Final ruling on WOTUS
On Tuesday, August 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States.” The amendments conform with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act, which provides essential protections that safeguard the nation’s waters from pollution and degradation. This action provides the clarity that is needed to advance these goals, while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities. Specific amendments include:
- Eliminates “interstate wetlands” from the list of jurisdictional waters.
- Limits jurisdictional tributaries to features “that are relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water.”
- Redefines “adjacent” as “having a continuous surface connection.”
The rule wholly removes the significant nexus test from consideration when identifying tributaries and other waters as federally protected. It also revises the adjacency test when identifying federally jurisdictional wetlands, clarifies that interstate wetlands do not fall within the interstate waters category, and clarifies the types of features that can be considered under the “additional waters” category. It is important to note that this amendment does not affect any other aspects of the 2023 rule, including agricultural exclusions.
Auburn Family Dinner
The ACA had a unique opportunity to provide beef at the center of the plate for the Auburn Football team during the Auburn Family Dinner with Coach Hugh Freeze on August 6. Thanks to the grilling teams at Elmore and Montgomery County Cattlemen’s, players, coaches and their families enjoyed ribeye steaks. This event was sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and provided an opportunity to showcase beef and share about its nutritional benefits with the AU athletic staff!
Farm Bill Listening Session
In coordination with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville spent time in Alabama in early August to hold Farm Bill Listening Sessions with producers. ACA leaders and staff were in attendance for the central Alabama session, which held a focus on the cattle industry. Programs of interest in the Farm Bill for cattlemen include risk management, conservation and programs related to feral hogs. ACA President Chuck Madaris thanked “Coach” for his support of agriculture and the voice he gives Alabama on the Senate Ag Committee.
YCLP UPDATES
The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class X held its second session in west Alabama on August 11-12. Tour stops included CK Cattle in Hope Hull, the Blackbelt Research and Extension Center in Marion Junction, Glover Farms in Greensboro, and Prairie Lakes Farm in Greensboro. Session 3 for the young cattlemen group is coming up soon and will be in DeKalb County September 29-30.
Then, on Thursday, August 24, several past and current YCLP class members promoted beef and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association during the Trash Pandas vs. Birmingham Barons game in Madison. Thanks to all our young leaders who volunteered to help!
And last but not least, the YCLP Council and Auburn Collegiate Cattlemen will be hosting a tailgate September 16 for Auburn’s Homecoming game against Samford University. All YCLP alumni are invited to come out to Upchurch Hall for food and fellowship before the game!
Beef at the Barons
Speaking of sports, over 400 cheeseburger samples were handed out at the Birmingham Baron’s Ag Night August 4. Jefferson County cattlemen showed up and showed out to promote beef and talk with game attendees about cattle production in Alabama! Special thanks to Jefferson County Cattlemen for helping us making this tabling night a success!
Membership Report
The ACA is proud to represent 9,811 members thus far in 2023, which means we are only 189 members from the state going Over the Top this year!
Don’t forget our recruitment prizes! If you join as a new member of the ACA, your name automatically goes into a drawing for a John Deere Gator, sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen Equipment. But wait! That’s not all. If you are responsible for recruiting a new member, your name also qualifies for the drawing and begins your journey toward joining our Top Hand Club— which awards exclusive prizes to recruiters.. The prize for Top Recruiter is 10 Priefert panels!
Your membership matters to your county chapter. Each year, one lucky chapter who goes “Over the Top” from the previous membership year qualifies for a drawing to win a Priefert squeeze chute, sponsored by Fuller Supply Co. and Priefert Ranch Equipment. The county chapter with the largest percentage membership growth year over year is awarded a Priefert head gate. Help your local chapter roll home with a tool all members can benefit from!
AJCA News
The AJCA Board of Directors held its first meeting this month. Led by newly elected president Alyvia Watson, the board reviewed the 2023 AJCA Round-Up and made plans for the Fall Field Day. The Fall Junior Cattlemen’s Field Day will be held Wednesday, September 13, at Lawler Farm in Opelika. Participants will learn about beef cattle evaluation from EPDs and performance records to visual appraisal and oral reasons.
The event is free and open to all youth. Register at AJCA Fall Field Day (bamabeef.org) by September 6th.
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 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. For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.
AADA
The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is now accepting applications for low interest loans intended to support meat and poultry processing businesses in Alabama. Loans can be used to purchase or construct new facilities, expand existing facilities, purchase new equipment, cover start-up costs and hire additional employees.
Phase I applications are now open and will close September 14. For more information and loan application details, visit www.agi.alabama.gov/news/usda/mpilp.
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