Bama Beef News Update | April 2023

Alabama Farm Honored with National Environmental Stewardship Award

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (April 27, 2023) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced Tuesday, April 25, that Carter Cattle Company, LLC, in Pintlala, Alabama, is the 2022 National Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner. The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to the Carter family during NCBA’s annual Spring Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

“As a seventh-generation beef cattle operation, Carter Cattle Company radiates excellence in environmental stewardship,” Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President Erin Beasley said. “Their efforts—and those of cattle producers throughout our great state— display our industry’s commitment to sustainable beef production across Alabama and the United States. We could not be more proud of the Carters’ achievement and representation of Alabama’s beef cattle industry.”

Sustainability began as a lifestyle more than a practice seven generations ago in the mid-1820s when the farm was established. The Carters make management decisions with the future in mind, utilizing rotational grazing for their forage-based feeding program. Rotational grazing has been vital to improving the overall health of the farm ecosystem, soil health, forage base, watershed, livestock and wildlife.

“It is an honor and lifelong dream to receive this award, and extremely humbling,” said Dr. Will Carter of Carter Cattle Company. “We are in the cattle business, but we are in the grass business first. Our job is to manage the grass and allocate it to the cattle that then take the resource and produce something of greater value.”

Through conservation incentives offered under the Watershed Project and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Carters installed 2,000 feet of water lines to two new water troughs, protected 1,250 square feet of heavy use areas and built 1,300 feet of fence to exclude cattle from Pintlala Creek. These efforts help the Carters utilize the land in the most effective way for their cow herd while protecting natural resources. In addition, being good stewards doesn’t stop at the farm gate, as both Will and Monnie Carol Carter are veterinarians who care for other animals in their community.

“Carter Cattle Company is an excellent example of how cattle producers across the country undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, South Dakota. “The Carters are keenly focused on conserving natural resources for future generations.”

ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, McDonald’s, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain. For more information, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.

Fencing Materials Tax Exemption Legislation, Introduced & Referred

A priority piece of legislation for the ACA this spring is a tax exemption bill relating to fencing materials for livestock production purposes. This legislation would join the other agricultural tax exemptions, such as feed, seed and fertilizer, and would apply to practical livestock fencing materials such as T-posts, barbed wire, woven wire, electric wire, metal gates, etc. As stated, tax exemptions are already applied to a number of ag-use products, and fencing materials are a rightful fit for this section of Alabama Code. A barrier to new producers and a high unintended cost in the case natural disaster damages, fencing is a necessary piece of infrastructure for all cattle operations, and that is why your team at ACA has put this legislation on the radar of the 2023 Alabama Legislative Session.

On April 11, Senate Bill 200— cosponsored by Jack Williams, David Sessions, Rob Stewart, Gerald Allen, Steve Livingston, Josh Carnley, Lance Bell, Larry Stutts, Randy price, Jay Hovey, Bobby Singleton, Garlan Gudger, Clay Scofield and Tim Melson— dropped in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Finance & Taxation Education Committee, as the exempted dollars would directly impact the Education Trust Fund (ETF). A companion bill, HB330 co-sponsored by Danny Crawford, Andy Whitt, David Standridge, Reed Ingram, Phillip Pettus, Rick Rehm, Van Smith, Chip Brown and Matt Hammet, dropped in the House in the following weeks was referred to the House Ways & Means Education Committee for review. ACA lobbyists Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer have been carefully following the proposed legislation, working to gain support with committee members. Stay tuned as we seek to gain a favorable committee report and final passage on the floors. 

ACA Introduces 2023 Regional Meeting Calendar

Make plans to join us for one of six regional membership meetings happening across the state throughout May and June. Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts are an opportunity for members from adjacent counties to come together for food, fun and fellowship, and is our way of saying “thanks” for your membership. This year’s events will highlight steak sandwiches, prepared by county chapters, a brief state update, and an educational session from our friends at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Animal Sciences and Forages Team. The upcoming dates/locations are as follows, all beginning at 6:00 p.m.:

These meetings are open to Cattlemen’s Members and/or anyone looking to join our association or renew membership. Meals are FREE to current ACA members. Guest plates are $25/adult, $15/child.

More information can be found at tinyurl.com/RegionalCookouts2023. RSVP now by contacting ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy at (334) 265-1867 or by completing this simple online form» tinyurl.com/RegionalCookouts-RSVP. 

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 applicants for the depredation sub-permit must agree to the requirements found in the Authorizations and Conditions section of the black vulture depredation permitting page at agi.alabama.gov. These authorizations and conditions are part of the statewide permit issued to ADAI by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). ADAI cannot alter these provisions.

All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. Approved applicants must report each take within 48 hours. 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.

Approved applicants are not allowed to take any other migratory bird species. Even if an approved applicant does not harvest any black vultures, they must login to their account and report “no birds taken,” no later than December 31, 2023. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

Hunter Named SLE Executive Director

Sarah Hunter has been named the Executive Director of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) following the Board of Directors’ unanimous approval on April 3, 2023.

Hunter, a native of Eufaula who earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from Auburn University in 2016, has served as Director of Rodeo Programs for the entity since 2021 where she has successfully planned and executed two SLE Rodeo and Livestock Weeks.

“It has been a pleasure working for the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, and it is truly an honor to be trusted with leading the organization,” Hunter said. “I firmly believe this is the path God has intended for me; my passion for this organization is undeniable. Our rodeo committee has worked tirelessly to make a name for the SLE Rodeo in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circle, and I am proud of how far we have come. We have big goals and a vision for the future, so I am eager to continue the growth and success of this rodeo to further pursue our mission of impacting youth who are involved in Alabama agriculture.”

After a successful four years in leadership, former Executive Director Erin Beasley stepped away to focus more attention to the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, where she serves as Executive Vice President.

“From the day that we hired Sarah, she has worked hard and learned quickly to excel in her role,” Beasley said. “I am very confident that she will continue course as Executive Director. She has a passion for the rodeo industry and has the ability to take the organization to the next level. I am proud of her and can’t wait to see what she achieves with the SLE. Under her leadership, the SLE and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association will continue to have a very strong working relationship to provide opportunities for youth in agriculture.”

The organization looks forward to future success and continued growth under Hunter’s leadership.

“We are grateful to Erin for her work with SLE for the past four years,” SLE President Frank Ellis said. “As we enter this new chapter, we are very excited to promote Sarah to the position of Executive Director. She has been a valuable asset to our organization since she came on board, and she has endeared herself to our members, sponsors and contestants. The future of the SLE is very bright.”

Greer Named Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs

ACA staffer Kayla Greer was named the Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs on April 5, 2023. The promotion comes after eight years of experience working across many areas of the association— primarily in a communications role.

“I am honored to be trusted with the task of representing Alabama’s beef cattle producers,” Greer said. “I look forward to taking the experiences gained throughout my tenure and using them in a new way to protect and promote our cattlemen’s way of life.”

Since 2015, Greer has managed all digital content for the association and the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program, as well as contributed photography and feature content to the Alabama Cattleman magazine. She also coordinated all advertising and digital content for the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. In her new role, Greer will shift her focus primarily to association communication and legislative efforts.

ACA leadership recognizes the importance of strengthening the policy efforts of the organization on behalf of its members. Previously, governmental affairs were solely under the direction of the executive vice president. Greer will become a second lobbyist alongside ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley to assist in legislative matters.

“In Kayla’s eight years on our team, she has proven herself time and again no matter the situation,” Beasley said. “That time has allowed her to grow in her communication skills, leadership and knowledge of issues facing our industry. Coupled with a true passion for the beef cattle industry, I am confident that Kayla will be a true asset to our efforts in the state house. This will strengthen our ability to serve the members of the association in great ways.”

Greer earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from Auburn University in 2015. She and her husband, Mitch, enjoy raising their daughter on her family’s eighth generation beef cattle operation in south Montgomery County.

AJCA Hosts 2023 Spring Production Field Day

The 2023 Spring Youth Production Field Day welcomed nearly 75 young cattlemen from across the state for a day of hands-on industry education, networking and fun! Participants of this Alabama Beef Checkoff funded field day learned about live cattle grading, weed identification, temporary fencing solutions and enjoyed a farm tour. 

Special thanks to our guest speakers, the Clay County Cattlemen’s Association for preparing a delicious steak sandwich lunch, and our generous hosts, Stockdale Farms in Munford, AL. 

2023 Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cook-Off

Talented students from across Alabama gathered at the Jefferson State Culinary College Culinary Institute on April 14 as we hosted the 2023 Alabama Junior and Senior High School Beef Cook-Off. While the judges sampled dishes, participants enjoyed two educational sessions pertaining to the beef industry. Chef Joseph Mitchell and Chef Todd Jackson welcomed students to the kitchen as they demonstrated methods of preparing a beef tenderloin, while ACA’s Kayla Greer gave a Pasture to Plate Beef Industry Overview. 

Below are the first, second and third place winners the Junior South, Junior North, Senior South and Senior North divisions who won $150, $125 and $100, respectively. An addition to this year’s prize package was the inclusion of a full semester’s tuition to each of the four first place recipients, presented by Jefferson State Community College. 

Special thanks to our generous hosts and members of the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association and the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association for their help in making this event a success. 

With Previous Injunction Secured by NCBA, WOTUS Rule is Paused in 26 States

On April 12, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised the decision by a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota to grant a preliminary injunction stopping the Biden administration’s “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule from taking effect in 24 states. Combined with a previous ruling in the Southern District of Texas, 26 states across the country are protected from the Biden WOTUS rule.

“Once again, the courts have affirmed that the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule is overreaching and harmful to America’s beef farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “Cattle producers in 26 states now have some additional certainty while this rule is being litigated, and we are optimistic that the Supreme Court will provide nationwide clarity on the federal government’s proper jurisdiction over water.”

This injunction was granted thanks to a lawsuit filed by 24 state attorneys general seeking to overturn the WOTUS rule. In total, NCBA and its litigation partners have secured preliminary injunctions in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. NCBA’s motion for a nationwide injunction is still pending in the North Dakota court.

NCBA LAUNCHES GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND THE BEEF CHECKOFF

To counter animal activist groups that are trying to eliminate the Beef Checkoff program, NCBA has launched a sign-on letter for cattle producer to send a message to their representative and senators in Congress. The Beef Checkoff program is the strongest took we have to promoted beef and ensure the farming and ranching way of life can continue. Click here to read the letter and contact your members of Congress today.