Category: Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update

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. 

Fire up the grill and get ready to spoil your favorite mama this weekend as May brings all sorts of exciting events to celebrate. What are we talking about, you ask? Well, not only is this Sunday Mother’s Day (*hint hint gentlemen*), but May is also National Beef Month, National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month. That’s four wonderful reasons to break out the grill and enjoy delicious, nutritious beef. Aside from what’s for dinner, Alabama’s cattlemen have a lot going on as we all begin to gear up for hay cutting season. Mother Nature has turned up the heat, and that green grass is soaking up the sunshine and growing taller and more nutritious with each passing day. We hope that while you’re taking a water break, you’ll enjoy catching up with your Cattlemen’s Association and getting the update about all that’s happening this week. Keep reading to learn more…

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

We all know that behind every successful farmer is a hardworking farm wife who can fix a mean fence, tenderly care for a bottle calf and toss square bales with the best of ’em. We all know that behind every kid in the show ring is a mama who is beaming with pride, covered in manure and has a hide comb in her back pocket and a halter in her hand. We all know that behind every delicious dinner is a fine, well-tuned home cook who not only grew the vegetables in the side dishes from her very own garden but also masterfully prepared them to fill you up each night.

We all know that a mother is irreplaceable, unforgettable and undeniably passionate about her family and its well-being. So to all our farm moms out there, our hats off to you. Thank you for the fine example of love, hard work and passion you display and gently sow into the next generation. Happy Mothers Day!

And for all you guys out there who may have forgotten, it’s not too late…breakfast in bed is as easy as it is delicious when you use these prepare recipes from BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

MEMBERSHIP & BOARD REMINDERS

County presidents and secretaries be sure to SAVE THE DATE for May 17 as we’ll be meeting up in Montgomery for an engaging, interactive Board meeting we’ve entitled: “Building the Brand: Steering County Leaders Toward Success.” We’re excited to have over 100 registrants for this event! It is sure to be a great day of learning, networking and having all your association questions answered. RSVP to attend by clicking here. Further, let Jessica know who will be attending her i4a membership software training so she can make arrangements for that presentation! 

ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy is updating county contact information for mailouts and emails. County leaders, please visit BamaBeef.org/CountyChapters today to double check your information. If you find something is incorrect, please call or email Jessica at the office- (334) 265-1867. Information needed includes mailing address, phone number and an email address, with emphasis on the email!

The final renewal notices for 2018 have gone out. If you need help figuring out how to enter memberships in your county, contact Jessica to schedule your i4a training. She will absolutely work around your schedule, day or night, to get you trained! We really need more county participation on the membership entering effort. The quicker county secretaries can learn to enter, the quicker your membership will get entered into the system and start receiving their magazines. We certainly don’t want anyone missing out on those!!

We want to continue to shoutout our Over the Top counties as we are extremely proud of their hard work and true, grassroots efforts. Over the Top counties include Bibb, Butler, Choctaw, Clay, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Covington, Cullman, Dale, Escambia, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, Perry, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Winston counties! Now, this means there will be a very special presentation made at the August Board Meeting…you guessed it…RED COATS! County presidents- if you went Over the Top and do not already have a red coat, we cannot stress enough the importance of going to get fitted for your coat and sending the suggest size into Jessica. The reason why it’s so important you get fitted is because (1) we can’t return the coats should they not fit and (2) we cannot re-order your correct size until the next year…which means you’ll be without for another year!! (Our orders are set at a minimum volume, and we are unable to order just one or two coats at a time.) We know you want that coat just as much as we want to give it to you, so please get sized! P.S. if you’re planning to attend the Board Meeting on May 17, Jessica has a few limited sizes you may try on if you’d like 🙂 Please, send your coat size to Jessica asap! 

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.

Executive Committee Called Upon by President Batts

The ACA Executive Committee will gather at the Cattlemen’s Building on Thursday to prepare for next week’s Board of Directors meeting, discuss upcoming programs and handle other association business. The ACA Executive Committee is comprised of the five state officers, five past presidents and the four outgoing regional vice presidents. The Executive Committee will issue a report at next week’s Board meeting!

MEMBERSHIP GIVEAWAYS

We’ve started a series of giveaways on the ACA Facebook page to encourage cattlemen who need to join or renew to do so soon! This week, our giveaway package includes an ACA tumbler, cap and one of those beloved BEEF tags. The giveaway is now open for entry, and the contest winner will be drawn during the lunch hour on Tuesday, May 15. Anyone who joins or renews now through Tuesday at noon will be entered to win!

Visit our Facebook page and share this giveaway opportunity! Who knows…you may just see several of these throughout May and June…??

BAMA’S BEST BEEF CONTEST

Have you ever tried an unforgettable beef dish served at an Alabama restaurant or food truck? You’re not alone if you answered yes because the 3rd annual Bama’s Best Beef contest, which seeks out unique beef dishes in Alabama, brought in over 200 nominations representing restaurants from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee line and everywhere in between. Our contest committee proudly unveiled our “Roast” and “Variety” finalists this week who are now competing head-to-head in a Facebook photo challenge. In the “Roast” corner is Claunch Cafe of Tuscumbia, AL’s Pot Roast Sandwich, while the “Variety” finalist is Pelham-based Smiley Brothers Speciality Foods’ Filet Kabobs. So far, the Filet Kabobs are taking the lead with 785 votes vs 367 votes on the Pot Roast Sandwich. Contest participants are encouraged to vote for their favorite dish by “Liking” its photo on our Facebook page now through Sunday, May 13 at midnight.

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. 

May has arrived, and it has brought some right warm weather along with it. Green grass has painted Alabama’s landscapes, and cattle can be seen grazing pastureland while cattlemen enjoy the view from inside the cab of a tractor as they prepare for hay cutting and mowing season. It’s a busy time for Alabama’s cattlemen…but when is it not? The same can be said for your association, so keep reading to learn more about all that’s happening at the ACA this week.

Membership & Board Reminders

County presidents and secretaries be sure to SAVE THE DATE for May 17 as we’ll be meeting up in Montgomery for an engaging, interactive Board meeting we’ve entitled: “Building the Brand: Steering County Leaders Toward Success.” 

ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy is updating county contact information for mailouts and emails. County leaders, please visit BamaBeef.org/CountyChapters today to double check your information. If you find something is incorrect, please call or email Jessica at the office- (334) 265-1867. Information needed includes mailing address, phone number and an email address, with emphasis on the email!

The final renewal notices for 2018 went out last week. If you need help figuring out how to enter memberships in your county, contact Jessica to schedule your i4a training. We really need more county participation on the membership entering effort! The quicker county secretaries can learn to enter, the quicker your membership will get entered into the system and start receiving their magazines. We certainly don’t want anyone missing out on those!!

We want to continue to shoutout our Over the Top counties as we are extremely proud of their hard work and true, grassroots efforts. Over the Top counties include Bibb, Butler, Choctaw, Clay, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Covington, Cullman, Dale, Escambia, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, Perry, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Winston counties! Now, this means there will be a very special presentation made at the August Board Meeting…you guessed it…RED COATS! County presidents- if you went Over the Top and do not already have a red coat, we cannot stress enough the importance of going to get fitted for your coat and sending the suggest size into Jessica. The reason why it’s so important you get fitted is because (1) we can’t return the coats should they not fit and (2) we cannot re-order your correct size until the next year…which means you’ll be without for another year!! (Our orders are set at a minimum volume, and we are unable to order just one or two coats at a time.) We know you want that coat just as much as we want to give it to you, so please get sized! P.S. if you’re planning to attend the Board Meeting on May 17, Jessica has a few limited sizes you may try on if you’d like 🙂 Please, send your coat size to Jessica asap! 

Colbert County Youth Programs- Coming Soon!

This Thursday, ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Programs Michael Agar will travel to the Colbert County Extension office to meet with Ag teachers and youth industry leaders in the area about 4-H animal science projects and the newly-founded Colbert County Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Statewide Junior Cattlemen programs such as Round-Up and Junior Pasture to Rail Program will also be discussed.

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.

County Activities & A Photo Shoot at Lake Majestik Farm

Michael has been burning up the roads of north Alabama along with ACA Director of Social Media & Communications Kayla Greer. Last week, Michael traveled to Dekalb County to attend the county annual meeting where he enjoyed visiting with President Zane Troxel and northeast Alabama cattlemen. He then headed south to Thorsby in Chilton County where he had a beef by-products booth at the Thorsby High School Farm Day. Kayla then joined him on Saturday for a trip north to the Crimson Classic Santa Gertrudis female sale at Cullman Stockyard.

The duo then headed north again on Monday afternoon to visit with Nic Cornelison of Flat Rock, owner of Lake Majestik Farm and purchaser of the 2018 PAC auction July cover of the Alabama Cattleman magazine. The pair enjoyed spending time with Nic and touring his scenic farm and seeing some big-name bulls in the Brangus breed including Foundation, Beacon, Legacy and Xerox. Be looking out for a black-hided bovine to grace the July cover!

Professional Development Workshop

This week ACA Executive VP Erin Beasley has been at the Professional Development Workshop in Chicago with fellow state association executives. This conference is a collaborative conference to discuss policy issues, checkoff information, best management practices for associations and other topics to help state affiliates.

Ag Issues Luncheon in Northwest Alabama

Erin won’t get back home before she hits the road again, but this time she will be staying within state lines. On Thursday, she is looking forward to a big day as she is joined by Regional Vice President Jay Buckley of Colbert Co., Colbert County President Will Gotcher and Franklin County President Steven Smith to participate in an ag issues luncheon hosted by Congressman Robert Aderholt. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be a special guest of the congressman and will visit with the ag community on policy issues we are facing.

Bama’s Best Beef Contest

Have you ever tried an unforgettable beef dish served at an Alabama restaurant or food truck? You’re not alone if you answered yes because the 3rd annual Bama’s Best Beef contest, which seeks out unique beef dishes in Alabama, brought in over 200 nominations representing restaurants from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee line and everywhere in between. Our contest committee is in review now mulling through the many nominations in the brisket, steak, roast and variety categories and looks forward to unveiling the first to finalist to Facebook fans on Monday as we launch our first round of photo challenges where contest participants vote for their favorite dish by “Liking” its photo on our social media platform.

The nominations portion of the contest did not disappoint as it reached over 65,038 Alabamians, gained over 6,600 reactions, including likes, shares and comments, and resulted in almost 200 new page likes. Additionally, as a direct result of the Facebook ad, over 460 Facebook users clicked to the contest page on BamaBeef.org, gaining traffic for the association website. We look forward to bigger results as we move into photo challenges! Stay tuned for our category finalists…

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. 

April has flown right past us, and now we are staring a busy month of May in the face! When in the world did that happen? Just as we’ve started to enjoy springtime and all the green grass that comes with it, and now we are quickly shifting our sites toward summertime and hay cutting season. While you work hard in the field, your ACA staff is hard at work in Montgomery protecting your best interests, building a magazine, entering membership, attending meetings, holding beef promotions, educating consumers….whew…and the list goes on. Keep reading to learn all about what’s happening at the ACA this week.

BAMA’S BEST BEEF- Nominations closing soon!

Have you ever tried an unforgettable beef dish served at an Alabama restaurant or food truck? We’re excited to learn about all the unique beef dishes served up at local dives across our state, and the kick off of our 3rd annual Bama’s Best Beef contest has not disappointed in its short lifetime thus far. The contest kicked off on Monday, April 16 with a Facebook, Twitter and Instagram announcement and in just over a week’s time, the post has already brought in over 100 nominations, reached over 58,300 Alabamians on Facebook and garnered over 122 new likes on our page. We’re very excited about some of nominations we have received in each of the categories as they are truly mouth-watering sounding! Stay tuned for more as nominations close this Sunday at midnight!

If your local diner is home to a DELICIOUS beef dish, be sure to visit BamaBeef.org/BestBeef to submit your nomination today. We also challenge you to share the contest on your social platforms and learn more about by listening to our Southeast AgNet release with Randall Weiseman or visiting the contest webpage. This contest is your checkoff dollars at work, cattlemen. Let’s get the biggest bang for our buck and work together to promote it!

Youth Production Field Day SUCCESS!

Success is the word to sum up this past Saturday’s Youth Production Field Day at Langley Farms in Camp Hill, AL. Beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, interactive lessons on forages, the seven quality cow checks and assisted calving followed by a delicious brisket lunch and tour of Langley Farms made for a successful day of Alabama Beef Checkoff dollars at work! Over 35 youth were in attendance and enjoyed a day of interactive, hands-on learning.

Special thanks to Chris & Elizabeth Langley and family for their generous hospitality, Dr. Soren Rodning, Sarah Dickinson and Caroline Nichols for their expertise, the Auburn Collegiate Cattlemen and CattleWomen for their catering services and all who joined us to make this event a success.

Membership updates

ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy is updating county contact information for mailouts and emails. County leaders, please visit BamaBeef.org/CountyChapters today to double check your information. If you find something is incorrect, please call or email Jessica at the office- (334) 265-1867. Information needed includes mailing address, phone number and an email address, with emphasis on the email!

Speaking of mailing address, Jessica is also working to get the final membership renewal mailout sent to the printer for next week. Remember to get your memberships entered because 100% of the dues from this mailout will come back to the state office otherwise. Need helping figuring out how to enter your membership? Contact Jessica to schedule your i4a training. We really need more county participation on the membership entering effort! The quicker county secretaries can learn to enter, the quicker your membership will get entered into the system and start receiving their magazines. We certainly don’t want anyone missing out on those!!

We want to continue to shoutout our Over the Top counties as we are extremely proud of their hard work and true, grassroots efforts. Over the Top counties include Bibb, Butler, Choctaw, Clay, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Covington, Cullman, Dale, Escambia, Greene, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, Perry, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Winston counties! Now, this means there will be a very special presentation made at the August Board Meeting…you guessed it…RED COATS! County presidents- if you went Over the Top and do not already have a red coat, we cannot stress enough the importance of going to get fitted for your coat and sending the suggest size into Jessica. The reason why it’s so important you get fitted is because (1) we can’t return the coats should they not fit and (2) we cannot re-order your correct size until the next year…which means you’ll be without for another year!! (Our orders are set at a minimum volume, and we are unable to order just one or two coats at a time.) We know you want that coat just as much as we want to give it to you, so please get sized! P.S. if you’re planning to attend the Board Meeting on May 17, Jessica has a few limited sizes you may try on if you’d like 🙂 Please, send your coat size to Jessica asap! 

…speaking of…county presidents and secretaries be sure to SAVE THE DATE for May 17 as we’ll be meeting up in Montgomery for an engaging, interactive Board meeting we’ve entitled: “Building the Brand: Steering County Leaders Toward Success.” 

Ag Commissioner Forum

On Thursday, the ACA will be represented at the Ag Commissioners Forum hosted by the Alabama Agribusiness Council in Auburn. The panel will be made up of Rick Pate, Sen. Gerald Dial, T.O. Crane and Cecil Murphy who are all running for commissioner of Ag and Industries. They will discuss their vision surrounding several topics related to agriculture and how they would operate as commissioner.

Spring Beef 101- That’s a Wrap!

Today marks the last of six spring BEEF 101 programs held at the Auburn University Beef Teaching Unit and Meats Lab. Throughout the month of April over 200 participants from culinary arts programs across Alabama will have joined us on a beef journey from pasture to plate. Your checkoff went to work as we hosted programs for McAdory High School, Greenville High School, Central High School and Columbus (GA) High School FACS students as well as Lawson State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College and Drake State Community College culinary arts programs. This is big news as these future chefs and foodservice representatives will head into their careers with a thorough knowledge of beef cattle production told straight from the cattlemen…and veterinarian…and meat scientist’s mouth! Big thanks to all who have joined us to help put on these many programs.

County Activities Happening Across Alabama

County activities are are on the rise as warmer weather means less time spent feeding thanks to green grass and more bearable temperatures…so long snow and ice! This past weekend, ACA staffer Michael Agar enjoyed a trip to the Clay County Cattlemen’s Association Spring Meeting while ACA Executive VP Erin Beasley attended a successful Lauderdale County Field Day at Hamner Farm in Killen with 50 other producers. The Greene County Cattlemen’s Association also held a successful Weed Control and Calibration Field Day at Eutaw City Park! Looking ahead, Michael Agar is excited to head to the Dekalb County Cattlemen’s Annual Meeting on Thursday night followed by a trip to Thorsby for a Farm City event on Friday, while Erin Beasley is pleased to spend her last Saturday in April with the Butler County Cattlemen’s Association at their annual meeting. The Mobile County Cattlemen will gather at Freeland Farm for their Spring Meeting on Saturday, and further up the interstate, the BEEF Truck will be hauling Michael Agar and Kayla Greer north to Cullman for the Crimson Classic Sale. A few other events to look out for are the Pike County Invitational Steer & Heifer Show (rules and registration now posted here), the Cattlemen’s Bus Tour (register here) and all kinds of educational Extension events, which can be found here.

Producer Event At Tuskegee U

Last but not least, on Tuesday the ACA was involved in a conference aimed at small producers hosted by Tuskegee University. Along with a policy update for attendees, information was shared about how small producers can use the association as a resource for their operation.

CATTLEMEN’S BUS TOUR

JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE THE BEEF INDUSTRY FROM PASTURE TO PLATE!
COST: $325/PERSON
FORM & FEE DUE MAY 1, 2018

Join us on a 3-day, 2-night tour of the beef cattle industry across Georgia, Florida and Alabama! This tour is a true “pasture to plate” experience as it starts off with a tour of Golden State Foods in Opelika where McDonalds burger patties are produced followed by a stop at Buckhead Beef in Atlanta, Georgia where wholesale beef cuts are further processed into cut steaks ready for the restaurant.

After learning what happens to beef once it leaves the farm, we’ll stop for a visit at the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and then tour Chatel Farms, an FPL feeding facility, in Reidsville, Georgia. We will then head south to tour the Georgia Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village at ABAC, wake up to tour the North Florida Research & Education Center and round out the tour at Southern Cattle Company in Marianna, Florida.

BUS TOUR AGENDA