While our cattlemen are busy keeping cattle fed through the ups-and-downs of this temperamental weather, your state ACA staff is busy planning our upcoming Convention, making preparations to attend the NCBA convention next week and getting rodeo plans finalized…all while maintaining the day-to-day office tasks. It’s a busy time to be in the cattle business, but it’s always a good time.
Keep reading to follow all that’s going on around the Cattlemen’s Building this week.
CAPITAL CITY STAMPEDE- 74TH ANNUAL ACA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
Convention is only 21 days away, and it’s doors are open to anyone!! Make sure to get registered (or call 265-1867) and to book your hotel room at the Renaissance Hotel and Montgomery Convention Center before the Cattlemen’s Block rates end THIS FRIDAY, January 27. You can book your hotel now through this link or by calling 334-481-5000 and ask for the Cattlemen’s Block using the mini code “CAT.”
We’ve got an outstanding lineup of speakers, Cattlemen’s Colleges and other family fun events, including our SOLD OUT Trade Show. Just in case you need any convincing to register today, here’s a few things you don’t want to miss out on:
(1) Outstanding Speakers
We have three headliner speakers this year. The first is 10-year veteran of CattleFax, Chad Spearman, who will be talking about “what lies ahead for the cattle market.” The Colorado State University graduate will discuss weather predictions and cattle price outlooks during one of the Convention’s sessions. Next on the lineup is NCBA’s Senior VP of Global Marketing and Research Alisa Harrison. Alisa comes with vast experience in the worlds of beef retail marketing and public relations, and she will be discussing marketing beef in a challenging environment. Last but certainly not least, NCBA Past President Steve Foglesong who is now serving as a member of President-Elect Donald Trump’s agricultural advisory team. He will be discussing what to expect from Washington D.C. under the Trump Administration. Read More about our keynote speakers by visiting our Facebook Event Page.
(2) A SOLD OUT Trade Show
If you’ve got business that needs to be taken care of for the betterment of
your farm, it can probably be handled at our trade show. We’ve got over 65 national, state and local vendors bringing everything from heavy farm machinery, off-road vehicles, cattle working facilities, insurance, breed associations, nutrition and nutritional supplements…it’ll all be at our trade show for you to see and learn about.
(3) An Array of Cattlemen’s Colleges and Speakers
We’ve got four Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges coming your way at this year’s convention. Check them out:
- “Coping With Drought: Forage Management Strategies and Nutritional Needs for Winter Grazing” led by Dr. Kim Mullenix, AU Beef Cattle Specialist
- “Producing the Right King of Cattle and Marketing Strategies for Top Dollar” panel led by Jerry Etheredge, LMA president; Gene Lowry, JBS Feedlot; Jim Sealy, Alabama Livestock Market; Darryl Stokes, Montgomery Stockyard.
- “Effective Estate Planning and Reducing Tax Burdens” by ACES Specialists Ken Kelley and Robert Page
- “Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training and Update” by Dr. Soren Rodning, Auburn Extension Veterinarian
Also, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Del Marsh, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mac McCutcheon, will address the Board of Directors during their luncheon on Wednesday to update them on the Legislative Session that will be underway. Dr. Powell is meeting with these two today to discuss topics that cattlemen would most enjoy learning about.
(4) Family Fun and Networking
There will be no shortage of networking at the convention’s many meetings and throughout the trade show. We also are offering family fun at the Wednesday night “Rotational Grazing” event where families can enjoy social time with good food and music provided by the Good Ol’ Boys, aka Ed Whatley’s crew! To wrap up Convention, the Sweet Young’uns will open up the dance floor with over 50 years of musical entertainment experience!
We will also be taking care of some business at convention! We are very excited to award 51 deserving scholarship recipients representing over $60,000 at the Thursday evening Awards Banquet. Voting is also now underway for five outstanding nominees for the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame. We look forward to learning about who our newest inductee(s) are!
MEMBERSHIP, COUNTY MEETINGS AND A JOHN DEERE GATOR
Counties across the state are hosting annual meetings, and ACA officers and staff are working to attend each and every one! We’ve really enjoyed getting to visit with cattlemen across the state and appreciate the generous hospitality. Unfortunately, we can’t be there if you don’t let us know, so send your upcoming county meeting information to Jessica Kennedy at the state office. If you need ACA trinkets such as membership applications, place mats, napkins, etc for your meeting PLEASE let Jessica know ASAP!
A few notes from the Membership Office:
- “Over the Top” Deadline – All membership needs to be in the state office or postmarked by February 28th to qualify for “Over the Top” awards.
- Several counties have entered membership but have not yet sent payment. This is a reminder that membership is processed when payment is received at the state office, so get that check sent in!
- Following your county meeting, send us your new officers so we can update them in our system! Simply email them to Jessica.
To check out information on your county meeting, visit our Bama Beef Events Calendar today. If your meeting isn’t posted or there’s any important information missing, give Jessica a call at (334) 265-1867.
John Deere Gator Information: YOU can win a John Deere Gator XUV 560 one of 
two ways…
- Recruit a new member, and their name as well as your name is entered. For each new member you recruit, that’s an extra chance, so recruit, recruit, recruit!
- Buy a raffle ticket! Tickets sales kick off to ACA MEMBERS at the ACA Convention and Trade Show on Feb. 15-16. Members can purchase one ticket for $10 or three for $20. Did we mention that the Gator is a $10,000 value…
Ag Coalition
The Ag Coalition is back in order in preparation of the upcoming Legislative Session kicking off February 7 in Downtown Montgomery. The Ag Coalition, made up of representatives from the ACA, the Alabama Department of Agriculture, the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Poultry and Egg Industry, Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Agribusiness Council, monitors activity that could have an effect on the agricultural industry in the state of Alabama. This group works together to protect the interests of Alabama’s farmers.
This week, their meeting consisted of discussing certain bills that are expected to arise that are linked animal activist groups. These bills will continue to be monitored along with the discussions on gas taxes, prisons and Medicaid. The group anticipates the Legislature to “hold off” on some of these topics in order to follow the lead of the Trump Administration.
Feral Hog Issue
It’s no secret that feral hogs are an issue in the state of Alabama. Today, ACA Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities Matthew Pounds is meeting with the Department of Ag, the Department of Conservation, the Wildlife Federation and other organizations representing landowners to discuss programs for controlling and/or eradicating feral swine. Auburn University has done extensive research on this topic and are reporting on this research.
Sysco Gulf Coast
Erin spent the day last Friday at Sysco Gulf Coast Geneva where top salesmen were awarded cash prizes for their beef sales in December through January. One prize was given to the salesmen who sold the most beef and the other was given to the salesmen with the largest percent growth. Overall, this promotion generated an increase of over 25,000 lbs. of beef compared to the same time last year. These promotions are a great use of checkoff dollars.
Distinguished Young Women at ACA
The Distinguished Young Women of AL had their annual luncheon at the cattlemen’s building last Thursday. It was great to host this large group of young leaders and teach them more about the beef industry. They enjoyed a great steak and spent time in The MOOseum. Several participants had parents and grandparents who are members of the ACA. Recognize anyone? Pictured L-R are ACA Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell. Anne Walton Herston, Lauderdale County, Tagged for Greatness scholarship recipient and Lauderdale County Junior Cattleman; Railey Ayers, Crenshaw; Ashleigh McCool, Pickens; Elizabeth Anne Buford, Wilcox; Darby Hines, Tallapoosa and ACA Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities Matthew Pounds.
YCLP CLASS IV NOMINATIONS UNDERWAY
The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) applications are now posted on the website at www.bamabeef.org/YCLP. This program is for cattlemen
between 21-40 years of age who are interested in getting more involved in the ACA and knowledgeable about the industry. For more information or if you’re ready to submit an application, send them along to Erin at the office.
COWBOY COOKOFF REGISTRATION
Cowboy Cookoff registration is open online, and we are recruiting teams 
to participate in the steak cookoff on Saturday, March 18 in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo. Contact Erin with any questions and click here to view rules and registration information.
THE VIEW FROM ACCOUNTING
This week, ACA Director of Accounting Cynthia Dondrea, ACA Treasuer LD Fitzpatrick and ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell are working with Carr, Riggs & Ingram on the annual audit of the General Fund, National and State Checkoff and Foundation. They are also working on year-end tax reporting and officially closing the books on 2016. This information will be reported on at the next Board Meeting.
National Cattlemen’s Convention- Next Week
If you call next week, you might find many of the staff out of the office as we will be in Nashville, TN attending the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. We’re excited to have quite the impressive list of Alabama attendees and encourage Alabamians to use our Trade Show Booth #1392 as a gathering place! It’ll be a packed and busy three days as staff will be attending receptions, checkoff meetings and federation meetings, and cattlemen will be attending the many outstanding Cattlemen’s Colleges, the gigantic Trade Show and the fun events in the evening. Hey, speaking of Cattlemen’s Colleges, we’re proud that our ACA President-Elect Richard Meadows will be a panelists at one…great!
Stay tuned for photos and updates from the big event. We look forward to seeing all our Alabama Cattlemen there, and we pray for traveling mercies for everyone heading north.
SLE RODEO- DON’T MISS IT!
We are also getting ready for the 60th annual, star-studded SLE Rodeo! 
Activities and meetings are underway to finalize advertising, corporate sponsorships, facilities, scheduling and the Junior Beef Expo. The talk of a new television commercial and an extra special entertainment act are also underway.
Ticket sales are also underway- have you purchased yours yet? Purchase them today by visiting slerodeo.com or calling 1-888-2RODEO2. We can’t wait to see you there!
Thanks for reading this week’s post! We’ll be back next week- same time, same place. Until then, stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Have a great week and don’t forget to register for Convention and purchase your SLE Rodeo tickets!