Author: Alabama Cattlemen's Association

Things are heating up around the Cattlemen’s Building in Montgomery…and we don’t just mean the temperatures! With the end of July comes the AJCA Round-Up and an already-busy fall season filled with cattle sales, regional meetings, beef promotion and Cattlemen’s events. We look so forward to getting out on the road again as we visit with our favorite folks, Alabama’s cattle producers. Keep reading to learn more about where you’ll find us this week and next! 

AJCA Round-Up next week

It’s not hard to tell that the AJCA Round-Up is just around the corner…in fact, it’s next week! ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Programs Michael Agar’s desk is drowning in a sea of white paper, the library is packed with prizes, phone lines are buzzing with parents calling to confirm registrations and staff is at work helping Michael put on this premier youth cattle event! Beginning next Thursday, the AJCA Directors and ACA staff are thrilled to welcome over 150 junior cattlemen, 60+ steers and 150+ heifers to the Garrett Coliseum as we ROCK THE ROUND-UP! Participants will battle it out in their respective age division throughout the weekend in 14 different contests and cattle shows. It’s sure to be a good time…and a really hot one!

If you’re in the neighborhood next Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, stop by the Garrett Coliseum livestock barns to show your support of Alabama’s Junior Cattlemen and this state checkoff-funded event. We’re proud to see our next generation hard at work developing career skills and learning more about Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

Roby hosts Rep. conaway in south alabama

Last Thursday, July 5, following a patriotic holiday, ACA staff joined cattlemen and farmers from across Alabama’s House District 2 as Congresswoman Martha Roby hosted House Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) to her home turf. The duo discussed the Farm Bill status and challenges we face getting final passage before September 30. Following the meeting, which was hosted by the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association and welcomed by Pike County President Jim Shavers, industry leaders, including ACA Vice President Larry Reeves and Exec Erin Beasley, joined Rep. Roby and Rep. Conaway in Dothan for a fundraiser luncheon at the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.

Get Out And Vote!

Speaking of politics, don’t forget to go vote in the runoff election next Tuesday, July 17. Turnout will be a huge factor as voters decide many key positions across the state. Of note, Alabama will know its next Ag Commissioner next Tuesday night as there is no Democratic opponent in that race.

Cantrell Visits AU Meat Lab and Beef Teaching Unit

On Tuesday, Ali Cantrell toured the Auburn University Lambert- Powell Meat Lab and the Auburn main campus. She got to meet with Barney Wilborn, meat lab manager, and George Richburg, manager of the beef unit, to plan for the fall BEEF 101 programs. As director of education and outreach, she will be working closely with the meat science staff at Auburn in order to put on BEEF 101 programs as part of the National Checkoff program. BEEF 101 is  great opportunity for foodservice representatives, retailers, and culinary students to learn about beef from “pasture to plate.” Are you interested in getting involved with a BEEF 101 program this fall? Email Ali

Board Memo

Board of Directors: Save the date for Thursday, August 9 and join us in Montgomery for the Summer Board Meeting! It’s going to be a good one as we award all of our Over the Top presidents their iconic Cattlemen’s red coats, sponsored by AgriLabs, hand out “Top Hand Club” prizes, courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit, and draw for the John Deere Gator, sponsored by  SunSouth, John Deere and TriGreen Equipment!

You are not going to want to miss this meeting if you are a Board member. Be on the look out for a Board Memo coming in the mail your way and don’t forget to sell those Gator tickets. If you need some to sell, call Jessica at (334) 265-1867 today!

Beef Tips with Lawson State Community College

On Thursday, ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell will be traveling to Lawson State Community College in Birmingham to give a beef industry presentation to culinary students. She will describe how cattle are raised within the state of Alabama and how the harvesting process works to create a safe and wholesome beef product. At the end of the presentation she will then demonstrate how to cook a simple tenderloin recipe from the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner website.

SUMMER GRILLING CAMPAIGN ON PANDORA RADIO

If you’re a Pandora Radio fan, you may just hear the sound of the sizzle on your next advertisement. As of Friday, June 15, the Alabama Beef Checkoff is sponsoring a two-month-long summer grilling promotional campaign that puts beef on consumers’ minds. The ad is targeted to reach millennial consumers in Alabama’s four main media markets including Madison, Jefferson, Montgomery and Baldwin counties and those who are out and about doing all the fun activities of summertime. The ad features the voice of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign and the iconic “Hoedown” tune nostalgically humming in the background. Display imagery will accompany the radio ad and features steak, the BIWFD logo and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association logo. It is projected to reach over 68,000 around twice weekly throughout the lifetime of the campaign.

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL PROGRAM- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn more about the Junior Pasture to Rail program today by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R. The 2018 Junior Pasture to Rail program will be managed through the AJCA in conjunction with the current Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Pasture to Rail program. Youth will learn how to retain ownership on their cattle and how to market cattle on the grid. There will be four (4) educational programs beginning in fall 2018 to educate the participating youth about the cattle industry from pasture to plate.

Cattle will be gathered at central locations around Alabama and shipped to Hy-Plains Feedlot in Montezuma, KS. Ear notches will be pulled for BVD-PI testing and calves will be tagged, weighed and graded at that time (frame/muscle score, BCS). Data/results will be provided at the awards presentation for the 2018 Pasture to Rail program. Awards will be given to the top three (3) youth based on profitability in two categories: individual profitability of one (1) calf and the average profitability of a pen of three (3) calves.

Data provided will include carcass data as well as feedlot performance, medical expenses, feed costs, etc.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be of age 21 or younger by January 1, 2018 to participate
• Youth must be an AJCA, FFA or 4-H member
• Steers are preferred, heifers can be entered but will be at a disadvantage for the program.
• Cattle must be 600-lbs. at minimum on the day of shipment, be weaned and pre-conditioned for 60 days (castrated, dehorned and healed, dewormed) and be vaccinated/boostered for Blackleg, PI3, BVD, BSRV and IBR (modified live).
• A $200 participation fee will be incurred for pens of three (3) or less. A $75/head fee will be added for additional entries.
• Youth must attend a minimum of three (3) of four (4) educational programs to be eligible for any awards.

Calves will be shipped at specified dates between August 2018 to March 2019. In order to ship, calves must meet the aforementioned pre-conditioning requirements. Ship dates and locations as well as educational programs will be communicated as determined.

Registration will close August 31 at midnight.
This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Thunderstorms, heat, humidity…yep, that sounds like an Alabama summer. Whew it’s a hot one this week, cattlemen, so we encourage you to wear your sun gear and pack extra water as you head out to the hay fields or the weaning pens. Don’t overdo it! While the past couple of weeks have been relatively quiet compared to the usual madness here in downtown Montgomery, staff is enjoying a time to catch up, handle housekeeping tasks and prepare for a busy fall to come. Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening here at the state office and stay informed with the work your Cattlemen’s Association is up to on your behalf.

ROUND-UP REGISTRATION CLOSING THIS FRIDAY

Are you ready to rock?! Registration for the 12th annual AJCA Round-Up, happening July 19-22 can be found at BamaBeef.org/Round-Up and CLOSES THIS FRIDAY AT MIDNIGHT. Also on that site, you’ll find contest and show rules, a schedule of events and 2018-2019 AJCA director applications. The Round-Up is more than just a calf show! If you don’t show cattle, that’s okay! The great news about the Round-Up is that there’s a contest for anyone and everyone. Check it out:

• Photography
• Ad Design
• Record Book
• Poster
• Essay
• Public Speaking
• Skill-A-Thon
• Career Development
• Volleyball
• Carne Fiesta (Cooking Competition)
• Sales Talk
• Cattle Judging
• Team Grooming
• Showmanship
• Prospect Market Show
• Breeding Heifer Show

Don’t miss out on all the fun and awesome prizes! Join us in Montgomery to show what you know and make lifelong friends.

AJCA membership is required to participate in the AJCA Round-Up. If membership is not current by July 15, your credit card will be charged the membership fee of $15.

You can view the 2018 contest rules, a schedule of events or the director application by clicking the links below. Registration is now available online and closes June 29 at 11:55 p.m.

Cold calls firing up

Cold calls to association non-renewed members are under way as we are only 100 members away from our 2018 membership goal!! Help us get there by sending in your county memberships you’ve been holding onto. Several phone conversations have revealed to us that alleged non-renewed members have, in fact, paid and the counties have not sent in those dues. yet! Memberships need to be entered or postmarked by Saturday to help us meet our 2018 goal!!

Alabama Agribusiness Council Annual Meeting

As a board member for the Alabama Agribusiness Council, Erin Beasley spent the first half of this week at the organization’s annual meeting. The council is comprised of a wide range of companies involved in agriculture and the conference featured several speakers in the industry. The awards dinner honored three very special individuals who have had a major impact on Alabama agriculture and rural Alabama. Gov. Kay Ivey received the AAC Distinguished Service Award, and Sen. Clay Scofield was named the Legislator of the Year. Retired ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell was honored with the Heritage Award for his many contributions to the council since its inception. Congratulations Dr. Powell!

Environmental Management Commission

Erin will take part in interviews today for a position open on the Environmental Management Commission which sets statewide environmental policy. The position is looking replace a professional engineer who recently completed a term.

Livestock Marketing Association Annual Meeting Next Week

ACA’s Erin Beasley and Michael Agar will attend the Alabama Livestock Marketing Association meeting next week in south Alabama to provide an update about the association to stockyards. A new card was recently printed for stockyards to highlight benefits of the beef checkoff and tips from Alabama Extension on marketing calves. These cards will be provided to stockyard owners at this meeting. We appreciate the invite given to us by members of the Alabama LMA and look forward to visiting with our state’s livestock market owners.

SUMMER GRILLING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES ON PANDORA RADIO

If you’re a Pandora Radio fan, you may just hear the sound of the sizzle on your next advertisement. As of Friday, June 15, the Alabama Beef Checkoff is sponsoring a two-month-long summer grilling promotional campaign that puts beef on consumers’ minds. The ad is targeted to reach millennial consumers in Alabama’s four main media markets including Madison, Jefferson, Montgomery and Baldwin counties and those who are out and about doing all the fun activities of summertime. The ad features the voice of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign and the iconic “Hoedown” tune nostalgically humming in the background. Display imagery will accompany the radio ad and features steak, the BIWFD logo and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association logo. It is projected to reach over 68,000 around twice weekly throughout the lifetime of the campaign.

I4A  TRAINING VIDEOS- COMING SOON TO A WEBSITE NEAR YOU!

Still a little confused on how the new membership software works? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back! In preparation for the 2019 membership year heading our way July 1, ACA Member and Producer Contact Coordinator Jessica Kennedy began re-making i4a software tutorial videos. As many of you may remember, videos were made before then taken down because of necessary changes that had to be made in the program!

We’re over that hump now, though, and 4 new videos are in the works and include a software basics 101, how to add a new member, how to renew a member and a merging video. These will be handy to have once we start putting in ALL those new and renewed members in 2019!! As soon as they’re complete, Jessica will share the link with county leaders.

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL PROGRAM- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn more about the Junior Pasture to Rail program today by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R. The 2018 Junior Pasture to Rail program will be managed through the AJCA in conjunction with the current Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Pasture to Rail program. Youth will learn how to retain ownership on their cattle and how to market cattle on the grid. There will be four (4) educational programs beginning in fall 2018 to educate the participating youth about the cattle industry from pasture to plate.

Cattle will be gathered at central locations around Alabama and shipped to Hy-Plains Feedlot in Montezuma, KS. Ear notches will be pulled for BVD-PI testing and calves will be tagged, weighed and graded at that time (frame/muscle score, BCS). Data/results will be provided at the awards presentation for the 2018 Pasture to Rail program. Awards will be given to the top three (3) youth based on profitability in two categories: individual profitability of one (1) calf and the average profitability of a pen of three (3) calves.

Data provided will include carcass data as well as feedlot performance, medical expenses, feed costs, etc.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be of age 21 or younger by January 1, 2018 to participate
• Youth must be an AJCA, FFA or 4-H member
• Steers are preferred, heifers can be entered but will be at a disadvantage for the program.
• Cattle must be 600-lbs. at minimum on the day of shipment, be weaned and pre-conditioned for 60 days (castrated, dehorned and healed, dewormed) and be vaccinated/boostered for Blackleg, PI3, BVD, BSRV and IBR (modified live).
• A $200 participation fee will be incurred for pens of three (3) or less. A $75/head fee will be added for additional entries.
• Youth must attend a minimum of three (3) of four (4) educational programs to be eligible for any awards.

Calves will be shipped at specified dates between August 2018 to March 2019. In order to ship, calves must meet the aforementioned pre-conditioning requirements. Ship dates and locations as well as educational programs will be communicated as determined.

Registration will close August 31 at midnight.
This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Fourth of July Holiday

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and The MOOseum will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Normal office hours will resume Thursday, but this means the blog will skip a week! We’ll catch back up with you on all the important updates on Wednesday, July 11. We pray your family has a safe holiday and enjoys lots of delicious, nutritious beef!

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, Twitter or Instagram.

If someone told us that this week marked the first official day of summer…we’d absolutely believe it. WHEW! Someone turned up the heat and humidity here in Sweet Home, but that’s not anything to surprise us, right? Thankfully, fairly dry weather has allowed many-a hay bales to be rolled and stored away, and green grass and shady naps are keeping our cattle entertained most of the day. It can never be said enough, but we appreciate your work, especially during the dog days of summer! 

Your ACA staff is at work, too. We’ve got a lot going on and even have a new face in the office as of this week. Keep reading to learn more and stay cool out there! 

Welcome, Ali!

This week, ACA staff is thrilled to welcome Ali Cantrell to the Cattlemen’s team here in Montgomery. A recent graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned a masters degree in meat science, Ali comes to us by way of her home in Weatherford, Texas. She will take on the role as the new “Beef Girl” and fill the big shoes left behind by Erin Beasley as director of education and outreach. We are very excited to have Ali on the team and know she will fit into her new role nicely!

We encourage you to send Ali a welcoming email introducing yourself and your farm. She’s a long way from home and a big dose of that “Southern hospitality” we Alabamians are famous for could do a girl some good!

Foodservice & Culinary Introductions

Ali didn’t waste any time this week getting introduced to her new job! On Tuesday and Wednesday, Erin Beasley loaded her up and hit the road to visit several retail, foodservice and culinary partners that work with the ACA. Ali will be introduced to Sysco Central Alabama, Western Supermarkets, Wood Fruitticher, Drake State Culinary School and take part in a ladies program given by the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association.

CBS 42 Talks Tariffs

On Tuesday, Birmingham-based CBS 42 WIAT reporter Rashad Hudson called looking for a cattleman to interview about farmers’ concerns regarding the $200 billion worth of import tariffs on Chinese goods that was recently proposed by the Trump Administration. Past President Bill Lipscomb answered the call and represented Alabama’s farmers on a statewide evening news report where he spoke on the potential negative effects it could have on Alabama’s largest industry, agriculture. He was quoted saying, “The main thing we need is stability. We need to know where we are so can plan our inputs and costs.”

We appreciate Bill for his continued service to Alabama’s cattlemen. Hopefully a resolution will be made by July 6 as commodity prices are already reacting to the instability generated by these talks.

Additional Policy Update

Immigration is supposed to be voted on today in the House, and that should open up a pretty clear path for the Farm Bill to come back to the House floor for a vote later this week. The Senate is currently working on the bill as well. As many will remember, the House voted down the original Farm Bill proposal last month. The ACA is signed onto a letter, along with all other Cattlemen’s Associations across the nation, encouraging House members to vote YES when the bill reaches the floor.

Bama’s Best Beef Presentation

This afternoon, the Checkoff staff will gather at Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods in Pelham, Alabama along with Regional Vice President Jim Miller and Birmingham-based food critic Cassandra “Joy” King with Dining Out With Comedienne Joy. The group will visit with owners and chefs at the restaurant, present them with a plaque to commemorate the award and try out those delicious-looking filet kabobs. Be watching out for a photo in an upcoming issue of the Alabama Cattleman.

MADISON COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S LADIES NIGHT

Erin Beasley and Ali Cantrell enjoyed a night spent with the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association. On Tuesday, the chapter hosted a Ladies Night at Henry’s Mustang Cafe where Chef Henry cooked up some delicious beef recipes from the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. website while Erin described the cuts used to create these appetizers. The night opened up with a great discussion about the nutritional benefits of beef and how to easily incorporate it into your tailgating menu.

SLIM’S SUMMER PICNIC

Last week’s 2nd annual Slim’s Summer Picnic at The MOOseum was a hit!! We welcomed over 340 visitors to our event where we had games, hamburgers and even a photo op with a bull named Silver.  The MOOseum Coordinator Kara Harden would like to extend her gratitude to the Wyatt Sasser family of Convington County, Will Jordan and Silver the Brahman Bull of Clay County and Randy and Nancy Ray and the Justalil’ Rodeo Company team from Pike County for their help in making the event such a success!

SUMMER GRILLING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES ON PANDORA RADIO

If you’re a Pandora Radio fan, you may just hear the sound of the sizzle on your next advertisement. As of Friday, June 15, the Alabama Beef Checkoff is sponsoring a two-month-long summer grilling promotional campaign that puts beef on consumers’ minds. The ad is targeted to reach millennial consumers in Alabama’s four main media markets including Madison, Jefferson, Montgomery and Baldwin counties and those who are out and about doing all the fun activities of summertime. The ad features the voice of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign and the iconic “Hoedown” tune nostalgically humming in the background. Display imagery will accompany the radio ad and features steak, the BIWFD logo and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association logo. It is projected to reach over 68,000 around twice weekly throughout the lifetime of the campaign.

i4a  Training Videos- Coming Soon to a Website Near You!

Still a little confused on how the new membership software works? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back! In preparation for the 2019 membership year heading our way July 1, ACA Member and Producer Contact Coordinator Jessica Kennedy began re-making i4a software tutorial videos. As many of you may remember, videos were made before then taken down because of necessary changes that had to be made in the program!

We’re over that hump now, though, and 4 new videos are in the works and include a software basics 101, how to add a new member, how to renew a member and a merging video. These will be handy to have once we start putting in ALL those new and renewed members in 2019!! As soon as they’re complete, Jessica will share the link with county leaders.

ROUND-UP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Are you ready to rock?! Registration for the 12th annual AJCA Round-Up, happening July 19-22 is now open online at BamaBeef.org/Round-Up. Also on that site, you’ll find contest and show rules, a schedule of events and 2018-2019 AJCA director applications. The Round-Up is more than just a calf show! If you don’t show cattle, that’s okay! The great news about the Round-Up is that there’s a contest for anyone and everyone. Check it out:

• Photography
• Ad Design
• Record Book
• Poster
• Essay
• Public Speaking
• Skill-A-Thon
• Career Development
• Volleyball
• Carne Fiesta (Cooking Competition)
• Sales Talk
• Cattle Judging
• Team Grooming
• Showmanship
• Prospect Market Show
• Breeding Heifer Show

Don’t miss out on all the fun and awesome prizes! Join us in Montgomery to show what you know and make lifelong friends.

AJCA membership is required to participate in the AJCA Round-Up. If membership is not current by July 15, your credit card will be charged the membership fee of $15.

You can view the 2018 contest rules, a schedule of events or the director application by clicking the links below. Registration is now available online and closes June 29 at 11:55 p.m.

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL PROGRAM- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn more about the Junior Pasture to Rail program today by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R. The 2018 Junior Pasture to Rail program will be managed through the AJCA in conjunction with the current Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Pasture to Rail program. Youth will learn how to retain ownership on their cattle and how to market cattle on the grid. There will be four (4) educational programs beginning in fall 2018 to educate the participating youth about the cattle industry from pasture to plate.

Cattle will be gathered at central locations around Alabama and shipped to Hy-Plains Feedlot in Montezuma, KS. Ear notches will be pulled for BVD-PI testing and calves will be tagged, weighed and graded at that time (frame/muscle score, BCS). Data/results will be provided at the awards presentation for the 2018 Pasture to Rail program. Awards will be given to the top three (3) youth based on profitability in two categories: individual profitability of one (1) calf and the average profitability of a pen of three (3) calves.

Data provided will include carcass data as well as feedlot performance, medical expenses, feed costs, etc.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be of age 21 or younger by January 1, 2018 to participate
• Youth must be an AJCA, FFA or 4-H member
• Steers are preferred, heifers can be entered but will be at a disadvantage for the program.
• Cattle must be 600-lbs. at minimum on the day of shipment, be weaned and pre-conditioned for 60 days (castrated, dehorned and healed, dewormed) and be vaccinated/boostered for Blackleg, PI3, BVD, BSRV and IBR (modified live).
• A $200 participation fee will be incurred for pens of three (3) or less. A $75/head fee will be added for additional entries.
• Youth must attend a minimum of three (3) of four (4) educational programs to be eligible for any awards.

Calves will be shipped at specified dates between August 2018 to March 2019. In order to ship, calves must meet the aforementioned pre-conditioning requirements. Ship dates and locations as well as educational programs will be communicated as determined.

Registration will close August 31 at midnight.
This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Following a very busy week in Montgomery last week, this week is one for playing catch up and turning our sights toward new projects and programs. Next week bring a whole host of beef promotion, new faces around the office and some last calls before deadlines. Take a break from the summer sunshine, cool off from a busy day on the farm and take a moment to learn about all you need to know to stay updated with the ACA. 

Food Defense & Ag Security Meeting

The ACA took part in a Food Defense and Agriculture Security meeting today with the Department of Agriculture. Executive VP Erin Beasley and ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Programs Michael Agar attended the meeting to represent the beef cattle industry. The group discussed ways to improve food and ag security detail and educating producers on measures they can take to ensure a wholesome and safe food supply.

SLIM’S SUMMER PICNIC

We are excited to present the 2nd annual Slim’s Summer Picnic happening at The MOOseum on June 15 from 11 AM – 2 PM. The MOOseum Coordinator Kara Harden has been hard at work lining up events for little buckaroos to enjoy, and she’s excited to announce that Justalil’ Rodeo Company will be here hosting all their fun Western-themed games and activities. We’ll also be grilling burgers and having a fun competition for whoever brings the biggest crowd! If you’ve got little ones that want to enjoy the cowboy fun, give Kara a call at (334) 265-1867!

Summer Grilling Campaign Launches on Pandora Radio

If you’re a Pandora Radio fan, you may just hear the sound of the sizzle on your next advertisement. As of Friday, June 15, the Alabama Beef Checkoff will be sponsoring a two-month-long summer grilling promotional campaign that puts beef on consumers’ minds. The ad is targeted to reach millennial consumers in Alabama’s four main media markets including Madison, Jefferson, Montgomery and Baldwin counties and those who are out and about doing all the fun activities of summertime. The ad features the voice of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign and the iconic “Hoedown” tune nostalgically humming in the background. Display imagery will accompany the radio ad and features steak, the BIWFD logo and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association logo. It is projected to reach over 68,000 around twice weekly throughout the lifetime of the campaign.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

The membership total of the day is 9,750! Anyone who would like to have a list of non-renewed members from their county to call for renewals please let Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy know.

We are only 250 members away from 10,000. This is our last push for 2018, and we ask that you please send us any members you have. Please don’t hold them for 2019 because we want to make sure they start getting their magazine, and we definitely want to hit our goal of exceeding last year’s membership. Our strength is in numbers. Join the effort and call your counties’ non-renewed members before June 30. 

Policy Update

Transportation is still the lead topic coming out of D.C. Two new developments this week:

1. Yesterday, Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Further, the enforcement of the ELD rule would be delayed until the reforms required under the bill are formally proposed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
2. Congressman Ted Yoho of Florida and 38 bipartisan original cosponsors, including Congressman Mike Rogers from Alabama, introduced the House version of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act yesterday.  The only difference between the Senate bill- S. 2938 and the House version, is the House version includes those hauling live fish as well. (live fish includes fish not specifically for food) The hope is that this gathers even more support from our friends in the Southeastern part of the country.

ROUND-UP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Are you ready to rock?! Registration for the 12th annual AJCA Round-Up, happening July 19-22 is now open online at BamaBeef.org/Round-Up. Also on that site, you’ll find contest and show rules, a schedule of events and 2018-2019 AJCA director applications. The Round-Up is more than just a calf show! If you don’t show cattle, that’s okay! The great news about the Round-Up is that there’s a contest for anyone and everyone. Check it out:

• Photography
• Ad Design
• Record Book
• Poster
• Essay
• Public Speaking
• Skill-A-Thon
• Career Development
• Volleyball
• Carne Fiesta (Cooking Competition)
• Sales Talk
• Cattle Judging
• Team Grooming
• Showmanship
• Prospect Market Show
• Breeding Heifer Show

Don’t miss out on all the fun and awesome prizes! Join us in Montgomery to show what you know and make lifelong friends.

AJCA membership is required to participate in the AJCA Round-Up. If membership is not current by July 15, your credit card will be charged the membership fee of $15.

You can view the 2018 contest rules, a schedule of events or the director application by clicking the links below. Registration is now available online and closes June 29 at 11:55 p.m.

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL PROGRAM- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn more about the Junior Pasture to Rail program today by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R. The 2018 Junior Pasture to Rail program will be managed through the AJCA in conjunction with the current Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Pasture to Rail program. Youth will learn how to retain ownership on their cattle and how to market cattle on the grid. There will be four (4) educational programs beginning in fall 2018 to educate the participating youth about the cattle industry from pasture to plate.

Cattle will be gathered at central locations around Alabama and shipped to Hy-Plains Feedlot in Montezuma, KS. Ear notches will be pulled for BVD-PI testing and calves will be tagged, weighed and graded at that time (frame/muscle score, BCS). Data/results will be provided at the awards presentation for the 2018 Pasture to Rail program. Awards will be given to the top three (3) youth based on profitability in two categories: individual profitability of one (1) calf and the average profitability of a pen of three (3) calves.

Data provided will include carcass data as well as feedlot performance, medical expenses, feed costs, etc.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be of age 21 or younger by January 1, 2018 to participate
• Youth must be an AJCA, FFA or 4-H member
• Steers are preferred, heifers can be entered but will be at a disadvantage for the program.
• Cattle must be 600-lbs. at minimum on the day of shipment, be weaned and pre-conditioned for 60 days (castrated, dehorned and healed, dewormed) and be vaccinated/boostered for Blackleg, PI3, BVD, BSRV and IBR (modified live).
• A $200 participation fee will be incurred for pens of three (3) or less. A $75/head fee will be added for additional entries.
• Youth must attend a minimum of three (3) of four (4) educational programs to be eligible for any awards.

Calves will be shipped at specified dates between August 2018 to March 2019. In order to ship, calves must meet the aforementioned pre-conditioning requirements. Ship dates and locations as well as educational programs will be communicated as determined.

Registration will close August 31 at midnight.
This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

We’re seeing blue…LOTS of it as those timeless blue corduroy jackets flood the streets of downtown Montgomery for the 90th annual Alabama FFA State Convention. Between luncheons, receptions, award presentations, contest judging and the career show, you could ALMOST say that this week’s theme is National Blue and Corn Gold. Why almost? You ask.

Well, it’s not like we had an important primary election across our state yesterday or anything. That being said, this week’s themes are FFA and Primary Elections, and between the two, your state staff has stayed boots-on-the-ground busy. Keep reading to learn more about what’s going on around Montgomery this week…

Primary Elections- A Recap

The primary election was held on Tuesday and several races are set up for interesting runoffs. Of note, here are a few takeaways:

• Gov. Kay Ivey won without a runoff as predicted and will face Democrat Walt Maddox in November
• Will Ainsworth has forced a runoff with Twinkle Cavanaugh in the Lt. Governor race
• The heated Attorney General race will be a runoff between current Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Attorney General Troy King
• The Commissioner of Ag race is going to a runoff between Rick Pate and Gerald Dial
• Senator Paul Bussman (SD4, Cullman) was beat by Garlan Gudger
• Newcomer Andrew Jones defeated State Rep. Mack Butler for the Senate District 10 seat (Cherokee and Cleburne Counties)
• There will be 11 runoffs in the House of Representatives and 5 in the Senate

90th Annual Alabama FFA State Convention

There’s much happening this week in relation to those beloved blue jackets that’s keeping staff here at the ACA busy. First, we would like to congratulate three  Junior Cattlemen on an outstanding year serving as state FFA officers. Cameron Catrett (Crenshaw County) has served the past year as FFA State President. She will recite her retiring address entitled “Put On Your Perspectacles” at the Fifth General Session. Will Jordan of Clay County will hang up his FFA State Reporter jacket with his retiring address “Your Life Matters,” and Bryce Hendricks (Coffee County) will close out his term as FFA State Sentinel after offering his retiring address he has titled “Staying Committed.” Congrats to all three on their notable leadership and their bright futures ahead.

Aside from enjoying the General Sessions, ACA staff will be found hosting the FFA Wall of Honor Luncheon at the Cattlemen’s Building, holding down a booth at the career show and presenting the checkoff-sponsored Meat Evaluation contest award to this year’s winners. We also look forward to a full week of blue coats in The MOOseum as they explore the impact of Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

Welcome all FFA students, parents and teacher to Montgomery. The future sure looks bright!

Evans on YCC

YCLP Class II alumni and Lowndes County cattleman Bradfield Evans is representing Alabama this week on the Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) that the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hosts each year. This 10-day excursion across the country hosts over 60 producers from 25-40 years of age to experience the cattle industry like never before. They have seen farms, feedlots, packing plants, retailers, NCBA and are now spending a few days on the Hill in D.C. Bradfield is on several visits today with our congressional delegation, and we know he is prepared is represent Alabama as he discusses real on-farm concerns and thanks our leadership for the support they give us.

SLIM’S SUMMER PICNIC

We are excited to present the 2nd annual Slim’s Summer Picnic happening at The MOOseum on June 15 from 11 AM – 2 PM. The MOOseum Coordinator Kara Harden has been hard at work lining up events for little buckaroos to enjoy, and she’s excited to announce that Justalil’ Rodeo Company will be here hosting all their fun Western-themed games and activities. We’ll also be grilling burgers and having a fun competition for whoever brings the biggest crowd! If you’ve got little ones that want to enjoy the cowboy fun, give Kara a call at (334) 265-1867!

Membership Update

The membership total of the day is 9,750! Anyone who would like to have a list of non-renewed members from their county to call for renewals please let Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy know.  Our goal is to reach 10,100 or more.  Send in any membership you have so that we can reach our membership goal for 2018!!

Leadership: Jessica now has  all of the presidents coat sizes, but she need eight more shirt sizes from county secretaries.  An email has been sent regarding who those last few are, so please get that information submitted so we can proceed with ordering your prizes! Speaking of prizes, be looking out for an email on Friday with the updated recruiting for Top Hand prizes.

ROUND-UP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Are you ready to rock?! Registration for the 12th annual AJCA Round-Up, happening July 19-22 is now open online at BamaBeef.org/Round-Up. Also on that site, you’ll find contest and show rules, a schedule of events and 2018-2019 AJCA director applications. The Round-Up is more than just a calf show! If you don’t show cattle, that’s okay! The great news about the Round-Up is that there’s a contest for anyone and everyone. Check it out:

• Photography
• Ad Design
• Record Book
• Poster
• Essay
• Public Speaking
• Skill-A-Thon
• Career Development
• Volleyball
• Carne Fiesta (Cooking Competition)
• Sales Talk
• Cattle Judging
• Team Grooming
• Showmanship
• Prospect Market Show
• Breeding Heifer Show

Don’t miss out on all the fun and awesome prizes! Join us in Montgomery to show what you know and make lifelong friends.

AJCA membership is required to participate in the AJCA Round-Up. If membership is not current by July 15, your credit card will be charged the membership fee of $15.

You can view the 2018 contest rules, a schedule of events or the director application by clicking the links below. Registration is now available online and closes June 29 at 11:55 p.m.

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL PROGRAM- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn more about the Junior Pasture to Rail program today by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R. The 2018 Junior Pasture to Rail program will be managed through the AJCA in conjunction with the current Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Pasture to Rail program. Youth will learn how to retain ownership on their cattle and how to market cattle on the grid. There will be four (4) educational programs beginning in fall 2018 to educate the participating youth about the cattle industry from pasture to plate.

Cattle will be gathered at central locations around Alabama and shipped to Hy-Plains Feedlot in Montezuma, KS. Ear notches will be pulled for BVD-PI testing and calves will be tagged, weighed and graded at that time (frame/muscle score, BCS). Data/results will be provided at the awards presentation for the 2018 Pasture to Rail program. Awards will be given to the top three (3) youth based on profitability in two categories: individual profitability of one (1) calf and the average profitability of a pen of three (3) calves.

Data provided will include carcass data as well as feedlot performance, medical expenses, feed costs, etc.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be of age 21 or younger by January 1, 2018 to participate
• Youth must be an AJCA, FFA or 4-H member
• Steers are preferred, heifers can be entered but will be at a disadvantage for the program.
• Cattle must be 600-lbs. at minimum on the day of shipment, be weaned and pre-conditioned for 60 days (castrated, dehorned and healed, dewormed) and be vaccinated/boostered for Blackleg, PI3, BVD, BSRV and IBR (modified live).
• A $200 participation fee will be incurred for pens of three (3) or less. A $75/head fee will be added for additional entries.
• Youth must attend a minimum of three (3) of four (4) educational programs to be eligible for any awards.

Calves will be shipped at specified dates between August 2018 to March 2019. In order to ship, calves must meet the aforementioned pre-conditioning requirements. Ship dates and locations as well as educational programs will be communicated as determined.

Registration will close August 31 at midnight.
This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Paid for by Alabama Beef Farmers. 

Rain has finally graced our pastures, which seems like a foreign concept from the past month, but more along the lines of normal- things are staying busy as usual at the ACAl. With a big Memorial Day Weekend coming up, we can already hear the sound of the sizzle as steaks, burgers and bbq hit the grill. We hope you and your family enjoy a safe, long weekend full of delicious beef and family fun. We also want to take a minute to tip our hat to the soldiers who died protecting our many rights and freedoms. While they are gone from this life, they are never forgotten. We are humbled by their courage and sacrifice.

Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening at the ACA this week.

Board Meeting Wrap-Up & Membership Update

After a busy and successful Board of Directors meeting last Thursday, we are THRILLED to announce we had 45 counties represented and had an excellent meeting with many great questions asked and information taken back home. We were proud to have the opportunity to award 26 “Over the Top” county presidents with a commemorative padfolio, while the grand prize of a Priefert squeeze chute rolled home behind the leadership from Escambia County. Congrats to Escambia, and big thanks to Fuller Supply and Priefert Ranch Equipment for their generous support of our incentive programs.

Another major topic of business discussed at last week’s meeting was membership year dates. For 2018, the membership year ends June 30.  The 2019 membership year changes to January through December in 2019.  All membership entered after July 1 will be “grandfathered into” that transition period.  Secretaries and recruiters- continue your work as normal and ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy will work on the transition at the state office to soften the impact of the transition. Our goal is for the counties to not feel any heat from the transitional period!  To help questions along the way, the state office developed a County Leader Handbook, which was passed out to presidents and secretaries at last week’s meeting. If you did not receive one, or should you need additional copies, you can email Jessica or call her at (334) 265-1867.

Membership total for the day is 9,514. Cold calling from the state office begins on June 1. Leaders- let us know if you’d like a list of numbers so you can join in on this initiative!

Policy Update

Policy work is always on task. This week,  the transportation bill to address hours of service for livestock haulers looks to drop in Senate. We are working to get a co-sponsor on House side from Alabama delegation.

Stockyard Visits

This week, ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Programs Michael Agar was joined at Clay County Livestock by ACA President-Elect Chris Langley and Regional Vice President Jim Jordan. The trio enjoyed lunch with market owner Tad Eason who kindly took time out of his day to visit with the group. Clay County can take pride in having a great, well-kept facility to market their cattle as well as an owner who wants to help them do that best. Pictured are ACA President-Elect Chris Langley, AJCA District 3 Director Chelsea Langley, Agar, Clay County Livestock Owner Tad Eason and two of his children, Clay County Cattlemen’s Association Vice President Mike Morrison and  Regional Vice President Jim Jordan.

On Thursday, Michael will travel to South Alabama Livestock in Brundidge to visit with market owner Ed Jones. This leaves Michael with only one more market to visit in the state before he wraps up his first full year on the job at the beginning of June. Visiting each of Alabama’s stockyards at least once annually is an initiative of Michael’s, and we are proud to see him reach his first-year goal!

Bama’s Best Beef- Finalists Announced!

We’re in the final round of the 3rd annual Bama’s Best Beef contest, sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program! Our two finalists, Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods (Pelham) “Filet Kabobs” and Big D’s Butts ‘N Stuff  (Monroeville) “Brisket Panini” need your vote to help them earn the title of Bama’s Best Beef! To date the contest has reached over 335,700 people and garnered over 22,900 reactions, comments and shares. These are great numbers!

The winner we be announced on Tuesday, May 29.

On the Search for Associate Dean of Extension

ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley is participating in a seminar today with a candidate for associate dean of Extension at Auburn. This candidate has a strong beef cattle background. We will participate in one more seminar next week.

Slim’s Summer Picnic

We are excited to present the 2nd annual Slim’s Summer Picnic happening at The MOOseum on June 15 from 10 AM – 2 PM. The MOOseum Coordinator Kara Harden has been hard at work lining up events for little buckaroos to enjoy, and she’s excited to announce that Lil Boots Rodeo will be here hosting all their fun Western-themed games and activities. We’ll also be grilling burgers and having a fun competition for whoever brings the biggest crowd! If you’ve got little ones that want to enjoy the cowboy fun, give Kara a call at (334) 265-1867!

ROUND-UP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Are you ready to rock?! Registration for the 12th annual AJCA Round-Up, happening July 19-22 is now open online at BamaBeef.org/Round-Up. Also on that site, you’ll find contest and show rules, a schedule of events and 2018-2019 AJCA director applications. The Round-Up is more than just a calf show! If you don’t show cattle, that’s okay! The great news about the Round-Up is that there’s a contest for anyone and everyone. Check it out:

• Photography
• Ad Design
• Record Book
• Poster
• Essay
• Public Speaking
• Skill-A-Thon
• Career Development
• Volleyball
• Carne Fiesta (Cooking Competition)
• Sales Talk
• Cattle Judging
• Team Grooming
• Showmanship
• Prospect Market Show
• Breeding Heifer Show

Don’t miss out on all the fun and awesome prizes! Join us in Montgomery to show what you know and make lifelong friends.

AJCA membership is required to participate in the AJCA Round-Up. If membership is not current by July 15, your credit card will be charged the membership fee of $15.

You can view the 2018 contest rules, a schedule of events or the director application by clicking the links below. Registration is now available online and closes June 29 at 11:55 p.m.

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL PROGRAM- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Speaking of Junior Pasture to Rail, learn more about the program today by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R. The 2018 Junior Pasture to Rail program will be managed through the AJCA in conjunction with the current Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Pasture to Rail program. Youth will learn how to retain ownership on their cattle and how to market cattle on the grid. There will be four (4) educational programs beginning in fall 2018 to educate the participating youth about the cattle industry from pasture to plate.

Cattle will be gathered at central locations around Alabama and shipped to Hy-Plains Feedlot in Montezuma, KS. Ear notches will be pulled for BVD-PI testing and calves will be tagged, weighed and graded at that time (frame/muscle score, BCS). Data/results will be provided at the awards presentation for the 2018 Pasture to Rail program. Awards will be given to the top three (3) youth based on profitability in two categories: individual profitability of one (1) calf and the average profitability of a pen of three (3) calves.

Data provided will include carcass data as well as feedlot performance, medical expenses, feed costs, etc.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be of age 21 or younger by January 1, 2018 to participate
• Youth must be an AJCA, FFA or 4-H member
• Steers are preferred, heifers can be entered but will be at a disadvantage for the program.
• Cattle must be 600-lbs. at minimum on the day of shipment, be weaned and pre-conditioned for 60 days (castrated, dehorned and healed, dewormed) and be vaccinated/boostered for Blackleg, PI3, BVD, BSRV and IBR (modified live).
• A $200 participation fee will be incurred for pens of three (3) or less. A $75/head fee will be added for additional entries.
• Youth must attend a minimum of three (3) of four (4) educational programs to be eligible for any awards.

Calves will be shipped at specified dates between August 2018 to March 2019. In order to ship, calves must meet the aforementioned pre-conditioning requirements. Ship dates and locations as well as educational programs will be communicated as determined.

Registration will close August 31 at midnight.
This program is sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

Bama Beef Membership Giveaway

Last week’s membership drawing giveaway winner was Daniel Wilhite of Cullman County. Daniel is the lucky winner of an ACA cap, a BEEF tag and an NCBA pocket knife. This week’s drawing features a prize package sure to amp up your “grilliance” this summer grilling season. The package includes  an ACA Tervis Tumbler, an “I Love Beef” apron and a Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. silicon oven mitt. Those interested can enter the drawing by joining or renewing their membership throughout the week. The winner will be drawn Tuesday, May 29 during the lunch hour.

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Paid for by Alabama Beef Farmers.