Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | July 27, 2022

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | July 27, 2022

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!


Powell Awarded 2022 Checkoff Visionary Award

Dr. Billy Powell of Washington County, Alabama was presented with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s second annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2022 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada. This honor recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.

Read the complete press release and watch the video played at the conference by clicking here.

Speaking of Reno, ACA is represented at NCBA Summer Meeting. ACA President-Elect Chuck Madaris is representing ACA in the policy meetings while President Jim Jordan sits in meetings about beef checkoff programming. Bill Lipscomb, who represents Alabama on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, is also in attendance, along with Executive Vice President Erin Beasley.

2022 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

We have enjoyed delicious food, fun giveaways and some very welcomed fellowship at the first five of our Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts in Grove Hill, Troy, Moundville, Wetumpka and Moulton. Last but certainly not least is the Northeast Alabama meeting in Guntersville and the Recreation Center on August 2 at 6pm— we’d love to see you there! Click here for a map to check out when we’ll be headed to your neck of the woods! This event is FREE for ACA members to attend— all you have to do is click here to RSVP to attend your local meeting or call us at 334-265-1867. Guests who are not members will cost $25 per plate.

ACA in MS

ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell traveled to Biloxi, MS this weekend to be a judge for their Discussion Meet competition. Ali has competed in this competition before with the Alabama Farmers Federation, and she was excited to be invited to judge at Mississippi Farm Bureau. It was a great competition, and Ali had the opportunity to meet with producers that are on the Mississippi and Alabama line and share membership with ACA and Mississippi Cattlemen’s.

Visiting Stockyards

This week ACA Director of Field Services Reid McGuire had the opportunity to make stockyard visits throughout the state. He enjoyed getting to connect with producers at weekly sales and to better understand the challenges they are facing. He’ll be making more visits as board sales begin to ramp up this fall and would love to visit with you about how we’re putting checkoff dollars to work!

BEEF 101, on the Menu!

This Friday, Ali will be hosting a Beef 101 for Ben E. Keith foodservice sales representatives. There will be 30 sales reps in attendance and then another 30 sales reps will be coming to attend the August 26 Beef 101. These sales reps will be learning about the Pasture to Plate story and get a greater understanding of the beef cuts that they sell on a daily basis.

AJCA Round-Up Survey

This week we sent out a survey to our Round-Up participants and parents. We appreciate the great feedback we have already received, and are looking forward to more in the upcoming week. We will discuss the results and any improvements we can make at our upcoming Junior Board meeting. If you attended Round-Up and would like to offer feedback, the survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JQC68ZT. Thank you for your support of this summertime youth event.

Speaking of AJCA, next week we will be hosting our AJCA Board of Directors in Montgomery for their first meeting. They will be discussing goals for this year, recapping the 2022 Round-Up, and planning for our fall field day. It will be a great opportunity for new directors to get to know each other, and better understand the board’s mission.

STOCKMANSHIP & STEWARDSHIP- COMING TO AUBURN!

Mark your calendars for August 12-13, 2022, to partake in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) premiere Stockmanship & Stewardship educational experience at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.

Register Now » https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/events/auburn-al

The program will feature low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educational certification, facility design sessions, industry updates and your choice of additional specialized education. The program sponsored by the NCBA, Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program will allow attendees the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, a local beef cattle tour and a valuable networking reception.

Attendees will learn cutting-edge operation techniques through demonstrations by stockmanship experts Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill. Cattle enthusiasts will have the option to participate in Auburn’s Beef 201 program offering education in feeder grading, value-added marketing concepts, evaluation of harvest ready cattle, fabrication of carcasses combined with economic analysis, and off the farm locally produced niche market opportunities. Additionally, participants will be offered sessions on various topics including best-practices in nutrition and Southeast U.S. forage management, tools for improved sustainability, current herd health management concepts, beef advocacy training, and a unique program designed for teen junior cattlemen members.

  • Full Registration ($100) – Access to all events & meals.
  • One Day Registrations (Friday $30, Saturday $80) – Access to events on specified day only.
  • Student Registration ($50) – Access to all events & meals with student ID

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with activities as we look toward the fall months. The Producer Education tab has been updated recently, as well as the Cattlemen’s Activities. As we get closer to fall, all of the tabs (especially the sales!) will start to fill up, so 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.

Beef on a Budget— Steak Swaps & Ground Beef

If you’re trying to keep your family fed this summer without running up a tab at the supermarket, beef can be your go-to for budget-friendly, easy meals.

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

Just when you think it can’t get any hotter and sweatier, a trip to the grocery store has you sweating even more. If you’re trying to keep your family fed this summer without running up a tab at the supermarket, beef can be your go-to for budget-friendly, easy meals. With 25 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving, beef is a versatile, nutrition power-house that can fit any tastes or budgets. 

Do you have any favorite beefy go-tos for your family? In our house we keep ground beef on-hand for quick, easy, nutritious meals. Ground beef’s versatility makes it the easy way to keep your family going. Buying ground beef in larger quantities is a great way to stock up and save money. Portion out your bulk beef in freezer bags or container in 1-2 pound packages, and keep frozen for up to 6 months. When you are in need of some for a recipe and it’s still frozen, there are a number of thaw/cook instructions to help you get it done;  Electric Pressure Cookers (Instant Pot), stove top, or even grilling. Some of our family’s favorite ground beef recipes include: Beefy Sweet and Sloppy Joes, Cheeseburger Sliders, tacos, and spaghetti. 

Steaks are one of the most coveted of beef cuts, and those of us who love beef probably have a favorite that is our go-to for grilling. When steaks are mentioned, your mind probably goes to a delicious ribeye, filet, or T-bone, but there are plenty of other cuts of beef that pair perfectly with grilling flames. Flat iron steaks, tri-tip roasts, skirt & flank steaks can all be grilled for delicious beef-filled meals. If a steak is what you’re craving but store prices have you making other decisions, Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has a guide to some perfect, money-saving steak swaps that will keep your steak dreams alive. 

Beef’s great versatility means there are plenty of options for every taste and budget. www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

Some stores may be stocking some of the more lesser known cuts of beef at lower prices. If you come across a sale on some of these trendy cuts, and are not sure how to prepare them, give Google a go to find some great recipes that may become some of your favorites. 

Beef’s versatility can keep you fed this summer while maintaining your family’s budget! Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has you covered with more beef cut information, recipes, grilling tips and techniques, food safety, and information on beef from pasture to plate.

Be safe, stay cool, and eat more beef! Happy Summer to everyone!

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | July 20, 2022

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!


Membership # of the Day: 9,233

Welcome, Reid!

Reid McGuire recently joined the ACA to serve as Director of Field Services— the position left vacant by Morgan Desselle. McGuire, a native of Waverly, AL grew up participating in the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA), including serving on the AJCA Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he participated in the Livestock Judging Team. Most recently, McGuire has worked in sales with Gallagher. His job with the ACA will include managing the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association and the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), executing producer checkoff programming and representing the association at cattle industry events across the state. Be sure to say hi next time you see him out and about!

Round-Up Recap!

The 16th Annual AJCA Round-Up is in the books! The Round-Up is more than a calf show. There are multiple educational contest that happen throughout the weekend. The fun kick off on Thursday as youth and families join us in the Teague and Lewis barns for food and entertainment— including bouncy houses and a volleyball tournament. Friday was full of contests, from grooming, sales talk, and cooking competitions— we had it all! Saturday and Sunday brought the Market Show, Showmanship Contest and Breeding Heifer Show.

We would like to thank all the hands that played a part in making sure this weekend was a success for the youth! This event would not be possible without the sponsors and volunteers! We would also like to congratulate all the exhibitors on their achievements throughout the weekend! 

Junior Board of Directors & Officers

President, District 2: Russell Jordan, Clay County

Vice President. District 1: Abby Burgess, Blount County

Treasurer, At-Large: Rex Harrison, Cullman County

Secretary, District 4: Alyvia Watson, Mobile County

Ex-Officio: Corley Williams, Marshall County

District 1: Amelia Thrower, Marshall County

District 2: Lyndee Meadows, Randolph County

District 3: Gus Ashley, Montgomery County

District 3: Ashbee Norman, Montgomery County

District 4: Annabelle Wesley, Pike County

At-Large: Faith Dillard, Geneva County

Congratulations to the Top 5 Prospect Market Animals:

Grand Champion Prospect Market Animal – Gus Ashley of Montgomery County

Reserve Champion Prospect Market Animal – Jewel Thompson of Lee County

Third Overall Prospect Market Animal – Carson Fallin of Blount County

Fourth Overall Prospect Market Animal – Wyatt Johnston of Pike County

Fifth Overall Prospect Market Animal – Abbeigh Jo Gibson of Washington County

Congratulations to the Top Progress Market Animals:

Grand Champion Progress Market Animal: Victoria Thompson of Lee County

Reserve Champion Progress Market Animal: Greer Jones of Pike County

Congratulations to the Top 5 Showmen in Each Division

Senior Top 5:

Shelby Oglesby, Jewel Thompson, Victoria Thompson, Abbeigh Jo Gibson and Audra Graves

Intermediate Top 5:

Sara Faust, Rex Harrison, Ashbee Norman, Annabelle Wesley and Gus Ashley

Junior Top 5

Claire Smith, Laura-Landers Franklin, Brooklyn Price, Hudson Thornton and Jessi Maples

Congratulations to the Top 5 Breeding Heifers

Supreme Champion Breeding Heifer – Annabelle Wesley of Pike County

Reserve Champion Breeding Heifer – Camden Upchurch of Clay County

Third Overall Breeding Heifer – Jewel Thompson of Lee County

Fourth Overall Breeding Heifer – Evan Rodeo of Cullman County

Fifth Overall Breeding Heifer –  Amelia Thrower of Marshall County

Congratulations to the Top 5 Bred & Owned Breeding Heifers

Supreme Champion Bred & Owned Breeding Heifer – Audra Graves of Blount County

Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Breeding Heifer – Avery Ruf of Limestone County

Third Overall Bred & Owned Breeding Heifer – Jessi Maples of Lee County

Fourth Overall Bred & Owned Breeding Heifer – Victoria Thompson of Lee County

Fifth Overall Bred & Owned Breeding Heifer – Eliza Downey of Autauga County

2022 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

We have enjoyed delicious food, fun giveaways and some very welcomed fellowship at the first five of our Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts in Grove Hill, Troy, Moundville, Wetumpka and Moulton. Last but certainly not least is the Northeast Alabama meeting in Guntersville and the Recreation Center on August 2 at 6pm— we’d love to see you there! Click here for a map to check out when we’ll be headed to your neck of the woods! This event is FREE for ACA members to attend— all you have to do is click here to RSVP to attend your local meeting or call us at 334-265-1867. Guests who are not members will cost $25 per plate.

Talkin’ Beef

ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell will be speaking at the ALACTE Conference in Mobile on Thursday to Family and Consumer Science teachers. She will be highlighting the Beef 101 programs that we offer as well as discussing the 2023 Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cook-off. This contest will be held on April 14, 2023 at Jefferson State Community College.

Next week, Ali will travel to Destin on Monday and Tuesday to attend the Alabama Grocers Association Convention. She will be hosting a booth in the trade show and talking with retailers about how the beef checkoff can help their business and educate their employees about their products.

STOCKMANSHIP & STEWARDSHIP- COMING TO AUBURN!

Mark your calendars for August 12-13, 2022, to partake in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) premiere Stockmanship & Stewardship educational experience at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.

Register Now » https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/events/auburn-al

The program will feature low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educational certification, facility design sessions, industry updates and your choice of additional specialized education. The program sponsored by the NCBA, Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program will allow attendees the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, a local beef cattle tour and a valuable networking reception.

Attendees will learn cutting-edge operation techniques through demonstrations by stockmanship experts Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill. Cattle enthusiasts will have the option to participate in Auburn’s Beef 201 program offering education in feeder grading, value-added marketing concepts, evaluation of harvest ready cattle, fabrication of carcasses combined with economic analysis, and off the farm locally produced niche market opportunities. Additionally, participants will be offered sessions on various topics including best-practices in nutrition and Southeast U.S. forage management, tools for improved sustainability, current herd health management concepts, beef advocacy training, and a unique program designed for teen junior cattlemen members.

  • Full Registration ($100) – Access to all events & meals.
  • One Day Registrations (Friday $30, Saturday $80) – Access to events on specified day only.
  • Student Registration ($50) – Access to all events & meals with student ID

BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with activities as we look toward the fall months. The Producer Education tab has been updated recently, as well as the Cattlemen’s Activities. As we get closer to fall, all of the tabs (especially the sales!) will start to fill up, so 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.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | July 6, 2022

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!


CONGRATS, over the top counties!

Big CONGRATULATIONS are due to the 27 counties who went Over the Top in 2022! This is the grassroots activity of our association that makes it one of the largest and most effective in the country, and we thank you for all your hard work and recruitment efforts! Without further adieu, the 27 Over the Top counties in 2022 are:

  • Baldwin
  • Barbour
  • Butler
  • Calhoun
  • Chambers
  • Clay
  • Coosa
  • Cullman
  • Dale
  • Dallas
  • Elmore
  • Fayette
  • Franklin
  • Geneva
  • Greene
  • Hale
  • Henry
  • Lauderdale
  • Lowndes
  • Madison
  • Monroe
  • Morgan
  • Randolph
  • St Clair
  • Sumter
  • Washington
  • Winston

2022 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

We have enjoyed delicious food, fun giveaways and some very welcomed fellowship at the first three of our Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts in Grove Hill, Troy and Moundville. Up next is our East Central Alabama Cookout on July 12 in Wetumpka— we’d love to see you there! Click here for a map to check out when we’ll be headed to your neck of the woods! This event is FREE for ACA members to attend— all you have to do is click here to RSVP to attend your local meeting or call us at 334-265-1867. Guests who are not members will cost $25 per plate.

  • July 12, 2022: East Central Alabama; Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka
  • July 19, 2022: Northwest Alabama, Moulton Rec Center, Moulton
  • August 2, 2022: Northeast Alabama, Guntersville Rec Center, Guntersville

STOCKMANSHIP & STEWARDSHIP- COMING TO AUBURN!

Mark your calendars for August 12-13, 2022, to partake in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) premiere Stockmanship & Stewardship educational experience at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.

Register Now » https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/events/auburn-al

The program will feature low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educational certification, facility design sessions, industry updates and your choice of additional specialized education. The program sponsored by the NCBA, Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program will allow attendees the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, a local beef cattle tour and a valuable networking reception.

Attendees will learn cutting-edge operation techniques through demonstrations by stockmanship experts Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill. Cattle enthusiasts will have the option to participate in Auburn’s Beef 201 program offering education in feeder grading, value-added marketing concepts, evaluation of harvest ready cattle, fabrication of carcasses combined with economic analysis, and off the farm locally produced niche market opportunities. Additionally, participants will be offered sessions on various topics including best-practices in nutrition and Southeast U.S. forage management, tools for improved sustainability, current herd health management concepts, beef advocacy training, and a unique program designed for teen junior cattlemen members.

  • Full Registration ($100) – Access to all events & meals.
  • One Day Registrations (Friday $30, Saturday $80) – Access to events on specified day only.
  • Student Registration ($50) – Access to all events & meals with student ID

AJCA ROUND-UP SPONSORSHIPS

The 16th Annual Round-Up is coming to town NEXT WEEK! We are proud to report that 120 youth participants are registered for this summer event featuring calf shows, cattle judging, career-centered contests, a volleyball tournament, and more! Events like this are not possible without sponsorships. We are asking counties to consider a donation of $250.00. The counties that show their support of our youth by sponsoring at the amount of $250.00 or more will receive a star on the county sponsorship map that will be on display ringside. However, anyway you can support our juniors would be appreciated. Please consider supporting the AJCA Round-Up. It is requested that all donations be mailed to 201 South Bainbridge Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Thank you in advance for your continued support of Alabama’s youth in livestock.

For the full sponsor details, please check out our event website » https://cvent.me/KRGM5z  

Alabama LMA Meets on the Coast

The Alabama Livestock Marketing Association (ALMA) met this week in Orange Beach, Alabama as all auction yards across the state were closed for the week of Fourth of July. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley attended the meeting to network with market owners, provide an association update and hear market news on the state and national level.

The MOOseum, Staying Busy!

The MOOseum, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association premiere children’s educational center, has stayed busy this summer hosting thousands of walk-up guests and scheduled tour groups. This week alone will host three summer children’s groups, and that’s not to mention all the walk-in visitors! Sydney Dougherty on our staff does an excellent job promoting and organizing tours.

The MOOseum — which highlights the beef cattle life cycle, history of the beef industry in Alabama, cattle handling, cattle nutrition, rodeo and beef cookery stations— is a great, air conditioned stop for Downtown sojourners looking to explore Alabama history, while catching a break from the Alabama heat! It continues to be an excellent avenue to educate young minds to the big picture behind the food on their plate.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with activities as we look toward the fall months. The Producer Education tab has been updated recently, as well as the Cattlemen’s Activities. As we get closer to fall, all of the tabs (especially the sales!) will start to fill up, so 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.