Howdy, Cattlemen! We missed catching up with you all last week while we were in Nashville at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. It was a great time of learning, meeting and seeing so many friends from across the nation that share the bonds of cattle production. We were thrilled to see so many attendees from Alabama and enjoyed exploring that massive Trade Show with over 350 vendors. We’re also proud to have attended the largest NCBA Convention in history with over 9,500 attendees- wow!!
Speaking of Covnention, if you hear about a whirlwind striking Downtown Montgomery near the Cattlemen’s Building, never fear. It’s just your ACA staff running around making final details come together for next week’s 74th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show. This week is all about Convention preparation, but we want to be sure to keep you informed about all that’s going on as we prepare for the busy month of February. Keep reading to find out all that’s happening this week among your state staff.
Capital City Stampede- 74th Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show
One week from today. In just ONE WEEK from today we will be welcoming cattlemen from across the state to the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center for our 74th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show.
We’ve got a sold out Trade Show with over 70 vendors, four outstanding Cattlemen’s College sessions and a great lineup of keynote speakers for our General Sessions. Speaking of that, in the past week we learned that CattleFax Analyst Chad Spearman couldn’t make the trip down to update us on the markets. Now, don’t go getting upset yet because we’ve got some great news to go with that sour lemon. Instead of Chad Spearman, we get his boss- CattleFax CEO Randy Blach will be joining us instead. Those of you who attended NCBA Convention know that Randy gave an outstanding market update concerning weather, exports and future outlooks. Click here to learn more about Randy Blach.
We don’t want you to miss out on all the great events we’ve got coming our way next week. Get pre-registered now until FRIDAY at noon by visiting www.bamabeef.org/convention to guarantee your meals. Otherwise, walk-in registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Legislative Session
Today was the first day of the Legislative Session which is expected to be a difficult one as redistricting has been added to the already-full agenda. We look forward to getting a first-hand update from the two leaders – Rep. Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the House, and Senator Del Marsh, President Pro Tempore of the Senate at the Board meeting Luncheon next Wednesday during the Convention. Don’t miss out!
Your Ag Coalition is meeting weekly to follow this session and ensure the protection of farmers and landowners across the state.
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! Get those memberships and payments into the office by THIS FRIDAY to have updated numbers included on your Board Meeting handout.
- 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…
Bama Beef Events Calendar
Speaking of upcoming events, stay informed about all that’s happening in Alabama’s beef cattle indsutry by following our Bama Beef Events Calendar online. You can check it on your phone out in the field or view it on your computer after a long day of work. It’s got all the info about upcoming sales, Extension workshops, BQA certifications, Cattlemen’s events…all of it! Check it out by clicking here.
You can also stay in-the-know by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For our Snapchatters out there, soon enough you’ll be able to add our Snapchat handle to follow events. (*hint hint* Convention!)
YCLP CLASS IV NOMINATIONS- NOW OPEN!
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.
60th ANNUAL SLE RODEO- March 16-18
Save the dates and purchase your tickets today! We’ve got a big show headed to Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum, and you’re not gonna want to miss it. We’ve got the PRCA’s best bucking stock, PRCA Freestyle Bullfighting and Alabama-bred rodeo entertainer Trent McFarland coming your way for a night of thrill and laughter.
Bring the little ones down to see the best show on dirt. We’ll even let them play on the dirt during the Stick Horse Rodeo before each nightly performance. Thursday night- kids 12 and under enter FREE while Friday night, families can purchase four tickets for only $40. That’s cheaper than a movie, folks, and a whole lot more entertaining!
The SLE staff is busy selling tickets, getting sponsorships and marketing the event. Pretty soon a new commercial will be hitting television screens, while posters and banners are being printed.
We can’t wait to see you there- call us today to purchase your tickets at 1-888-2RODEO2 and learn more about the rodeo’s many events by vising the SLE Rodeo website.
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.
Thanks for reading this week’s post! We’ll be back next week- same time, same place. Until then, we want to remind you that you can 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!