local soil and water conservation district for price caps and application deadlines. For more information, visit https://alabamasoilandwater.gov/cip/

Beef Education Efforts Strong across alabama

Beef at Trash Pandas: The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association took to Toyota Field on August 30 for the final baseball beef education event of 2024. Fans enjoyed learning about beef cookery methods, unique cut options and beef production in Alabama!

Auburn Ag Round-Up: Thanks to the Auburn Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association, attendees of the Auburn Agriculture Alumni Club Ag Roundup on September 14^th enjoyed brisket samples as a part of the event highlighting agriculture commodities in Alabama before the Auburn University football game facing The University of New Mexico.

BEEF 101: Students from Geneva City Schools enjoyed a beef education day in Auburn as attendees of Beef 101 on September 20^th . Highlights for this group of culinary students included a pasture to plate talk, Q&A with beef producers and a carcass fabrication demonstration.

BAINBRIDGE BLOCK PARTY

Join us and our friends from the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the Alabama Forestry Association and Sweet Grown Alabama as we host an afternoon block party filled with food and fun on Bainbridge Street Tuesday, October 29 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.! This event will feature a Sweet Grown Alabama farmer’s market, tours of The MOOseum, burgers and chicken wings and a host of agricultural vendors and is a celebration of Alabama’s agricultural trade organizations housed on Bainbridge Street in downtown Montgomery. We’ll see you there!

Beef Wagon on Display

The 1968 Dodge Beef Wagon that has been an iconic symbol of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association can now be spotted in a prominent location as you turn into the parking lot of our building. Designed to be a photo backdrop for those visiting The MOOseum, the Beef Wagon is now permanently located on a new concrete pad in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Please be sure to grab a photo the next time you are at the building and tag us on social media for everyone to enjoy!

2025 CONVENTION- SAVE THE DATE!

Make plans to join us for the 82nd annual ACA Convention & Trade Show February 21-22, 2025 at the BJCC in Birmingham, AL. In addition to vast networking opportunities, banquets featuring delicious beef meals and the Alabama beef industry’s largest trade show, the event will provide educational workshops, youth competitions and industry meetings. Be on the lookout for registration, lodging and schedule information to release in November!

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION SUB-PERMIT

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST, TUNE IN TODAY! 

Tune into the Cattle Connect podcast weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news, hits on a variety of educational topics and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first 30+ episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is filling up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the summer months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

SUbmit your farm’s drought conditions to cmor

Conditions are dry across Alabama, and the Alabama State Climate Office needs your “boots on the ground” data to ensure your area’s drought status is accurately represented on the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) Map. These maps, not drawn by demographers in Alabama, are crucial for producers because some USDA relief funding is contingent upon the USDM. Start capturing that data now to avoid being up against deadlines this fall! Submit feedback through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) software now by visiting https://tinyurl.com/CMOR-2024

As we look in the face of drought, we encourage producers in need of hay— or those who have ample hay to sell— to visit the Alabama Hay Listing webpage housed by our friends at the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. The hay listing webpage provides Alabama cattle producers a platform to search for hay to purchase or for hay producers to list hay for sale. Through the listings, farmers who have hay available for sale can list available bales under a variety of categories including type, size, quality and quantity available. Farmers in need of hay can search using those categories within their region. Alabama Hay Listing » agi.alabama.gov/alabama-hay-listings/

Fall Youth Field Days, Coming Up!

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association will be hosting two field days in September, brought to you by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Youth ages 9-18 will have the opportunity to attend a program in Troy on September 11 and in Cullman on September 25. Both events will feature a cattle judging clinic, where attendees will learn about evaluating live cattle as well as EPD’s, terminology, and oral reasons. Attend the one closest to you! Registration for both dates is available here.

AUBURN FOOTBALL FAMILY DINNER

Football season is finally here in Alabama! The Auburn Tigers Football team kicked off the season in the best way possible – with BEEF! Cattlemen from the Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association, the Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association and the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association gathered on campus to grill up steaks for the annual Auburn Football Family Dinner August 3rd. Good luck to all our Alabama athletes as they take to the field this fall!

Membership Report

As of today, the ACA is home to 10,165 members. THANK YOU for helping us go Over the Top in the 2024 membership year! That number is still growing, however, as renewals are beginning to roll in from our third and final mail out of the year.

As we head into county annual meeting season, here’s a few reminders for our grassroots leaders. Send the date, time, and location information for your upcoming meeting to ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy as soon as possible. In order to make it in the magazine, we need it in office no later than the 10th of the previous month, but the sooner the better! If you would like a postcard invitation sent out to your membership through our office, those requests must be made two weeks prior to the preferred send date. Contact Jessica for all your county meeting needs!

AG MEDIA SUMMIT

Alabama Cattleman Magazine Managing Editor Nicky Godwin and ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones enjoyed attending the Ag Media Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, August 4-6! Highlights of the conference for our staffers included networking with other agriculture advocacy professionals and attending educational sessions covering practical communication skills to reach today’s consumers.

Junior Cattlemen Board MEETING

Earlier in August, the AJCA Board of Directors met to recap the 18^th Annual AJCA Round-Up and plan fall events. This meeting was in conjunction with a visit from Tennessee Junior Cattlemen members, where both groups learned about the beef industry in Alabama and ACA through several interactive activities, as well as a tour of The MOOseum and Alabama State Capitol.  

YCLP Class XI Completes Second Session of the Year

The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) held its second session of the year August 16-17. The group went to the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center for an overview of the facility as well as a talk on winter grazing from Kent Stanford. Jarrod Eubanks from the Alabama Department of Ag and Industries provided led a session on understanding market reports as well feeder cattle grading, and Dr. Adam Cletzer from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture led a leadership workshop. The session closed with class members participating in mock county board meetings— where they learned about conducting a meeting— and planned an annual meeting and fundraiser. Thanks to our speakers and hosts for working with this group!

Gator Delivered

Each year— thanks to generous support from our friends at TriGreen Equipment, SunSouth LLC and John Deere— we have the unique opportunity to award a John Deere Gator to one lucky winner as part of our membership recruitment incentives. To qualify for the prize drawing, you must join the ACA as a new member or recruit a new member!

The 2023 winner, drawn at the 2024 ACA Convention & Trade Show, was Jonathan Underwood, a recruiter from the Colbert County Cattlemen’s Association! Pictured left to right are TriGreen Equipment reps Kelsey Faivre & Boyd Trulove; Ben Gotcher, Colbert County president; Underwood; and ACA Regional Vice President Junior Riner.

Congrats, Jonathan, and special thanks to our longtime partners for their generous support of this membership prize!

BBQ HILL BRISKET CLASS

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and Bama-Q TV partnered to host a Brisket Class at BBQ Hill in Pike Road, August 17th. The sold-out class was taught by award-winning pitmasters from across the US, who encouraged Alabama consumers to step outside of their comfort zone and cook this delicious beef product with their new skills.

Bainbridge Block Party

Join us and our friends from the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the Alabama Forestry Association and Sweet Grown Alabama as we host an afternoon block party filled with food and fun on Bainbridge Street Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.! This event will feature a Sweet Grown Alabama farmer’s market, tours of The MOOseum, burgers and chicken wings and a host of agricultural vendors and is a celebration of Alabama’s agricultural trade organizations housed on Bainbridge Street in downtown Montgomery. We’ll see you there!

2025 Convention- Save the Date!

Make plans to join us for the 82nd annual ACA Convention & Trade Show February 21-22, 2025 at the BJCC in Birmingham, AL. In addition to vast networking opportunities, banquets featuring delicious beef meals and the Alabama beef industry’s largest trade show, the event will provide educational workshops, youth competitions and industry meetings. Be on the lookout for registration, lodging and schedule information to release in November!

BIRMINGHAM BARON’S GAME

Beef was the name of the game for the August 23rd Birmingham Baron’s home game against the Biloxi Shuckers!

Cowboy hats were seen throughout the ballpark as members of the Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Association promoted beef by serving over 500 ribeye samples to fans. The ACA was also highlighted on the field when 2024 ACA President Dr. Terry Slaten threw the first pitch of the game.

BEEF 101

The Fall Beef 101 program kicked off on August 26th in Auburn! Students from Geneva County Schools joined Alabama CattleWomen’s Association groups from Geneva County and Baldwin County for a fun day packed with beef education. Attendees learned about pasture to plate beef production, beef animal health and participated in a carcass fabrication demonstration.

The Fall Beef 101 sessions are completely booked at this time, but there will be availability again in the spring. Anyone interested in attending the program can contact Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org.

“BEEF TIPS” at AU

Beef was at the center of the plate for Golden State Foods employees August 14th at the Beef Tips event hosted by the College of Agriculture at Auburn University!

ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones joined beef producers Dr. Misty Edmondson and Jason Edmondson to teach the beef industry overview, hot topics in beef production and day in the life of a cattle producer educational sessions. Attendees also learned about carcass grading, food safety, meat carcass fabrication and beef packaging.

OCTOBER BEEF MONTH

October is Beef Month in Alabama, and the festivities are quickly approaching! This year marks 60 years of Beef Month, so we want to celebrate BIG across the state. The county associations are encouraged to begin considering how they can promote beef consumption this October in their communities. If ideas or promotional items are needed, please contact ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org for assistance.

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION SUB-PERMIT

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST, TUNE IN TODAY! 

Tune into the Cattle Connect podcast weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news, hits on a variety of educational topics and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first 20+ episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is filling up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the summer months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

18th Annual AJCA Round-UP

The 18^th Annual AJCA Round-Up was held July 18-21 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. More than 125 youth competed in educational contests and exhibited 143 head of cattle. The event also featured industry-renown agricultural spokesperson Amanda Radke with an inspiring talk on preparing young people for the workforce and life. This event is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff, Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation, as well as funding from the Alabama Legislature and generous donors throughout the state. Thanks to all who made this premier youth livestock event happen! Look for extended coverage in the September issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine.

For now, we would like to highlight the show champions and the newly-elected AJCA Board of Directors. Congrats to all!

Bred & Owned Top 5 Heifers:

Supreme: Lou Lou Thompson, Pike County

Reserve Supreme: Brooklyn Price, Lee County

3^rd Overall: Makayla Waler, Madison County

4^th Overall: Amelia Thrower, Marshall County

5^th Overall: Brooklyn Price, Lee County

Top 5 Heifers:

Supreme: Camden Upchurch, Clay County

Reserve Supreme: Annabelle Wesley, Pike County

3^rd Overall: Laura-Landers Franklin, Marshall County

4^th Overall: Olivia Maddox, DeKalb County

5^th Overall: Claire Smith, Chilton County

Top 5 Prospect Market:

Champion: Kane Fallin, Blount County

Reserve Champion: Mason Smith, Marshall County

3^rd Overall: Jessi Maples, Lee County

4^th Overall: Caleb Cook, Autauga County

5^th Overall: Mason Smith, Marshall County

Progress Market:

Champion: London Steele, Mobile County

Reserve Champion: Emma King Armstrong, Dale County

Bulls:

Grand Champion: Brooklyn Price, Lee County

Reserve Champion: Camden Upchurch, Clay County

2024-2025 AJCA Board of Directors:

Contributed: Auburn University

Dr. Kim Mullenix will serve as the next head of the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences, effective Aug. 19. She has been a member of the department’s faculty since 2014, currently serving as an associate professor, Extension beef systems specialist and program team coordinator for the Alabama Extension Animal Science and Forages Team.

Mullenix said her goals for the department include seeing it become a regional leader in animal agriculture research and a premier information source for animal science practices. She also plans to work with the department to foster a dynamic learning environment for students while engaging alumni, stakeholders and students throughout the department, the College of Agriculture and the university. 

Mullenix earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from Auburn and a doctorate in agronomy from the University of Florida.

As department head, she will succeed Wayne Greene, who has served in the role since 2005 and is returning to a research and teaching position in the department.

OVER THE TOP Membership Update

We are proud to report that we are OVER THE TOP, representing 10,078 members! We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Congratulations to the counties who went Over the Top by deadline, earning their presidents an iconic ACA red coat: Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Cherokee, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, Dekalb, Franklin, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Lowndes, Madison, Marengo, Mobile, Pike, Randolph, Russell, St Clair, Sumter, Washington, Wilcox and Winston counties!

2024 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

The 2024 Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts kicked off in June, and the ACA and its officers would like to thank everyone who joined us in Scottsboro, Oxford and Greensboro, Wetumpka, Russellville and Ozark! In addition to dinner and a state office update, this year’s events featured the Livestock Marketing Association’s Producer Profitability Initiative, a grassroots movement started and led by cattle producers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. 

The last remaining meeting will be held in southwest Alabama in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Cattlemen’s Conference on August 9 in Atmore. Beginning at 8AM, attendees can enjoy an excellent conference agenda, then lunch will host the Cattlemen’s Cookout and Producer Profitability Initiative.

It’s not too late to register. Visit the conference website and sign up today!

Educators Conference

ACA Director of Field Services Reid McGuire and Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones enjoyed time spent with Alabama culinary, nutrition, and agriculture educators at the Alabama CTE Summer Professional Development Conference in Mobile July 24-26! During this event, staffers led Alabama Beef Checkoff Program resource sessions, participated in a workforce development panel, and provided beef education materials before teachers head back to the classroom in August.

CMOR

While we are fortunate to have received a great deal of rain across the state in recent weeks, in Alabama, we are never more than 10 days away from a drought. The Alabama State Climate Office needs your “boots on the ground” data to ensure your area’s drought status is accurately represented on the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) Map. These maps are crucial for producers, because some USDA relief funding is contingent upon the USDM. Start capturing that data now to avoid being up against deadlines this fall!

Submit feedback through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) software now by visiting https://tinyurl.com/CMOR-2024

AGA Conference

ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones attended the 2024 Alabama Grocers Association Annual Show in Destin, July 29-30, to network with retail partners and provide beef resources for consumer education, marketing support, and employee training. This event is always a highlight of the summer not only because of its fun atmosphere, but because it is a great platform to visit with the grocery retail sector of the beef industry from across the state all in one, convenient location!

Beef 101

The Beef 101 program for this fall semester opened for registration on July 24 during the Alabama CTE Summer Professional Development Conference and over 280 students are already enrolled to participate in the pasture to plate educational sessions over the next four months! If you know any culinary or nutrition classes, agriculture educators, or others interested in this program, please contact ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org for more information.

October Beef Month

October is Beef Month in Alabama, and the festivities are quickly approaching! This year marks 60 years of Beef Month, so we want to celebrate BIG across the state. The county associations are encouraged to begin considering how they can promote beef consumption this October in their communities. If ideas or promotional items are needed, please contact ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org for assistance.

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION SUB-PERMIT

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST, TUNE IN TODAY! 

In January of this year, the Cattle Connect podcast hit streaming platforms to launch the 2024 season, and it airs weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first 23 episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is filling up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the summer months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

AJCA Round-Up Registration Closing Soon!

Registration for the 2024 AJCA Round-Up closes on Wednesday, July 3. Registration for the cattle show and educational contests is open to all AJCA members that live or attend school in the State of Alabama. Registration and further information can be found here. Youth who are not AJCA members can join or renew membership here. New to this year’s event, the AJCA will host author, rancher, and businesswoman Amanda Radke as a guest speaker at the AJCA membership meeting on Friday July 19 at 4PM in the Ed Teague Arena at the Garrett Coliseum. You don’t want to miss it! Register Now

Please note: If registering cattle, in order to avoid technical hiccups and webpage timeouts, please have all cattle registration information on hand at the onset of registration. This information includes, but is not limited to, registration number, a digital version of registration papers, EID tag #, tattoos, dam and sire information, birthdate, etc.

2024 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

The 2024 Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts kicked off in June, and the ACA and its officers would like to thank everyone who joined us in Scottsboro, Oxford and Greensboro so far! In addition to dinner and a state office update, this year’s events feature the Livestock Marketing Association’s Producer Profitability Initiative, a grassroots movement started and led by cattle producers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. 

Remaining meeting dates and locations include:

Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka, Alabama – June 27

A.W. Todd Center, Russellville, Alabama – July 16

The Warehouse, Ozark, Alabama – July 23

Grace Fellowship Church, Atmore, Alabama *IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GULF COAST CATTLEMEN’S CONFERENCE* – August 9 

Learn more about the meetings: tinyurl.com/2024CattlemenCookouts

Meals are FREE to current ACA members. Guest plates are $25/adult, $15/child. RSVP now at tinyurl.com/Regional-Cookout-RSVP or by calling (334) 265-1867.

FFA Convention Brings Blue Jackets to Town

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program were proud to sponsor the 2023-2024 Alabama FFA Association Livestock Evaluation CDE and Beef Production Proficiency Awards. Winners were awarded in June at the 96th annual Alabama FFA Convention in Montgomery. Congratulations to the top teams and individuals:

1st Place: AP Brewer FFA

2nd Place: Susan Moore FFA

3rd Place: Holly Pond FFA

4th Place: Billingsley FFA

1st Place Entrepreneurship: Connor Wright, Millry FFA

2nd Place Entrepreneurship: Alyx Johnson, Woodland FFA

3rd Place Entrepreneurship: Hudson Manning, Billingsley FFA

4th Place Entrepreneurship: Elizabeth MacAloney, Dale County FFA

1st Place Placement: Logan Bush, Ariton FFA

2nd Place Placement: Hudson Manning, Billingsley FFA

3rd Place Placement: Caleb Cook, Billingsley FFA

4th Place Placement: Hayden Stell, George W Long FFA

Adams Represents Alabama at YCC

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Council Chairman and Class VII member Daniel Adams from Bullock County attended the 2024 Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) with 66 other beef industry advocates and leaders during the month of June. YCC gives these individuals the opportunity to explore beef production across the nation and build lasting industry relationships to strengthen both current and future industry voices.

“My favorite stops on this trip were the Tyson packing plant that processes 5,000 head of cattle a day and the Five Rivers Kuner Feedlot. These were so interesting to see up close and learn about,” said Adams. “The trip itself was defined by the people though. We entered it as a group of strangers and by the end of the ten days you would think we had known each other our entire life. It was a trip of a lifetime.”

In addition to the packing plant and feedyard, Adams had the opportunity to tour NCBA Headquarters, Greeley Hat Works, and Certified Angus Beef Headquarters. He also spent time in Washington D.C. receiving further education on current policy and advocating amongst House and Senate officials.

Governor Declares Beef for Father’s Day

The ladies of the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association trekked to the State Capitol in June for an official ceremony where Gov. Kay Ivey declared “Beef for Father’s Day.” A timeless tradition, Alabama’s cattlewomen have been promoting beef for Father’s Day with the governor’s proclamation now for 69 years. There are some traditions that can’t be beat!

Membership Update

We are proud to report that we currently represent 9,742 members, but we want to see ourselves go over 10,000! We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

The Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is THIS SUNDAY, June 30. Membership must be in the office or entered in the database by June 30. Congratulations to the counties who have already gone Over the Top in 2024 – Bibb, Clarke, Covington, Franklin, Geneva, Hale, Henry, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Madison, Marengo, Mobile, St Clair, Sumter, Washington, and Winston counties!

National Grazing Management Survey

The U.S. beef industry protects natural resources and biodiversity all while feeding the world. But as you know, the world does not realize all the great work producers are doing on the landscape, with activists and others creating a negative impression with our consumers. To assist in correcting that impression, we need your help. You are invited to complete a short, anonymous survey designed to gain new information on the current use of grazing management plans in the United States beef industry.

Click here to access the National Grazing Management Survey:

Participation in the survey is both entirely voluntary and highly encouraged. All responses will be kept in strict confidence, with the data analysis being released in summary form only and no identifying information included. Information collected during this survey will not be used or distributed for future research studies. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and includes questions related to your cattle operation and grazing management practices. The study is being conducted by Kansas State University faculty and graduate student researchers.

Thank you for your valuable assistance with this important project. With your help, the industry will be better positioned to communicate their efforts of producing beef in a sustainable, efficient manner. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact Merri Day at Kansas State University at meday@ksu.edu. If you have ethical concerns about this research, please contact Dr. Lisa Rubin at rubin@ksu.edu.

Ag Interns Stop by ACA

During the third week of June, summer interns from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Ag Credit, and the Alabama Farmers Federation visited the Cattlemen’s building as a part of an Ag Interns Tour Day organized by Alabama Ag Credit. We enjoyed visiting with these young leaders about the work ACA does through the association, foundation and the Beef Checkoff. We wish them the best in their career endeavors!

Earlier in June, summer interns and members of the Alabama Farmers Cooperative Future Leaders Program also stopped by the ACA for a similar tour and disucssion!

SLE NEWS

During the month of June, SLE Executive Director Sarah Hunter attended the Alabama State FFA Convention to represent the Southeastern Livestock Exposition as a sponsor of the Meats Evaluation CDE. Congratulations to Thorsby, Pell City, Priceville, and Cedar Bluff FFA chapters for placing in this competition!

On Saturday, June 15, SLE Vice President Galen Grace, Board Members Stinson Ellis and William Martin, Miss SLE Rodeo Isabella Atwood, and Executive Director Sarah Hunter attended the Atlanta Braves baseball game to promote the PRCA and SLE Rodeo by producing a small western festival for a fan engagement experience. Also in attendance to this event were two PRCA champion bareback riders: Tim O’Connell and Kade Sonnier. Though the day was spent in the extreme Georgia heat, baseball fans enjoyed riding bouncy horses and learning to rope in the Truist Park Plaza!

To wrap up the month of June, Sarah Hunter also attended the Alabama Agribusiness Council Annual Meeting in Orange Beach. This was a great opportunity to hear from industry leaders and network with other representatives in the agriculture community. Sarah took this opportunity to announce the SLE’s latest project in hopes of expanding the opportunities within the new SLE platform: www.SLERodeo.com/studyag. The goal of this webpage is to become a landing place to aid students who wish to study agriculture in finding courses of study, scholarships, internships, and additional training that may not require a two or four year degree. If your company provides these types of opportunities (in the state of Alabama), please email Sarah Hunter (shunter@bamabeef.org) with details so she may add it to this webpage. Please also share this link within your network to help spread the word about this new platform!

National Rural Grocery Summit

Establishing positive relationships with beef retailers is just one of the many ways the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program works to strengthen the future of the beef industry. This week, ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones represented Alabama’s cattlemen as an attendee of the 2024 National Rural Grocery Summit in Montgomery. She was thrilled to report overwhelming support of agriculture by attendees of the nationwide event as she was there to promote the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner brand and make herself available as a resource for all things beef to rural retailers.

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION SUB-PERMIT

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST, TUNE IN TODAY! 

In January of this year, the Cattle Connect podcast hit streaming platforms to launch the 2024 season, and it airs weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. So far, this season has featured information on the history of the ACA, The MOOseum, 2024 Legislative Priorities and recap, a convention recap, the SLE Rodeo’s unique mission, spring culinary activities, youth event highlights, introductions to some of our association leaders, influencer spotlights, junior cattlemen information and more! Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first 20 episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is filling up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the summer months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

2024 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

The 2024 Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts are rapidly approaching! In addition to dinner and a state office update, this year’s events will feature Livestock Marketing Association’s Producer Profitability Initiative, a grassroots movement started and led by cattle producers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. 

Meeting dates and locations include:

Goosepond Civic Center, Scottsboro, Alabama – June 11

Oxford Civic Center, Oxford, Alabama – June 20

The Greensboro Armory, Greensboro, Alabama – June 25

Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka, Alabama – June 27

A.W. Todd Center, Russellville, Alabama – July 16

The Warehouse, Ozark, Alabama – July 23

Grace Fellowship Church, Atmore, Alabama *IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GULF COAST CATTLEMEN’S CONFERENCE* – August 9 

Learn more about the meetings: tinyurl.com/2024CattlemenCookouts

Meals are FREE to current ACA members. Guest plates are $25/adult, $15/child. RSVP now at tinyurl.com/Regional-Cookout-RSVP or by calling (334) 265-1867.

2024 ALABAMA LEGISLATIVE SESSION ADJOURNS SINE DIE

After a gauntlet of a session, the Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die on May 9^th, completing all 30 days of the session. In a session that amassed hundreds of bills and several large items at play, including gaming, school choice, and the Working for Alabama workforce package, the association had a very successful session. To begin, no legislation was passed that would negatively impact the beef cattle industry, which is always the first goal of the session.  

Additionally, several positive pieces of legislation passed that affect our industry.  

• The association’s priority bill to exempt fencing materials for livestock from sales tax received final passage. Sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams and Rep. Danny Crawford, the bill was amended before passage to have a gross sales cap of $25,000 annually per livestock producer. This will go into effect on October 1, 2024.  
• The property tax cap bill, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions and Rep. Phillip Pettus, passed, and will provide a 7% cap on annual property tax reappraisals.  
• The bovine liability bill, sponsored by Senator Randy Price, passed. This bill provides producers hosting independent activities, like sales and field days, on their farm general liability coverage should something happen to an attendee.  
• A bill banning the sale and distribution of lab-grown proteins (also known as “fake meat”), sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams and carried by Rep. Danny Crawford in the house, passed. 
• The legislation to establish the board for the Alabama Farm Center, sponsored by Sen. Shay Shelnutt and Rep. Danny Crawford, received final passage.  
• Several budgetary items in the education trust fund passed, including new funding for junior cattlemen’s educational activities, and continued funding for FFA memberships, the Auburn University livestock judging coach, and a youth livestock specialist. 
• In the general fund, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries received additional funding for the animal disease and diagnostics office.  

USDA PUBLISHES FINAL RULE FOR ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY

The USDA recently released a much-anticipated final rule for animal disease traceability. The USDA final traceability rule amends a previous 2013 rule that requires sexually intact cattle 18 months of age or older – specifically rodeo, exhibition, and dairy cattle – moving interstate to have an official form of animal identification. The 2013 rule, which cattle producers already comply with, instituted visual ID tags for interstate movement. The new final rule switches producers to electronic identification (EID) tags, which are easier to read and would yield a faster traceability response during a foreign animal disease outbreak. This rule has no bearing on feeder calf movement. For years, Alabama has been preparing for this rule change that moves to utilize EID tags. The state veterinarian’s office has been working with stockyards in the state to use EID tags provided for free on required cattle. The association has been committed to ensuring that the use of these tags will not be set on the backs of cow-calf producers or slow down the speed of commerce. There is funding secured in both the state and federal budgets to allow tags to be given free of charge for cattle that require official animal identification. 

ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $113,000 TO HARDWORKING ALABAMA STUDENTs

On Friday, May 3, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) awarded over $113,000 to 110 deserving students from across Alabama. These scholarships would not be possible without those who have purchased the Cowboy vanity car tag and the generous endowment families. We wish these students the best in their future endeavors and appreciate the involvement of their parents or grandparents in our association, which is a requirement for qualification for an ACF scholarship award! 

YOUTH PRODUCTION FIELD DAYS

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) held its second and final Spring Field Day for 2024 on Wednesday, May 8 at the Covington Center Arena in Andalusia. Youth attendees enjoyed a BQA certification course, a roping demonstration and hands-on herd health activities.

AJCA Round-up registration is open

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association is hosting its 18th Annual Round-Up, July 18-21, 2024, in Montgomery! This Alabama Beef Checkoff-funded event features 14 youth cattle shows and contests— including a heifer show, steer show, bull show, showmanship, cattle judging, skill-a-thon, salesmanship, photography, poster, golden pitchfork, record book, ad design, battle of the beef, and team grooming. Additionally, author, speaker, and rancher Amanda Radke will be speaking at the AJCA Membership Meeting on July 19^th. Registration closes July 3. For more information or to register, visit https://cvent.me/79N3A9

FFA WEEK COMING SOON

ACA staff will be participating in the FFA Career Expo June 5-6 as a part of the State FFA Convention. Any students or teachers wishing to learn about the educational resources and opportunities offered by the ACA and the Beef Checkoff Program are welcome to come by our booth.

YCLP CLASS XI KICKS OFF

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class XI kicked the year off in May in conjunction with the Spring Board of Directors Meeting. The crew of young leaders spent time with our volunteer leaders from across the state to learn more about the association’s involvement and membership recruitment. Following, they toured the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and Alabama Farmers Federation facilities before wrapping up the evening with beef education at BBQ Hill in Pike Road. The next day, they traveled to Auburn to participate in a leadership training session with Dr. Adam Cletzer, followed by a tour of the Auburn University Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory. To learn more about this year’s class, visit www.BamaBeef.org/YCLP

SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION UPDATE

The Garrett Coliseum has experienced personnel changes within the last year. Bill Hardin (Coliseum Manager) passed away in July 2023, and Connie Luckie (Coliseum Office Manager) retired in May 2024. Two new employees are now in place, so SLE and ACA invited the new Garrett Coliseum staff to the Cattlemen’s building for lunch in May. This was a great opportunity to get to know our new colleagues and discuss ideas for future improvements throughout the Coliseum grounds. They were open to suggestions of how to make the facilities more usable during the SLE Rodeo & Livestock Week and the AJCA Round-Up. This was a very positive meeting, and we look forward to working with them on future events.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

The ACA is aiming to go Over the Top again in 2024— help us get over 10,000 members! We are proud to report that we currently represent 9,341 members. We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

Remember, the Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is June 30. Membership must be in the office or entered in the database by June 30. Congratulations to the counties who have already gone Over the Top in 2024 – Bibb, Franklin, Geneva, Hale, Henry, Madison, Mobile, and Sumter counties!

County Meetings

As most counties across Alabama have held local chapter membership meetings, we encourage county leaders to send in updated officer information following the meeting. Submit the names and contact information of your county president and secretary to Jessica Kennedy so they can be added to our correspondence list for upcoming meetings and pertinent membership information!

ACA SPRING BOARD MEETING FOCUSES ON MEMBERSHIP GROWTH 

The Spring Board of Directors Meeting was held in May, welcoming several new county presidents to the ACA headquarters building. At the meeting, board members heard an extensive report from Associate State Veterinarian Dr. Misty Edmondson about the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) situation in dairy cattle and the newly released USDA final rule for animal disease traceability. Following updates from association staff about the legislative session and spring beef checkoff programming, members were engaged by ACA President Terry Slaten regarding membership growth. During this discussion, information was shared about retaining members, recruiting new members and how county chapters already do activities in their communities. The board meeting also included the new Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YLCP) class as they learned about association business. Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you in August!

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION SUB-PERMIT

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

AADA

The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is now accepting applications for low interest loans intended to support meat and poultry processing businesses in Alabama. Loans can be used to purchase or construct new facilities, expand existing facilities, purchase new equipment, cover start-up costs and hire additional employees. 

Phase II applications are now open and will close June 14. For more information and loan application details, visit www.agi.alabama.gov/news/usda/mpilp.

CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST, TUNE IN TODAY! 

In January of this year, the Cattle Connect podcast hit streaming platforms to launch the 2024 season, and it airs weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. So far, this season has featured information on the history of the ACA, The MOOseum, ACA’s 2024 Legislative Priorities and recap, a convention recap, the SLE Rodeo’s unique mission, Spring culinary activities, youth event highlights and introductions to some of our association leaders. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first 16 episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is filling up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the summer months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Alabama Legislative Session Update

April held two key events for the association as it pertains to the legislature. First, on April 9, members of the Alabama BEEF PAC Club gathered for our 2024 “Steak & Spirits” Legislative Reception. A great turnout from both the House and Senate, the night buzzed with great fellowship between cattlemen and lawmakers. Then, in the morning hours of April 24, the Legislative Breakfast hosted a crowd for beef tenderloin prepared by ACA, omelets whipped up by our friends at Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, homemade biscuits by Sen. Gerald Allen and pancakes by Sen. Jack Williams and Sen. David Sessions.

Now, with only six more days to convene in the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session, here are some updates on legislation your ACA governmental affairs team has been following.

Livestock Fencing Tax Exemption

SB 73— which would exempt fencing materials purchased with the intent to contain livestock from sales and use taxes— has received final passage and is headed across the street to the Governor’s office for signature into law. The bill made it through the process with a few friendly amendments. Those amendments would (1) require purchasers to sign an affidavit at the time of sale verifying they are, in fact, livestock owners (2) cap gross sales to $25,000 per livestock owner annually and (3) place a sunset on the bill to review its overall impact in five fiscal years and either continue its function or “sunset it.” Thank you to our bill sponsors for their effort to see this through! They were Sen. Jack Williams in the Senate and Rep. Danny Crawford in the House.

Carcass Disposal

SB 202, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley, has moved quickly through the hallways of the State House. The legislation would amend disposal laws relating to deceased livestock to allow the Department of Agriculture and Industries Board to adopt rules for disposal as new technologies— such as composting and incineration— emerge. The Senate version now awaits a pick on the House Special Order Calendar, while its companion (HB 297 sponsored by Rep. Matthew Hammett) has also passed House Ag Committee and is awaiting its time on the House floor.

Livestock Liability

SB 164 sponsored by Sen. Randy Price would provide protections against liability for cattle producers who host events on their farm and opt to display defined signage, in the event of an accident. SB 164 has passed through the Senate and is moving through the House.

Real Property Tax Assessment

Rep. Phillip Pettus’ HB 73 and Sen. David Sessions’ companion bill, SB 110, are designed to cap ad valorem tax hikes on Class III (agricultural) properties in a given year during the county reappraisal process. Originally written with a 3% cap on Class III properties, a House floor amendment raised the cap to 7%, and it passed out of the House. Work is being done to negotiate amendments that would make this legislation more friendly to property owners.

As 2024 Alabama Legislative Session Sine Die approaches, the ACA governmental affairs team will have an eye on these pieces of legislation, and others, to protect the business climate of the beef industry in Alabama. If you ever have questions or concerns, please call our office and ask to speak with Erin Beasley or Kayla Greer.

BEEF 101

Beef 101 was attended by almost 100 high school students from seven different schools across Alabama during April! During this one-day, free class (thanks to the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program), attendees learn about beef production from pasture to plate, current industry hot topics and the role the cattle industry plays in Alabama’s economy. Additionally, a carcass fabrication demonstration educated students and teachers about where beef cuts come from and how to prepare them correctly. If you are a teacher or parent interested in bringing a group during the fall 2024 semester, please contact Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org or (334)265-1867 to get on the waitlist for fall dates.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

The ACA is aiming to go Over the Top again in 2024— help us get over 10,000 members! We are proud to report that as of today, we represent 8,647 members. We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

Remember, the Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is June 30. Also, the Spring Board is May 9. Board members, be sure to RSVP by May 3 to Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy.

County Meetings

As most counties across Alabama have held local chapter membership meetings, we encourage county leaders to send in updated officer information following the meeting. Submit the names and contact information of your county president and secretary to Jessica Kennedy so they can be added to our correspondence list for upcoming meetings and pertinent membership information!

Membership Mail Outs

The second (of three) membership remittance mail outs has hit mailboxes! County secretaries are encouraged to be on the lookout for those coming in and input them promptly to ensure that members continue to receive their exclusive benefits without lapse! 

NCBA Legislative Conference

Cattlemen leaders trekked to our nation’s Capitol this week to attend the 2024 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Legislative Conference and participate in federal advocacy efforts. While on the Hill, ACA officers Dr. Terry Slaten, Keith Glover and Wyatt Sasser joined staffer Erin Beasley and NCBA/ACA member Jim Riddle on office visits with Sen. Katie Britt, Sen. “Coach” Tommy Tuberville, Rep. Mike Rogers, Rep. Gary Palmer, Rep. Robert Aderholt, and the staffs of Rep. Terri Sewell and Rep. Barry Moore. While visiting, ACA leaders discussed current funding packages, Farm Bill priorities and tax policies important to cattlemen.

Alabama Junior and Senior High School BEEF COOK-OFF

20 students from across Alabama gathered to represent their counties during the 2024 Alabama Junior and Senior High School Beef Cook-off at the Riverchase Career Connection Center on April 12. While the judges sampled dishes, participants enjoyed two educational sessions pertaining to the beef industry. Chef Kenneth Moore of Jefferson State Culinary Institute welcomed students to the kitchen as he demonstrated methods of preparing a beef tenderloin while Regional Extension Agent Ali Gotcher gave a Pasture to Plate Beef Industry Overview. Jacob Fales of Fairview High School in Cullman County took home the Overall Best In Beef award with his dish – Best Filet Mignon.

Congratulations to all of our winners! If you are interested in hosting a county contest to determine a representative for the 2025 contest, please contact Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org or (334) 265-1867 for more information and resources.

2024 Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts

Save the date for 2024 Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts, coming to a location near you this summer! In addition to dinner and a state office update, this year’s events will feature Livestock Marketing Association’s Producer Profitability Initiative, a grassroots movement started and led by cattle producers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. Learn more and find the meeting nearest you: tinyurl.com/2024CattlemenCookouts

Meals are FREE to current ACA members. Guest plates are $25/adult, $15/child. RSVP now at tinyurl.com/Regional-Cookout-RSVP or by calling (334) 265-1867.

Southeast Alabama Agriculture Career Expo

Over 600 high school students from Geneva, Coffee, Houston, Dale, Covington, Crenshaw, Barbour, Henry, and Pike counties learned about the many occupations within the cattle industry and had the opportunity to discuss the importance of beef with an ACA representative as a part of the Southeast Alabama Agriculture Career Expo hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Landmark Park in Dothan on April 18.

ALABAMA BEEF CHECKOFF COUNCIL

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Council gathered for their first meeting of 2024 on April 4. During this meeting, council members learned more about the function of the national and state beef checkoff programs and received an update from staffers on the programs approved for 2024.  

Youth Production Field Days

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) held its North Alabama Spring Field Day on Wednesday, April 10 at the North Alabama Agri-Plex in Rainsville. Youth attendees enjoyed a BQA certification course, a roping demonstration and hands-on herd health activities. The south Alabama version of that same field day will be held in Andalusia on May 8 at the Covington Center Arena. Hop online and and get registered today! BamaBeef.org/FieldDay

Extension Workshops & Updates

Our friends at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System have quite the lineup of springtime and summer workshops. The East Alabama Beef and Forage Field Day will be held May 3 at EV Smith. This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff and will feature topics such as Cool Season Annual Ryegrass, Forage Variety Testing, Herbicide Options for Pastures and Hayfields, Weaning Research, Drought Monitoring for Cattlemen, and Invasive Wildlife. 

On April 18th, ACA hosted the Southeast Beef Quality Assurance “Train the Trainer” event. Extension educators from five states and Puerto Rico came to the ACA building for lectures, followed by a trip to CK Cattle for training on teaching BQA. 

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION SUB-PERMIT

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

AADA

The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is now accepting applications for low interest loans intended to support meat and poultry processing businesses in Alabama. Loans can be used to purchase or construct new facilities, expand existing facilities, purchase new equipment, cover start-up costs and hire additional employees. 

Phase II applications are now open and will close June 14. For more information and loan application details, visit www.agi.alabama.gov/news/usda/mpilp.

CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST, TUNE IN TODAY! 

The Cattle Connect podcast is proud to report that in less than 10 episodes, it has more than 1,000 listens! In January of this year, the Cattle Connect podcast hit streaming platforms to launch the 2024 season, and it airs weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. So far this season has featured information on the history of the ACA, The MOOseum, ACA’s 2024 Legislative Priorities, a convention recap, the SLE Rodeo’s unique mission, Spring culinary activities, youth event highlights and introductions to some of our association leaders. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first 12 episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the spring months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Report: Hay for Texas

Thanks to the generosity of individuals and county chapters, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) was able to send a monetary donation in the amount of $25,000 to a fund stood up by the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to assist cattlemen in the Texas Panhandle who have recently experience catastrophe in the wake of the largest wildfire this nation has ever seen. The path of devastation burned more than 1.5 million acres, with early reports indicating a loss of more than 7,000 cattle.

Following, on March 19, a partnership between the ACF, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) and Alabama Tucking Association (ATA) launched an effort to supply hay to Panhandle cattlemen in desperate need. With logistics being handled by ADAI and trucking services offered by members of the ATA, we set out to find hay— and WOW what a response! With 15-20 loads donated thus far, we are proud to report that as of today, four loads hauling 105 round bales of donated have already made the 1,000-mile trip to Borger, TX. Our hats off to, Alabama cattlemen. Thank you for your generosity! If you would like to learn more or donate, visit www.BamaBeef.org/TXrelief. 

Upcoming Junior Cattlemen Activities

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) will hold its North Alabama Spring Field Day on Wednesday, April 10 at the North Alabama Agri-Plex in Rainsville. Registration for that event is now live on the website— youth will enjoy a BQA certification course, a roping demonstration and hands-on herd health activities. Right on its heels will be the south Alabama version of that same field day in Andalusia on May 8 at the Covington Center Arena. Hop online and learn more about those events and get registered today! Register for the north Alabama event here: https://www.bamabeef.org/events/2024/field-day. 

Cattle Connect Podcast, Tune in Today! 

The Cattle Connect podcast is proud to report that in less than 10 episodes, it has more than 1,000 listens! In January of this year, the Cattle Connect podcast hit streaming platforms to launch the 2024 season, and it airs weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. So far this season has featured information on the history of the ACA, The MOOseum, ACA’s 2024 Legislative Priorities, a convention recap, the SLE Rodeo’s unique mission, Spring Culinary activities, and this week will feature information on upcoming youth activities. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform today to catch up on the first nine episodes and subscribe to get notifications when a new episode airs! 

Membership Report

The ACA is aiming to go Over the Top again in 2024— help us get over 10,000 members! We are proud to report that as of today, we represent 8,312 members, and growing more with each county annual meeting that takes place. We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

Remember, the Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is June 30. And believe us when we say that will be here before we know it! 

County Meetings

As most counties across Alabama have held local chapter membership meetings, we encourage county leaders to send in updated officer information following the meeting. Submit the names and contact information of your county president and secretary to Jessica Kennedy so they can be added to our correspondence list for upcoming meetings and pertinent membership information!

Membership Mail Outs

The second (of three) membership remittance mail outs will hit mailboxes in April. County secretaries are encouraged to be on the lookout for those coming in and input them promptly to ensure that members continue to receive their exclusive benefits without lapse! 

2024 Alabama Legislative Session Report

With more than half of the 30 legislative days burned, there are a number of hard-hitting topics that have made big movements through the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session, while several other high-importance packages, such as budgets, remain in the works. Below are status reports of bills that directly impact cattle producers and private landowners. Read more in the April edition of the Alabama Cattleman magazine.

Livestock Fencing Tax Exemption

SB 73 sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams would exempt fencing materials purchased with the intent to contain livestock from sales and use taxes, adding these materials to the expansive list of agricultural exemptions in the state such as feed, seed and fertilizer. With a goal of alleviating input costs on producers and joining the states around Alabama who have already enacted this legislation, the Senate version of the bill has passed out of its chamber, while the House version (HB 124) carried by Rep. Danny Crawford awaits its time in the House Ways and Means Education Committee.

Carcass Disposal

Conversations began in February among ACA and the Department of Agriculture and Industries about the current state law for approved dead animal disposal. From those conversations, Sen. Josh Carnley and Rep. Matthew Hammett were willing to carry legislation (SB 202 and HB 297, respectively) on the not-so-glamourous topic. The legislation would amend the existing code to allow the Department of Agriculture and Industries board to adopt rules for disposal. As it currently stands, burning and burial are the only approve means of carcass disposal in the state. Each bill has passed out of its respective committee and is up for pick on the special order calendar. 

Ban on Cell-Cultured Food Products

Now passed out of the Senate and House committee and awaiting its turn on the House special order calendar, SB 23 by Sen. Jack Williams would outright ban the manufacturing, sale or distribution of cell cultured food products in Alabama. Note: this does not pertain to plant-based protein products, only those products which are derived from the cells of animals. 

Real Property Tax Assessment

Private landowners rejoice at the notion of capping property tax hikes on reappraisal, which is the goal of Rep. Phillip Pettus’ HB 73 and Sen. David Sessions’ companion bill, SB 110. As originally written, these bills put a 3% cap on ad valorem tax hikes on Class III (agricultural) properties in a given year during the county reappraisal process; however, in committee, an amendment raised that percentage to 5% and was favorably passed. The House version of the bill now awaits its time on the House special order calendar, while a public hearing in Senate committee— where ACA’s Erin Beasley testified in favor of the proposed legislative— awaits favorable passage and time on the Senate floor. 

As we turn our eyes to the second half of the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session, the ACA governmental affairs team will have an eye on these pieces of legislation, and many others. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office and ask to speak with Erin Beasley or Kayla Greer.

Other Legislative Activities: FFA Day on the Hill and Tour of Mason Hills Farm

On March 19, more than 200 Alabama FFA Association members gathered in downtown Montgomery for FFA Day on the Hill. The ACA had the pleasure to host 75 of those students for a program at the Cattlemen’s Building. Guest speakers included Attorney General Steve Marshall, Sen. Josh Carnley, Sen. Donnie Chesteen, Rep. Jamie Kiel and Rep. Van Smith, as well as several stakeholder partners. 

Then on March 26, during the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session Spring Break, lawmakers joined ACA and Department of Ag staff in Grand Bay, AL (Mobile County) for a unique opportunity! The group enjoyed a tour of Mason Hills Farm and Processing Facility, complete with a local beef lunch. Joining us for the tour was Sen. David Sessions, Rep. Chip Brown, Sen. Jack Williams and Rep. Jennifer Fidler. Special thanks to Mason Hills owner Joey Mason for his hospitality and for sharing his story with lawmakers! 

2024 Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cookoff

The 2024 Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cook-off will take place on Friday, April 12, at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Academy at Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3) in Birmingham, AL. In order to qualify for the state competition, contestants must have won a county competition. Please contact ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones if you are interested in hosting a county beef cook-off. More information, including rules and registration, can be found by clicking here.

Spring Culinary & Nutrition Season

ALDA Conference

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program partnered with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association through their Nutrition Seminar Program to sponsor Melissa Joy Dobbins as a guest speaker for the annual Alabama Dietetic Association’s Annual Meeting in Montgomery, March 20-22, 2024. She is an active advocate for the agriculture industry and guilt-free food consumption in many nutrition spaces, particularly through her well-known podcast, Sound Bites. Her participation in Montgomery allowed nutritionists to practice their critical thinking skills, specifically pertaining to agriculture-related food safety conversations. She also hosted a workshop for dietetic students to practice their communication skills. 

FCCLA

Thanks to the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program, Alabama Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) was able to utilize beef as the entrée feature for its 2024 Culinary Arts Contest. The Checkoff Program also provided a sponsorship for the Food Innovations and Leadership competitions in Montgomery during the Alabama FCCLA State Leadership Conference March 7-8. 

ProStart Invitational

The Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association hosted its annual ProStart Invitational in Orange Beach March 3-4. The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program presented the Best Beef Dish award to Gulf Shores High School. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about beef production and create their own steak rub for use in the classroom. 

BEEF 101

Beef 101 slots are full for the Spring 2024 semester! If you are a teacher or parent interested in bringing a group during the Fall 2024 semester, please contact Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org or (334)265-1867 to get on the waitlist for Fall dates. Beef 101 is an educational program hosted at Auburn University and sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. During the one-day, free class, attendees will hear from producers, veterinarians, and meat lab employees during pasture to plate, animal care, and carcass fabrication demonstrations. It is open to high school culinary and agriculture programs, collegiate culinary programs, homeschool groups or anyone else looking to learn more about the beef industry and the steps required to take cattle from the pasture to the plate. 

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Steak Cookoff

The inaugural Beef It’s What’s For Dinner Steak Cookoff was held at BBQ-Hill in Pike Road on March 23. Competitors traveled from across the United States and several other countries to compete in this Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Alabama Beef Checkoff Program sponsored event. Divisions included biscuits, all-beef hotdogs, meatballs, steak A and steak B.

2024 SLE Rodeo Recap

The 2024 SLE Rodeo & Livestock Week was incredibly successful and even larger than before! The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) exists to support youth who are involved in agriculture. Thanks to the tremendous support from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI), the SLE was able to make an impact on countless youth through its scholarship program for young rodeo athletes and agriculturally driven students.

After the Saturday night rodeo performance, the SLE teamed up with Wind Creek and gave the chance for one cowboy to earn $10,000 in 8 seconds. If he could ride his bounty bull until the buzzer, he would get to go home with the cash. Unfortunately for him, he was not able to cover the bull. Wind Creek still had $10,000 to give and made the decision to donate it to support the beneficiary of our 2024 SLE Miracle Rodeo: MANE (Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians)!

Over 430 FFA, 4-H, and Collegiate students traveled from Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and across Alabama to mark their cards during the 9th Annual SLE Youth Livestock Judging Contest at the Garrett Coliseum! To view a full list of winners, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2024SLELivestockJudgingWinners

Nearly 250 exhibitors brought their best to the show ring for the Junior Livestock Expo which featured dairy, beef, and swine! A special thanks goes out to our friends at the Alabama Farmers Federation for producing an outstanding show for these young people to be a part of. To view the full list of winners, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2024SLEJLEWinners

The SLE kicked off the Youth Rodeo Weekend by welcoming the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) ProStaff in on Friday morning to host a free Rodeo Skills Camp for anyone ages 8-18 to attend. After that, almost 300 youth rodeo athletes showed up to compete at the 2024 SLE Youth Rodeo Showdown. This was three days full of youth rodeo in the Garrett Coliseum! To view the all-around winners, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2024SLEYouthRodeoWinners

New to the schedule this year was the SLE 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl, Speech, and Presentation Contest! The SLE was proud to offer trophy buckles to the winners of each division! These young people did an outstanding job demonstrating their knowledge of horses while speaking to a large audience. The future of agriculture is a bright one! Thank you to Alabama 4-H Horse Project, ACES and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries for partnering with us to provide this opportunity.

The SLE also kept the W.O. Crawford Arena busy during the SLE Rodeo & Livestock Week with a three-day team roping produced by Allen’s Roping Productions, a Cowboy Stock Horse Show produced by the Alabama Stock Horse Association, and a Ranch Horse Jackpot produced by Benson Performance Horses.

This year, the SLE Rodeo celebrated 10 years with Frontier Rodeo Company as the stock contractor! They currently hold the tile of 9X PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year, and SLE was thrilled to welcome them back into the arena! They drew top talent to the 2024 SLE Rodeo such as Statler, Spencer, Stuart, and Rusty Wright (saddle bronc) and also countless NFR rough stock qualifiers like Chase Brooks, (saddle bronc), Wyatt Casper (saddle bronc),  Sage Newman (saddle bronc), Tanner Aus (bareback), and Ernie Courson (bull riding). Other NFR qualifiers who competed include Joe Beaver (team roper), Sherry Cervi (barrel racing), Sissy Winn (barrel racing), Margo Crowther (barrel racing), Kyle Irwin (steer wrestling), Will Lummus (steer wrestling), Marcus Theriot (tie-down roping), Macon Murphy (tie-down roping), among many others. We are so proud to bring you the best in ProRodeo right here in Montgomery, AL! To view the complete list of winners, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2024SLERodeoWinners

Thank you to all who had a hand in making this event possible, and thank you to all who attended to enjoy the show! Your participation is key in supporting our mission: to support youth involved in agriculture.

Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the spring months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

81st Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show Recap

If you joined us in Huntsville last weekend, you were one of 810 attendees who experienced the Bama Beef Meet in person, and we want to say thank you for coming! The event hosted an excellent trade show, exceptional guest speakers, important business, delicious food, a grand ole time, and a moment to pause and honor our past while celebrating the future! Keep reading for the complete rundown. 

Friday’s events kicked off with a Board of Directors Meeting, followed by a luncheon keynoted by Secretary of State Wes Allen. After lunch, the trade show opened its doors as attendees flooded the exhibit space. Then later in the afternoon, we welcomed quite the crowd to General Session 1 as we heard from Dr. Josh Clevenger with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. We then shifted gears into the evening entertainment as a Happy Hour prepared guests for an evening of fun at the Buckles & Bids Banquet featuring the 2024 Alabama BEEF PAC Auction where our generous buyers, donors, auctioneer Cracker Johnson and hardworking ringmen raised more than $31,400 to benefit pro-agriculture candidates in Alabama’s legislature. It was quite the night! 

The fun didn’t stop there as Saturday kicked off bright and early with a Sunrise Breakfast, followed by the Annual Membership Meeting. At that meeting, we honored outgoing Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) Don Lyles, Wyatt Sasser, Joe Sellers and Bill Walding for their three years of outstanding service; and we welcomed four new RVPs into the role. They are David Walker, Marshall County; Charlie Whetzel, Bullock County; Jamar Ivey, Houston County; and Ray Hilburn, Crenshaw County. In addition to RVPs, Joe Bradley of Randolph County was named an Honorary Lifetime Director, while a new slate of officers was brought forth by the nominating committee and elected without a dissenting vote from the membership. They are Dr. Terry Slaten of Cullman County, president; Keith Glover of Hale County, president-elect; Wyatt Sasser, vice president; and Richard Meadows of Houston County, treasurer. 

Following the Annual Membership Meeting, members settled into their seats to enjoy a federal update from NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart, followed by a trip to the trade show. At noon, the annual Cattlemen’s Luncheon welcomed Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth to the podium as he updated the crowd about initiatives out of his office. Then the afternoon boasted more time in the trade show, two excellent Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges and some networking time among cattlemen. To wrap up the weekend, the 2024 Cattlemen’s Heritage Banquet honored our past while celebrating the future. In addition to graduating the tenth class of Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) students and hosting a Changing of the Guard officer ceremony, the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame also inducted two new members into its ranks. They are Dave Maples, executive vice president of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association who hails from Maples Stock Farm in Elkmont, AL, and Tim Whitley of Whitley Red Angus in Horton, AL. The Alabama CattleWomen’s Association also honored Shelby Easterling as their 2024 ACWA Hall of Honor Inductee. Congratulations to all! 

With a very tired- yet fulfilled- staff, we headed back to Montgomery on Sunday after enjoying an excellent weekend with members from each of Alabama’s 67 counties! Thanks to all who joined us and be sure to save the dates for 2025— February 21-22,m— in Birmingham, AL. We can’t wait to see you there!

For an overview of what was said at the mic by Secretary Allen, Lt. Gov. Ainsworth, and Mary-Thomas Hart, be sure to tune into the Cattle Connect podcast this Friday, March 1 as they’ll recap their discussions in-studio with host Kayla Greer. 

2024 SLE Rodeo, Coming to Town!

The SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week officially kicks off next week! For a full rundown of all events happening on the Garrett Coliseum grounds, please visit www.SLERodeo.com/events. Make plans to join us for the ProRodeo March 15-17! Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance so you can skip the long lines and move right on inside to visit with vendors and grab a bite to eat before the rodeo performance begins. Ticketing information is outlined on www.SLERodeo.com/tickets. We can’t wait to see you there!

Cattle Connect Podcast, Tune in Today! 

In January, the Cattle Connect podcast hit airwaves to launch the 2024 season, so tune in weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. So far this season has featured information on the history of the ACA, The MOOseum, ACA’s 2024 Legislative Priorities, and this week, we will highlight our convention speakers as they re-hash their convention discussions in studio with host Kayla Greer. 

Membership Report

The ACA is aiming to go Over the Top again in 2024— help us get over 10,000 members! As we have entered a new membership year, we are proud to report that as of February 28, we represent 7,508 members and growing more with each county annual meeting that takes place. We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

Remember, the Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is June 30. And believe us when we say that will be here before we know it! 

Membership Prizes Awarded

At Convention, we were thrilled to award our 2023 Top Hand recruitment prizes. The top recruiter was Dr. Terry Slaten of Cullman County, and was awarded ten 12’ Priefert panels, donated by our friends at Fuller Supply Company and Priefert Ranch Equipment. The winner of the John Deere Gator was Johnathan Underwood of Colbert County— congrats on your new ride! Also, all 35 counties who went Over the Top by the end of 2023 were in a drawing for the Priefert Squeeze Chute, also donated by Fuller Supply and Priefert Ranch Equipment. The winner of that chute was Conecuh County, who by a major stroke of good luck and hard work was also the winner of the Priefert Head Gate for the highest percentage increase of members in 2023. What a haul!!

County Meetings

We need to know about your county meetings in more ways than one. First, we need to know when it will be! Please send the date, time, and location information to ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy so we can list your upcoming meeting in the magazine and on our online events calendar. Second, following the meeting, we need to know about leadership changes. Submit the names and contact information of your county president and secretary also to Jessica Kennedy so they can be added to our correspondence list! 

2024 Alabama Legislative Session

The 2024 Alabama Legislative Session gaveled in on Tuesday, February 6, kicking off the busiest 105 days in downtown Montgomery. While big topics such as school choice, gambling and workforce development have ruled the hallways of the State House, the ACA’s legislative priorities will remain on task. ACA’s team of lobbyists will be focused on budget priorities in both the General Fund and Education Trust Fund (ETF) relating to animal disease traceability and youth livestock programs as well as working to pass a sales tax exemption on livestock fencing materials. Keep reading to get a look into bills of interest so far this session, but first let’s look at a few of the packages that are taking up a lot of attention in the State House.

Gaming

A comprehensive gaming package landed in the House right out of the gate. This included a Constitutional Amendment (HB151) and the enabling legislation (HB152), which—as introduced— would make way for a statewide lottery, the licensing of casinos and the legalization of sports betting on smartphones. The constitutional amendment required a three-fifths vote out of each chamber— which has been achieved in the House— to pass. The package came up in Senate committee this week and was carried over for a vote at a later time. The ACA does not have policy to support a position on gaming, so monitoring the movement and conversation around this legislation is our only objective.  

School Choice

No stranger to the State House— especially after the 2023 Legislative Session— the topic of school choice is back for another round as a priority of the Governor’s office and has been coined the CHOOSE Act. Like gaming, the ACA has no policy on the matter of school choice and is not engaging.

Now let’s move into topics that directly impact the livestock sector.

Livestock Fencing Tax Exemption

Moving into the agriculture-specific bills, the first in the hopper for the ACA is SB73, which is being carried by Sen. Jack Williams in the Senate with a companion bill being carried in the House by Rep. Danny Crawford. This bill would exempt fencing materials— wooden posts, T-posts, barbed wire, net wire, etc.— purchased for the purpose of holding livestock from sales and use taxes. If passed, this piece of legislation would add those materials to the list of pre-existing ag exemptions in the state such as feed, seed and fertilizer. As of Wednesday, Feb. 28, the bill received a favorable committee report and is awaiting the opportunity to come up on the Senate floor. 

Cell-Cultured Food Products Ban

Also pertinent to the agricultural industry is SB23 carried by Sen. Jack Williams. If passed, this bill would outright ban the manufacturing, sale or distribution of cell cultured food products. On Feb. 15, this bill has passed overwhelmingly out of the Senate and was brought up for discussion in today’s House Health Committee.

Property Tax Caps on Reappraisal

Linked directly to landownership, Rep. Phillip Pettus is carrying HB73 and Senator David Sessions with the Senate version, SB 110. These bills, put a 3% cap on ad valorum tax hikes in a given year on Class III (agricultural) properties during the county reappraisal process. As of today, Rep. Pettus’ version has been discussed in committee and was carried over for a vote to be held next week.

While this does not cover all the ACA governmental affairs team is watching— such as budget line items in both the General Fund and Educational Trust Fund pertaining to agriscience education, animal disease traceability, and conservation programs— the aforementioned pieces of legislation are spiking highest on the radar at the session kickoff. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office and ask to speak with Executive Vice President Erin Beasley or Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs Kayla Greer. 

2024 ALABAMA JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BEEF COOK-OFF

The 2024 Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cook-off will take place on Friday, April 12, at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Academy at Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3) in Birmingham, AL. In order to qualify for the state competition, contestants must have won a county competition. Please contact ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones if you are interested in hosting a county beef cook-off. Registration for the statewide cook-off closes March 4. More information, including rules and registration, can be found by clicking here.

Upcoming Junior Cattlemen Events

The Alabama Junior Beef Expo will be held March 14-16 in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo. Junior cattlemen from across the state will come to Montgomery to exhibit their projects. More information on the show can be found online at JrLivestockExpo.com. 

Registration is also open for the 9th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Youth & Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest on Wednesday, March 6 in Montgomery, AL. Interested teams can learn more and register online here: https://www.slerodeo.com/events/2024/judging-contest. 

Register for Beef 101

There are still spots available in the Beef 101 program this semester! Beef 101 is an educational program hosted at Auburn University and sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. During the one-day, free class, attendees will hear from producers, veterinarians, and meat lab employees during pasture to plate, animal care, and carcass fabrication demonstrations. It is open to high school culinary and agriculture programs, collegiate culinary programs, homeschool groups or anyone else looking to learn more about the beef industry and the steps required to take cattle from the pasture to the plate. Click here to learn more or register. 

ALDA Conference

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program is working with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association through their Nutrition Seminar Program to sponsor Melissa Joy Dobbins as a guest speaker for the annual Alabama Dietetic Association’s Annual Meeting in Montgomery, March 20-22, 2024. She is an active advocate for the agriculture industry and guilt-free food consumption in many nutrition spaces, particularly through her well-known podcast, Sound Bites. Her participation in Montgomery will allow nutritionists and dieticians from across Alabama to learn about the role of lean beef in a healthy diet. 

Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the spring months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

81st Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show

Make plans to join us for the 81st annual ACA Convention & Trade Show February 23-24, 2024 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL. In addition to vast networking opportunities, banquets featuring delicious beef meals and the Alabama beef industry’s largest trade show, the event will provide educational workshops, youth competitions and industry meetings. This year’s featured speakers include Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, who will keynote the Cattlemen’s Luncheon, as well as Mary-Thomas Hart, who serves as Chief Counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Mary-Thomas is a litigation warhorse for NCBA, taking on some of our industry’s toughest challenges such as the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, voluntary conservation issues and, most recently, Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). Also joining us will be Secretary of State Wes Allen and Dr. Josh Clevenger of the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology. 

While the 2024 event will bring back old favorites, it also welcomes some *NEW* features to the event, including: a Friday Evening Happy Hour, a Saturday Sunrise Breakfast Buffett, a Junior Do-It-All Registration option, Youth Scholarship Competitions on FRIDAY instead of Saturday, and more! Get registered today at https://cvent.me/R1d94g. Last but not least, if you’d like to be a trade show vendor, get more information here » https://cvent.me/NlozmM. 

We’ll see you in the Rocket City on Feb. 23-24, 2024! 

Cattle Connect Podcast, Tune in Today! 

The ACA is proud to bring its newest membership communication tool to life, a podcast! On January 19, the Cattle Connect podcast hit airwaves to launch the 2024 season, so tune in weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM as staff discusses beef industry news and explores the many facets of the ACA! This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast.

Membership Report

The ACA is aiming to go Over the Top again in 2024— help us get over 10,000 members! As we have entered a new membership year, we are proud to report that as of January 31, we represent 6,437 members and growing more with each county annual meeting that takes place. We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you! 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

Remember, the Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is June 30. And believe us when we say that will be here before we know it! We are also looking forward to awarding our 2023 Top Hand recruitment prizes during the upcoming ACA Convention & Trade Show. The top recruiter will be awarded ten 12″ Priefert panels, donated by our friends at Fuller Supply Company and Priefert Ranch Equipment. New members and their recruiter’s name will go into the drawing for a John Deere Gator, and all 35 counties who went Over the Top by the end of 2023 are in a drawing for the Priefert Squeeze Chute, also donated by Fuller Supply and Priefert Ranch Equipment. Remember, a representative from the winning county must be present at the drawing in order to win. If there is no representation present at the meeting, another county will be drawn. Stay tuned for our winners!

County Meetings

We need to know about your county meetings in more ways than one. First, we need to know when it will be! Please send the date, time, and location information to ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy so we can list your upcoming meeting in the magazine and on our online events calendar. Second, following the meeting, we need to know about leadership changes. Submit the names and contact information of your county president and secretary also to Jessica, so they can be added to our state correspondence list.

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Class XI- Apps Now Open! 

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class XI applications are now available online and will close March 17. The YCLP is funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff and serves to develop young leaders in the state cattle industry. There will be six (6) YCLP sessions for a select group of young cattlemen between the ages of 22 and 40 looking to take on more leadership and responsibility within the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and its county affiliates. Participants will network with other young cattlemen, tour diverse cattle operations, and develop advocacy and leadership skills as it relates to beef cattle production— all while learning more about the industry we represent. Applications and additional program details can be found at www.BamaBeef.org/YCLP, or by contacting YCLP Coordinator Reid McGuire at 334-265-1867.

The YCLP Advisory Council is also accepting applications for alumni of classes 5, 6, 8 and 10. The application and further information can be found at www.BamaBeef.org/Council.

2024 ALABAMA JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BEEF COOK-OFF

The Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cook-off is in the works! The 2024 state contest will take place on Friday, April 12 at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Academy at Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3) in Birmingham, AL. In order to qualify for the state competition, contestants must have won a county competition. Please contact ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones if you are interested in hosting a county beef cook-off. Registration for the statewide cook-off closes March 4. More information, including rules and registration, can be found by clicking here.

Upcoming Junior Cattlemen Events

Registration is now open for Youth Scholarship Contests at the 81st Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show on Friday, February 23 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL. Contest entry is FREE, and scholarship prizes will be awarded for winners in Public Speaking, Career Development and Quiz Bowl competitions. Interested youth ages 9-21 can learn more and register online or on-site at the convention in Huntsville. The 2024 Youth Scholarship Contests are sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Registration is also open for the 9th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Youth & Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest on Wednesday, March 6 in Montgomery, AL. Interested teams can learn more and register online here. 

2024 Alabama Legislative Session

The 2024 Alabama Legislative Session will gavel in on Tuesday, February 6, kicking off the busiest 105 days in downtown Montgomery. While big topics such as school choice, gambling and workforce development will rule the chambers of the State House, the ACA’s legislative priorities will remain on task. ACA’s team of lobbyists will be focused on budget priorities in both the General Fund and Education Trust Fund (ETF) relating to animal disease traceability and youth livestock programs as well as working to pass a sales tax exemption on livestock fencing materials. This bill is prefiled in the 2024 Session as SB6 and is sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams of Mobile County. Tune into the Cattle Connect next Friday, February 9 as Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer will discuss these priorities more in depth. 

Register for Beef 101

Beef 101 Registration for Spring 2024 is open! This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff and offers free industry educational sessions at the Auburn University Beef Teaching Unit and Meats Lab for high school and college culinary students, high school agriculture groups, and influential culinary individuals. To learn more or register, please visit tinyurl.com/2024beef101.

2024 SLE Rodeo, Coming to Town!

The SLE Rodeo is right around the corner! Join us at the Garrett Coliseum March 15-17 for the SLE PRCA Rodeo. The SLE has countless other events happening on the grounds that we would love for you to be a part of (especially our three-day team roping, ranch horse weekend, cowboy church, and free country concert). We also hope to see ACA families on site to compete in and support the Junior Livestock Exposition. Check out the event schedule on www.SLERodeo.com for complete details of the SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week. We can’t wait to see you there!

2024 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN OF ALABAMA VISIT ACA

The ACA welcomed the 2024 competitors of the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of Alabama program to the ACA building in January. Each year, we introduce the young ladies to our state’s beef cattle industry through a delicious beef meal, brief educational discussion and a tour of The MOOseum. Special thanks to these ladies, and the DYW state committee, for stopping by!

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the spring months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram or tune into the Cattle Connect Podcast.

REGISTER FOR ACA CONVENTION

Make plans to join us for the 81st annual ACA Convention & Trade Show February 23-24, 2024 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL. In addition to vast networking opportunities, banquets featuring delicious beef meals and the Alabama beef industry’s largest trade show, the event will provide educational workshops, youth competitions and industry meetings. This year’s featured speakers include Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, who will keynote the Cattlemen’s Luncheon, and Mary-Thomas Hart, who serves as Chief Counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Mary-Thomas is a litigation warhorse for NCBA, taking on some of our industry’s toughest challenges including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, voluntary conservation issues and, most recently, Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). Also joining the General Session speaker lineup is Dr. Josh Clevenger, a researcher at the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology.

While the 2024 event will bring back old favorites, it also welcomes some *NEW* features to the event, including: a Friday Evening Happy Hour, a Saturday Sunrise Breakfast Buffet, a Junior Do-It-All Registration option, Youth Scholarship Competitions on FRIDAY instead of Saturday, and more!

Get registered today at https://cvent.me/R1d94g and find lodging information at https://cvent.me/gvYZYZ. Last but not least, if you’d like to be a trade show vendor, get more information here » https://cvent.me/NlozmM.

We’ll see you in the Rocket City on Feb. 23-24, 2024! 

YCLP Council Advocates in DC

Members of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Council joined ACA staff for an advocacy trip to Washington DC earlier in the month. While in town, council members enjoyed a tour of Capitol Hill lead by Heather Moore, wife of Congressman Barry Moore, and an issues briefing with the staff at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Center for Public Policy.

Following, the young leaders took to the Hill for visits with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Sen. Katie Britt, Rep. Mike Rogers, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Dale Strong, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Jerry Carl and Rep. Terri Sewell. Advocacy efforts included encouraging continued funding for voluntary conservation and risk management programs in the Farm Bill and widened allowances for black vulture depredation. The crew also advocated against the importation of fresh beef product from Paraguay— as the country does not uphold scientifically-based standards for containing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)— as well as the use of agricultural land in permanent land conversation efforts.

In addition to the advocacy efforts, council members also enjoyed networking with young cattlemen from Mississippi, who joined the crew in DC.

2024 Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan Approved

The 2024 Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan was approved by the Beef Checkoff Council in December, outlining priorities for funding for the upcoming year. The program areas include consumer outreach, producer programs, youth development and operations. As Beef Checkoff collections remain strong— due to drought and pricing— the council approved a budget of $595,000  for National Checkoff programs and $658,500  for State Beef Checkoff programs.

Beef Checkoff dollars are collected on a $1/head basis at the point of sale for all cattle. These funds are then executed across a variety of program areas (listed above) to increase beef demand, educate producers and youth, and fund industry-driven research. The marketing plan can be accessed on the website by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/Checkoff.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

The ACA is Over the Top in 2023! Representing more than 10,100 members, we are grateful for the grassroots efforts that got us to our goal of 10,000 members. 

Membership Deadlines to Remember

The membership recruitment deadline is December 22, this Friday! The top recruiter will be awarded ten 12″ Priefert panels, donated by our friends at Fuller Supply Company and Priefert Ranch Equipment. Also, new members recruited will go into the drawing for a John Deere Gator and your name will be entered for each new member you recruit. Don’t forget, all counties who go Over the Top by year end will go into the drawing for the Priefert Squeeze Chute, also donated by Fuller Supply and Priefert Ranch Equipment. Get those memberships entered or sent to the office by the deadline to count!

County Meetings

We need your county meeting dates ASAP if you would like them to run in the magazine. This is the easiest way to get the word out to your members! Send the date, time, and location information to ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy. We’ve already received a long list of upcoming county meetings! Check it out here.

NCBA Launches Estate Tax Survey for Cattle Producers

NCBA is launching a survey of our members and affiliates to gather information on the impact of the federal estate tax, also known as the Death Tax, and other certain tax provisions used in their estate planning and business operations. While some cattle producers receive relief from the estate tax and certain businesses tax provisions secured in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that relief is not permanent. Beginning in 2026, only estates valued less than $5 million (adjusted for inflation) will be exempt from the federal estate tax, exposing many producers to greater risks of facing the 40% estate tax. Likewise, many of the business tax provisions NCBA advocated for in 2017 are set to expire at the end of 2025. NCBA will conduct the tax survey through the end of 2023 and use the survey information to advocate for tax relief for the next two years leading up to the scheduled tax hikes. 

In addition to your participation in the tax survey, NCBA is also seeking your personal stories detailing issues with the Death Tax and highlighting some of the problems you have faced with other sections of the tax code. In the lead up to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, NCBA launched the Cattlemen for Tax Reform campaign which included stories about how harmful the Death Tax can be. These stories helped secure estate tax relief for our members, and NCBA is using the same strategy again as we fight the estate tax and push for greater relief. Cattle producers face different tax burdens than the average American family, and we need your assistance with these stories so we can show Congress once again, how burdensome the estate tax can be to farmers and ranchers.

You can fill out the survey by clicking here.

YCLP Class XI— Apps Open Soon!

Online applications will open in January for those interested in participating the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class XI. Created for young cattlemen ages 22-40, the program is designed to give a deeper understanding of the association, the various industry sectors, and personal leadership skills— all while networking with colleagues from across the state. More information about the program and the application will be available online at www.BamaBeef.org/YCLP. 

SLE NEws

December was a busy month for the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE)! Leadership flew out to Las Vegas for the PRCA Convention prior to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) where they networked with others in the industry and were recognized by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) for winning 2^nd Place in the Southeastern Circuit for the Justin Best Footing Award. This award is voted on by the WPRA to celebrate rodeo committees that go above and beyond to ensure safe and consistent ground for the cowgirls to compete on.

As the week progressed, more SLE membership arrived to the bright lights of Las Vegas – including Miss SLE Rodeo Ada Grace Stacey. Ada Grace attended the Miss Rodeo America pageant to cheer on Miss Rodeo Alabama Ashton Libel. Ada Grace was dressed in title and therefore selected to assist the state queens on stage during the Miss Rodeo America Bucks for Bags Auction. Both queens represented our state well!

Another big accomplishment for the SLE is their deeper involvement with the PRCA. SLE sponsored one round of contestant hospitality at the NFR which provided the chance to network one on one with contestants in hopes of drawing more “big names” to Montgomery in March.

After wrapping up in Vegas, the SLE joined together once more to watch the final round of the NFR at the Wetumpka Civic Center at the first ever SLE NFR Watch Party! We are proud to say that several of those who were named world champions that night have graced the dirt in Montgomery! 

For your chance to see the top talent in the PRCA right here at the Garrett Coliseum, be sure to snag your tickets to the SLE Rodeo by visiting www.SLERodeo.com/tickets. Don’t forget to check out the event schedule on the website so you don’t miss out on any opportunities during the SLE Rodeo & Livestock Week. We hope to see you at the SLE Rodeo March 15-17, 2024! Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at the SLE!

black vulture legislation IN congress

This month, the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 was introduced in Congress and was co-sponsored by Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville. This act aims to allow farmers and ranchers the right to protect their newborn livestock from black vultures without burdensome government interference. The legislation provides regulatory relief by allowing farmers and ranchers to take black vultures any time the birds threaten their livestock without a depredation permit. Currently, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) operates a pilot program that allows state entities, including Alabama, to register for a master permit and disburse sub-permits to livestock producers to safely depopulate black vultures, but this practice creates a patchwork of state regulations whereas a federal permit program would streamline program ease and transparency for producers.

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

Merry Christmas

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and The MOOseum will be closed Monday, December 25- Tuesday, January 2 to observe the holidays. From all of the herd here at the ACA, we hope you and your family have a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading this month’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.