Well, we’re halfway through September, and it is still hotter than blue blazes. On the plus side, maybe that means we can enjoy fall temperatures that much more when they do arrive, right? Unlike fall weather, fall calves have arrived and are starting to hit the ground across Alabama. We so enjoy this time of year alongside you as their tiny silhouettes begin to paint Alabama’s farmscapes. It’s a beautiful time.
We’re also gearing up for a delicious time as October Beef Month is just weeks away. There’s so much beefy goodness coming our way that we can’t wait to share with you, so stay tuned an continue to learn more about what’s happening at the ACA…
ACA Hosts obesity task force
This week the ACA office hosted the Alabama Obesity Task Force to begin developing its State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. The day was filled with great discussion on what we as a state can do to combat obesity and educate consumers on how to live a healthy lifestyle. ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell welcomed the group, discussed beef’s role in a healthy lifestyle and had the opportunity to explain the role that the ACA plays within the beef industry and how our programs impact education in health and nutrition.
A Visit to North Alabama Stockyards
On Monday, ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Programs Michael 
Agar joined Phil Campbell High School agriscience students and their teach, Franklin County Cattleman Caleb Beason, on a trip to Northwest Alabama Livestock in Russellville where the group enjoyed the sale and heard from industry leaders including Agar on the ACA’s role in Alabama’s beef cattle industry. While at the yard, Agar also had the opportunity to present owners with customized Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner signage, sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Great job to Caleb and his class for having such a beef-focused field day!
After leaving Phil Campbell, Michael headed east to Fort Payne Stockyard where he enjoyed the last sale to be hosted under its current owners, Glean and Mary Plunkett.
ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS- NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation provides over $70,000 annually to 
qualified high school and collegiate students, courtesy of funds raised through the purchase of the Cowboy vanity car tag and generous endowments. Scholarship applications for the 2019-2020 school year are NOW AVAILABLE online at BamaBeef.org/Scholarship. To go along with last year’s addition of the Martha Davis Service Award, this year we are proud to introduce the John Williams Memorial Scholarship memorializing the life of a dedicated auctioneer to Alabama’s livestock industry.
Applications will close at midnight on November 1. Visit www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarship to review application requirements and to apply today!
Fall BEEF 101 Programs Kick Off
On Thursday, ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell will be traveling to Auburn to host a BEEF 101 for Lawson State University students and a group of our own cattlemen members. A little over 50 participants are expected to be there to learn more about raising cattle and the fabrication process.
In tow will be ACA Director of Social Media & Communications Kayla Greer as she joins in on the BEEF 101 program in the morning, then breaks away after lunch to lead a Bull Ad Workshop with the Beef Cattle Management class at Auburn. Special thanks to George Richburg and Dr. Sonia Bachamp for inviting us to participate in the discussion on how to market beef animals using print advertisements.
THE COUNTY LEADER RUN-DOWN
As we approach a busy time of year for counties, Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy wants to be sure you’re prepared and that all communication lines are open to make this the most successful year for county annual meetings and events yet!
County Meeting Scheduling
Please EMAIL JESSICA your county meeting information (time, date, location, etc.) and anyone you request to speak/attend whether it be a staff member or state officer. If you would like for this information to appear in the magazine, it must be sent to Jessica by the 15th of the previous month!
Mailouts – Postcards/Letters
If you need a mailout done please let Jessica know 1-2 weeks prior to the actual date the mailout needs to go in the mail, not two weeks from the date of the meeting.
Supplies
If you need supplies such as napkins and placemats prior to your meeting, please email Jessica the number of members you anticipate, and she will ship them to you. Local counties may pick them up here at the ACA building.
Reports
REPORTS ARE COMPLETED! If you are your county’s president or secretary and would like access to your county’s report, contact Jessica Kennedy to get your login and password information. We’re thrilled to have this project complete just in time for meeting season!
Leadership Changes
County secretaries, it is your responsibility to make sure you send Jessica Kennedy the changes to your county leadership after your county meetings. Jessica has to change these on mailing lists, in the magazine, online, etc. and needs all contact information – name, address, phone number and the very important email addresses! Email is how we send a majority of our information. If this information is not updated here at the ACA, then those officers are not getting the information they need and we have no line of communication.
October Beef Month Supplies
ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell introduced the reading book for our Cowboys in the Classroom program called “My Family’s Beef Farm.” Cowboys in the Classroom is an opportunity for producers to visit their local classrooms and educate youth about the beef they consume and where it comes from. One book will be donated to the library of the school for future access to the students. There has also been an addition to the Cowboys in the Classroom program where county leaders can also provide a Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner Coloring and Activity Book. These are two separate books that you can provide to the classroom for the students to enjoy. If you want to participate in the Cowboys in the Classroom Program in your county, please let Ali know how many schools you plan to attend so she can send you these books in time for October.
Beef Throughout Alabama in October
You may notice beef popping up everywhere throughout our great state in October. Whether it’s your magazine, your cell phone, your TV or your social media accounts, your checkoff dollars are going to work to get beef at centerstage throughout October Beef Month. We’ve been working this week with the popular consumer app, Ibotta, to develop a beef coupon for October. We’ve met with TV stations to have beef featured in news segments. We’ve typed up some beefy articles for the October Alabama Cattleman magazine, and we’ve got beef-centric events planned throughout the entire month. Be on the lookout next month, but you shouldn’t have to look too hard!!