Foundation Scholarship Program Soars With Record Highs in 2025
On May 2, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) awarded a record-breaking $152,750 to 160 deserving high school, collegiate and postgraduate students from across Alabama. This is the largest amount and number of recipients awarded in a single year in ACF history! Congratulations to this year’s recipients, and thank you to the generous donors and those who have purchased the Cowboy vanity car tag for making this possible!
Read the upcoming Alabama Cattleman June magazine for a complete rundown on this year’s recipients or check out the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association on Facebook page.
Political Round-Up: Sine Die Edition
The final gavel of the 2025 Alabama Legislative Session has fallen, marking the adjournment “Sine Die” of the three-and-a-half-month-long legislative season. ACA lobbyists Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer are pleased to report a successful session for Alabama’s beef cattle industry. Below is a brief summary of bills that the ACA governmental affairs team engaged on throughout the session and where the legislation landed in the political process. A full report can be read in the June issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine.
Education Trust Fund (ETF) & General Fund (GF) Budgets
The FY26 Education Trust Fund and General Fund Budgets have been signed by Gov. Kay Ivey and will be effective on Oct. 1, 2025. The $10 billion ETF presented secure funding for Junior Cattlemen programs, career technical education, Alabama FFA programs and livestock programming at Auburn University. As for the GF, the ACA was pleased to see level funding for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries as well as the requested increase of $500,000 for the Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), which is housed within the Alabama Agriculture and Conservation Development Commission and administered through the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Learn more about the CIP by tuning into the Cattle Connect podcast— Season 1 Episode 37 “All About the Conservation Incentive Program ft. Alabama Soil & Water’s Ashley Henderson”— or by visiting www.AlabamaSoilAndWater.gov/cip.
Alfa Health Plans
Congratulations are due to our friends and partners at the Alabama Farmers Federation as their talented team of governmental affairs professionals worked tirelessly to see the Alfa Health Plans legislation across the street to Gov. Ivey’s desk for signature. Additional congratulations are due to Rep. David Faulkner, the bill sponsor who championed HB477 across the finish line. This legislation allows Alfa to offer an affordable healthcare option to Alabama’s farmers and small business owners who are members of the Federation and qualify for coverage. Those interested in pursuing Alfa Health Plans are encouraged to follow the Alabama Farmers Federation online and be on the lookout for information as they spend the latter half of 2025 standing up the program that will offer these policies. We look forward to sharing information as it is made available.
Logging Legislation
After rigorous amendments, SB110, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams of Mobile County, passed out of the House in the late hours of April 29 and has since been signed into Alabama Law by Gov. Ivey. Originally intended to allow for the redistribution of weight per axle on trucks hauling timber within the state, throughout the political process, the bill was stripped of any language that dealt with axle loads and, rather, placed emphasis on highway safety and simplifying the appeals process.
Captive Cervid Disease Management
HB509 sponsored by Rep. Jeff Sorrells covered a variety of topics within the Whitetail breeding industry, but one section related to disease monitoring caused the ACA to engage. As originally written, the bill would prohibit a state agency from restricting the movement of cervids in the case of any disease— including diseases that are communicable across cloven-hoofed species. After negotiations, a peace-of-mind amendment was adopted in the Senate and concurred in the House that involves the State Veterinarian and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in the event of such a disease.
Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship
SB185, sponsored by Sen. Randy Price of Lee County, sought to redefine the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) in Alabama Code. However, stringent language required that a VCPR be established for diagnosis and treatment on a “case-specific” basis, which activated the livestock sector. Special thanks are due to Sen. Price, who kept the legislation from movement until a compromise was met. While negotiations failed to form a compromise during this session, the ACA team looks forward to working with the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) in the off-season to ensure a practical approach to livestock veterinary care is established.
Grocery Tax, Down Again
In an unexpected move, Alabama’s legislative body decreased the Grocery Tax by another 1 percent, reducing it to 2 percent total. This means that since the onset of the Grocery Tax reduction, the consumer tax is now halved from its original amount of 4 percent of the gross proceeds of the sale of food. With the rising costs of groceries, this is an impactful move for all Alabama consumers.
While the team monitored a plethora of legislation throughout the busiest 105 days in Montgomery, these are the priority bills that took precedence above the rest. Tune into the Cattle Connect podcast— Season 2 Episode 19 “Political Round-Up: Sine Die Edition,” which aired Friday, May 16, to hear this report, and more. Visit www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast. Now, off to an exciting campaign season!
Federal Policy Update: Beef Bulletin
While statewide policy-making has slowed down with the adjournment of the Session, Washington D.C. is still abuzz with headlines rolling out daily. Check out the most recent Beef Bulletin featuring NCBA CEO Colin Woodall with the latest in federal policy news as it pertains to the beef cattle industry!
Carroll, Cavanaugh Tapped for USDA-FSA and USDA-RD
In May, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) state director roles. Monica Carroll of Dale County was tapped for the role of executive director of Alabama’s FSA while President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) Twinkle Cavanaugh was appointed to serve as the director for the state’s USDA-RD program.
Carroll and her family operate a diversified farm including poultry, cattle and row crops. She previously chaired the FSA State Committee during President Trump’s first term and is currently a board member for the Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council. She also serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee.
Cavanaugh was first elected to the PSC in 2010, becoming president in 2012. She was last re-elected in 2024. The PSC is responsible for regulating utility companies in the state. The open commissioner position will be filled by appointment of Gov. Kay Ivey.
Now Hiring!
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is hiring for the position of Manager, Youth Programs & Marketing. This position is responsible for the implementation of youth programs, digital communications and general beef cattle related events and is located at the Cattlemen’s headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama. Learn more about the role, its responsibilities and how to apply at www.BamaBeef.org/Staff.
Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Kicks Off Class XII
Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class XII kicked the year off in May in conjunction with the Spring Board of Directors Meeting. The crew of 26 young producers spent time with volunteer leaders from across Alabama to hear an overview of recent state programming, discuss county leaders’ responsibilities and learn from Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier about the The New World Screwworm (NWS) and measures being taken to protect U.S. cowherds. Afterward, class members toured the Alabama State House to cover the legislative process and the ACA’s involvement in developing beef industry-positive laws before wrapping the evening up with some fun at CK Cattle in Hope Hull. The next day, members toured the Alabama Farmer’s Federation and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries offices to learn about agricultural partner organizations in Montgomery.
Meet this year’s class by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/YCLP.
Secretary Rollins Suspends Live Animal Imports Through Ports of Entry Along Southern Border
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced in May the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border due to the continued and rapid northward spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, effective immediately. The announcement is the latest move to halt the spread of this invasive pest that puts the entire U.S. livestock industry at risk.
The United States has long maintained its commitment to fighting NWS by funding the production of sterile flies needed to keep this pest out of Central and North America. Despite the United States’ work to control the pest, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama.
Effective eradication requires a three-pronged approach:
- Robust active field surveillance with education and outreach to ensure prevention treatment, and early detection;
- Controlled animal movement to limit spread; and
- Sustained sterile insect dispersal.
Suspending livestock transport through southern ports of entry will assist in the effort to limit northbound transport of NWS through livestock commerce, and will allow the U.S. to reassess whether current mitigation standards remain sufficient. It is important to note the northward spread of NWS is possible through natural wildlife movements, including wildlife that transit the border region without impediment.
Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts- Register Now!
Save the date as the popular summer regional meetings will take place again beginning in June. This year, the ACA is teaming up with Alabama Extension to provide and educational program at each meeting— talk about a two-for-one! Regional Extension agents and specialists will provide the educational components of the program, and the ACA will provide updates to attendees during a meal at each event. Save the date for a meeting near you:
- June 12– Blount County Multipurpose Complex, 2PM-7PM
- June 26– The Cedars (Demopolis, AL), 11AM-3PM
- July 17– Wetumpka Civic Center, 4PM-8PM
- August 8-Grace Fellowship Church (Atmore, AL), 8AM-2PM
Educational workshops open to all. Meals are FREE for current members and $25/guest. Please note: The Gulf Coast Cattlemen’s Conference & South Alabama Regional Cattlemen’s Cookout is FREE for all to attend and does not require ACA membership. If you would like to become a member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, do so by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/Join.
Special thanks to our 2025 Regional Cookout sponsors: Alabama Ag Credit, Alabama Farm Credit, the Alabama Beef Checkoff, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Speaks Land Company, ENVU, Agoro Carbon Alliance, and FERAppease.
AJCA Round-Up and Director Registration- Now Open!
The 19th annual AJCA Round-Up will be held July 24-27 at the Garrett Coliseum. The event will feature a heifer, bull and market shows, educational contests, and an educational session for attendees. Registration, the complete schedule, rules and sponsorship information can be found at https://cvent.me/8MEgbA. Registration closes in early July!
AJCA Director applications are also now open! AJCA Director Responsibilities Include:
- Obtaining a positive attitude toward the AJCA and ACA
- Collecting sponsorships for Round-Up
- Attending and serving at the Round-Up, ACA Convention, AJCA field days, and all other AJCA-sanctioned events, unless in the case of emergency. (example: medical, family, or unforeseen circumstances)
- Directors shall serve as an active director to represent their district and convey district ideas at AJCA Board meetings
Junior cattlemen interested in gaining valuable leadership experience and those interested in gettin more involved with AJCA events year round are encouraged to learn more and apply here: https://cvent.me/azrRqD. Applications close July 2, 2025.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
The ACA is aiming to go Over the Top again in 2025— help us get over 10,500 members! As we are halfway into the membership year, we are proud to report that we represent 8,174 members and growing more each day, especially as the second remittance mailout has begun to find its way back to county secretaries. We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you!
Membership Deadlines to Remember
Remember, the Over the Top County Chapter deadline to earn your president a coveted ACA red coat is June 30, just ONE month away! Membership must be in the office or entered in the database by June 30.
Membership Prizes
Reminder! All counties who go Over the Top by the end of 2025 will be entered in a drawing for the Priefert Squeeze Chute, donated by our friends and supporters at Priefert Ranch Equipment and Hartford Veterinary Supplies, while the county who increases by the largest percentage will earn a Priefert head gate! New members— and their recruiters!— will go into a drawing for a John Deere Gator, brought to you by our friends at SunSouth, TriGreen Equipment and John Deere!
CATTLE CONNECT PODCAST
Tune into the Cattle Connect podcast weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM. Listen is as staff discusses beef industry news, hits on a variety of educational topics and explores the many facets of the ACA!
The May line-up of Cattle Connect podcast episodes include:
-Bull Development- What You Need to Know ft. Dr. Chance Armstrong
-Ag & Forestry Grow Alabama ft. Grace Ellis
-Political Round-Up: Sine Die Edition hosted by Erin Beasley & Kayla Greer
-Southern Border Shutdown ft. State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier
This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio, YouTube, Amazon Music and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast.
Alabama Hay Listings
Looking for hay to buy or want to list hay for sale? Look no further than the Alabama Hay Listings website housed by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. Click here to learn more and view listings now!
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. 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.
BAMA BEEF EVENTS CALENDAR
The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/events) is beginning to fill up with county cattlemen’s, youth and Extension activities as we look toward the late spring and summer months. Check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!
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