Category: Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update

Only two more blogs left in the year 2019. Where, oh where, did this year go? It has been one for the books, we can tell you that! As we begin to head into the Christmas season and close up shop here at the office for the holiday, we want to give you just a few more updates. Keep reading to get all the news from you state Cattlemen’s headquarters. 

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Join Us THIS SATURDAY

Bicentennial Day is this Saturday, and the staff in the office are busy preparing for the celebrations that are happening in downtown Montgomery. Montgomery County Cattlemen will be out in full force grilling burgers for volunteers that day and some samples as well for visitors that stop by. Montgomery Countian Gene Lazenby will be in the role of Cowboy Santa, and we will also have Junior Cattlemen from both Lowndes and Montgomery county coming to help as well. We will be hosting burger samples, rodeo games and tours of the brand new MOOseum! Come on out and join the fun! There will be activities all through downtown including food, music, historical tours, live music and a parade. The fun begins Saturday at 10 a.m.

 

 

2020 ACA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

Registration is now open for the 77th annual ACA Convention & Trade show to be held February 14-15 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Convention Center. What better way to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day than to bring your darlin’ to our Friday night event, the Sweetheart Shindig?  Not to mention all the fun and excitement around our General Sessions, featuring Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch and a CattleFax update, informative Cattlemen’s Colleges and Alabama’s biggest cattle industry trade show. We’ve also confirmed our Cattlemen’s Luncheon speaker, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. Don’t miss this exciting event!

 

You can register online today and take advantage of those awesome Early Bird deals by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/Convention or you can call us at the office and we’ll take your registration by phone! Be sure to have your credit card handy and have an idea of what you and your’s would like to attend by checking out our mail-in form in the November issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine.

 

 

NCBA Applaus U.S. Senate Introduction of Real MEAT Act

Press Release from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:

WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2019) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the introduction of the Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. The Senate bill is a companion to H.R. 4881, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (R – 1st Dist., Kansas) and Anthony Brindisi (D – 22nd Dist., N.Y.) in October.

“It’s clear that fake-meat companies are continuing to mislead consumers about the nutritional merits and actual ingredient composition of their products,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “We commend the efforts of Senator Fischer on introducing this legislation, which would end deceptive labeling of fake meat products and allow cattle producers to compete on a level playing field.”

“Beef is derived from cattle—period,” Senator Fischer said. “Under USDA, beef undergoes a rigorous inspection and labeling process, but plant-based protein products that mimic beef and are sometimes labeled as beef are overseen by the FDA instead. These products are not held to the same food safety and labeling standards as beef. The NCBA has been a leader on this issue, and I am thankful for their strong support of the Real MEAT Act, which will protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices and bring transparency to the grocery store.”

Specifically, The Real Meat Act will:

1. Codify the Definition of Beef for Labeling Purposes
• Establish a federal definition of beef that applies to food labels;
• Preserve the Congressional Intent of the Beef Promotion and Research Act;

2. Reinforce Existing Misbranding Provisions to Eliminate Consumer Confusion
• FDA has misbranding provisions for false or misleading labels;
• Prevent further consumer confusion with alternative protein products;
• Clarify the imitation nature of these alternative protein products;

3.Enhance the Federal Government’s Ability to Enforce the Law
• FDA will have to notify USDA if an imitation meat product is determined to be misbranded;
• If FDA fails to undertake enforcement within 30 days of notifying USDA, the Secretary of Agriculture is granted authority to seek enforcement action.

 

 

Batter Up with the Barons

On Monday, staffer Ali Cantrell hit the road to Birmingham to meet with Mark Harwood of Associated Grocers of the South to talk about marketing and signage in the retail case that will entice our consumers to buy more beef. While she was up in the ‘Ham she also met with Richard Coates from the Birmingham Barons to discuss are upcoming sponsorship with the Barons for the 2020 season. When fans attend games this season they will hear the announcer declare our iconic phrase, “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” and see a nice, juicy steak on the jumbotron!

 

 

JLDC

Staffer Morgan Pounds joined the thousands of youth at the Joint Leadership Development Conference (JLDC) in Birmingham yesterday to talk about the Junior Cattlemen’s Association and the leadership opportunities it brings. She also gave out information on upcoming Youth Convention Contests. If you have not heard, we will be hosting three youth events this year at convention for youth ages 9-21! We will host all youth events Saturday February 15! Click here to learn more about events and rules.

 

 

MONTGOMERY AREA FOOD BANK DROP OFF

Speaking of The MOOseum, we are also proud to be a Montgomery Area Food Bank Drop Off location this year! Our venue will host a barrel where you can drop off all kinds of non-perishable food items to help address food insecurity in the River Region. We appreciate any and all donations!

 

 

Japan Welcomes U.S. Beef with Lower Tariffs

Last week the U.S. entered a trade deal with Japan that would level the playing field and provide expanded opportunities for U.S. beef and pork producers in the Japanese marketplace.

With tariff rates mirroring those imposed on major competitors, the United States Meat Exports Federation (USMEF) forecast for 2020 is for U.S. beef and pork exports to Japan to reach $2.3 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively.

“This agreement is one of the biggest developments in the history of red meat trade, as no international market delivers greater benefits to U.S. farmers and ranchers, and to the entire U.S. supply chain, than Japan,” said Dan Halstrom, CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

 

 

Junior Pasture to Rail Calves Are Off!

Junior Pasture to Rail calves are on their way to Hy-Plains Feedyard this week! Morgan met with our friend Alex Tigue of extensions and some juniors on Monday to kick start this program! If you would like to learn about the program and potentially sign up for next year, shoot Morgan an email to be put on mailing list for Junior Pasture to Rail 2020-2021! mpounds@bamabeef.org

 

 

Staffers Out & About

Staffers have been on the roads and in the air this week traveling to many different events and meetings! You’ve already read about several of those events, but to continue, on Tuesday evening, staffer Ali attended the Greene County meeting and was able to update the 80+ members in attendance about the checkoff programs. Johnny Gladney also got up and spoke about the Pasture to Rail program as well as the Junior Pasture to Rail Program.

On Monday, ACA Exec Erin Beasley popped over to her home county’s meeting in Macon County for a delicious steak at Elmer’s in Notasulga. The group had great attendance and hosted a livestock marketing panel which consisted of market owners.

Staffers Morgan Pounds and Kayla Greer will head south to Elba on Friday to enjoy a day with our incoming President, Larry Reeves, as they prepare for his introductory video, article and magazine cover. Be looking for the Reeves Family to grace the March 2020 edition of the Alabama Cattleman.

Last but certainly not least, Director of Rodeo Programs Lauren Wilson is in Las Vegas this week attending the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. While there, she will be doing some contestant and national sponsor recruiting for our SLE Rodeo as well as meeting the team with Frontier Rodeo Co. and our featured entertainers! This is an excellent PRCA networking opportunity for Lauren to match faces with the many names she speaks to on the phone! Tickets go on sale for the 2020 SLE Rodeo on December 15- don’t miss it!

 

 

ACA Holiday Hours

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association will be open Monday, December 23 and then close until Thursday, January 2 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays! Staffers will likely be checking email, so feel free to send those our way throughout the break, but if you need to place an online order or call us with questions, you have until the 24th to do so.

 

 

RODEO TICKET SALES GO LIVE SOON!

Boy, do we have a stocking stuffer for you! That’s right, just in time for Santa Claus to make his grand appearance in homes across Alabama, we’ll have 2020 SLE Rodeo tickets on sale just in case you need one last item! Gift the gift of rodeo to your loved ones this year and be on the lookout for tickets to go on sale to the public on December 15! Learn more about the show and stay updated with new announcements by visiting www.SLERodeo.com.

 

 

Welcome back! We apologize for so many weeks  without a blog, but it has been a busy time of meetings here at the ACA. Hopefully, you got to attend one of those meetings and hear an update anyway!! If not, then this week’s blog is right up your alley. Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening this week and what has been happening in previous weeks. Enjoy!

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Membership Update

The membership update of the week is 9,446 members! It looks like we are going to close out 2019 with just at 9,500 members and that drives us full force to get that big 10,000 next year! The good news is that we start the year with over 3,300 members as we’ve got a load of three-year members already on the 2020 list!

 

It’s a busy time for county annual meetings. Please send Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy your upcoming county meeting information so we can get that published in the Alabama Cattleman magazine, the Bama Beef Online Events Calendar and inform staff/officers! Also, if you want a postcard made to notify members, be sure to make that request at least two weeks in advance!

 

After your meeting, be sure to call our office to let us know who your new leaders are! We will need their name, address, cell phone number and email address to keep them updated with information from the state office.

 

Lastly, membership statements for the 2020 year are set to go out the first of next week. These statements will target our 2019 non-renewed members and those whose membership will expire the first half of 2020, prior to the red coat deadline. Be on the lookout for those!

 

 

2020 ACA Convention & Trade Show

Registration is now open for the 77th annual ACA Convention & Trade show to be held February 14-15 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Convention Center. What better way to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day than to bring your darlin’ to our Friday night event, the Sweetheart Shindig?  Not to mention all the fun and excitement around our General Sessions, featuring Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch and a CattleFax update, informative Cattlemen’s Colleges and Alabama’s biggest cattle industry trade show. Don’t miss this exciting event!

 

You can register online today and take advantage of those awesome Early Bird deals by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/Convention or you can call us at the office and we’ll take your registration by phone! Be sure to have your credit card handy and have an idea of what you and your’s would like to attend by checking out our mail-in form in the November issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine.

 

 

Junior Cattlemen Getting Involved!

The AJCA board of directors have been out and about trying to make county meetings in their elected districts! The board expressed interest in setting foot in their district’s county meetings to update county members on junior events to come.

One of the featured talking points is that this year at convention, we will be holding THREE educational contests for youth ages 9-21 involved in AJCA, 4-H or FFA. We will be hosting a public speaking contest and quiz bowl for all age division. ACA also will host a career development contest for the senior age division to allow them to build on their resume and interview skills. The Alabama State Checkoff will be sponsoring the youth educational contest and awarding scholarships to winners. Click here to learn more about contest and register!

 

 

Legislative Update from the Exec Office

In the past few weeks, three key issues have been tackled in Washington DC.

1. First, a letter has been submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service requesting that the Service promulgate new Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) rules to increase flexibility for cattlemen to protect their livelihoods from protected avian predators.
2. The Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act dropped in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support which addresses the false marketing of plant-based products as meat. This is a key piece of legislation that takes a step in the right direction to protect the misbranding of our product in the meat case.
3. Another bill was introduced to help with hours of service for livestock haulers. This legislation looks to add 150 air mile radius on the back end of hauls to give some more flexibility on total hours of drivetime. Currently, we have 150 air miles on the front end followed by drivetime of 11 hours once a hauler gets out of the air mile radius. The addition would be helpful to give another few hours on the last leg of a trip.

All of these issues will continue to be addressed and we will work to see action on them going forward.

 

 

BEEF 101 at Auburn

This week ACA is hosting two BEEF 101 programs in Auburn. Today, ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell will be teaching 45 culinary students from Lawson State Community college and Wenonah High School with the help of Misty and Jason Edmondson. Friday, November 22 will host 60 students from Summerdale High School FACS program who will be hearing from Ali Cantrell and Chambers County cattleman Jim Collins.

 

 

BQA in The Black Belt

ACA staffers Kayla Greer and Morgan Pounds will head to the Black Belt Research & Extension Center tomorrow for a BQA training and certification hosted by Dallas County Cattlemen led by the charge of current YCLP student Bryan Monk. We look forward to visiting with producers who are looking to gain their certifications or renew them!

 

 

Events, Events & More Events

Staffers have been burning up the roads traveling to sales and other cattlemen events! Recently, officer and/or staff were present at the Salacoa Valley Farms sale, Tennessee River Music bull sale, Gibbs Farms sale, BEEF U in Auburn, the Clay County Cattlemen’s Annual Meeting, Barbour County Annual Meeting, the Frank Tuner & Sons sale, South Alabama Bull Sale, the Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Ag Foundation Skeet Shoot, Down South Grill Fest in Mobile County and the Fall Sale at Mid-State Stockyard, among others! The calendar still looks full as we head into a busy county annual meeting season. We enjoy getting out and seeing all you fine folks!

 

 

SLE Rodeo Making Strides Toward a Great 2020 Show

Significant work continues for the 2020 SLE Rodeo which includes sponsorships, ticketing and planning of the event itself. Tickets will go on sale to the public on December 15. Have you seen the newly re-designed www.SleRodeo.com? If not, take a look and use it to keep up with all of the fun happening at this exciting event!

 

ACA Director of Rodeo Programs Lauren Wilson has been at work with members of her sponsorship committee bringing in new and potential sponsors, and those new connections are paying off! We are excited of new partnerships coming to the show. If you want to become a sponsor, reach out to Lauren or visit our website at www.SLERodeo.com/Sponsor and complete the form or just learn more about opportunities!

 

Lauren  also met with several committee chairs at the end of October to learn what she could about each committee to be able to better help and serve them. The meeting was very successful and she has a better knowledge of the ins-and-outs of our committees, their roles and how she can go to work for them.

 

We are excited to announce that on March 14-15, the weekend prior to the show, the SLE will host an Alabama Stock Horse Association Clinic and Show! More details to come on that, but we are thrilled for this new event.

 

 

Bama’s Best Burger Presentation

Barbour County Cattlemen and representatives from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association state officer team and staff gathered at Brickstone Burgers & Brews on Monday in Eufaula to present owners Dwayne and Angie Register a plaque acknowledging the restaurant’s recent honor of being named home to Bama’s Best Burger. The award-winning dish, the Brickstone Burger, is a beef patty topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, banana peppers and Sriracha sauce. This title was earned after a two-month battle on the Cattlemen’s Facebook page and an anonymous judging round with a panel of three beef industry judges. The Bama’s Best Beef contest is sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association with support from the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Their burgers earned two thumbs up from our crew!

 

 

YCLP Class VI Meets for a Final Time

YCLP Class VI finished up their last session in the Wiregrass two weekends ago. The class got the opportunity to see JYJ Red Angus owned by Jim and Jessica Yance, Southern Cattle Company, and the Wiregrass Research & Extension Center managed by Rickey Hudson. Special thanks to Jim Yance, Ken Stewart, and Ricky Hudson for welcoming the class with southern hospitality. This wrapped up YCLP Class VI stops, and next on the agenda is graduation at convention! We are proud of this year’s graduates and all they have already accomplished towards becoming leaders of this association.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

It may be coined Turkey Day, but beef deserves a place at any holiday table! To learn about unique ways to feature beef in your Thanksgiving tablescape,   read our most recent blog post from Registered Dietitian Elesha Ergle.

 

With the holiday in mind, we would like to note that the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and The MOOseum will be closed next Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 2. Happy Thanksgiving from us here at the ACA!

 

 

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Welcome to October, or should be say Hotober? With a still-dry forecast in view, we at least are seeing a glimmer of hope for some cooler temperatures headed our way. Maybe we will get a Fall season, after all! While you settle into the seasonal shift and all it brings- feeding hay, new calves, etc- we are bustling around the office as our calendar is bursting at the seams with sales, educational programs and BEEF PROMOTION because it’s OCTOBER BEEF MONTH IN ALABAMA! Keep reading to learn more about all that’s happening at the ACA this week. 

NOTE: As staffers Kayla Greer and Ali Cantrell head to Denver for a national beef checkoff update next week, there will be no blog post on Wednesday, October 9. We’ll see you again on October 16!

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New Faces on Team ACA

It has been an exciting week as we’ve welcomed not one, but two new faces to our staff this week! On Monday, we welcomed Sydney Dougherty into the role of The MOOseum Coordinator. Sydney will be the friendly face to welcome visitors to The MOOseum, the friendly voice that answers our phones and the lady behind our many online store order shipments, among other roles!Born and raised in Notasulga, Sydney graduated from Reeltown High Schoo and studied at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika.She married her husband, Dustin Dougherty, in 2016 and the couple calls Fitzpatrick home. The Dougherty family has a small herd of commercial cattle she and Dustin manage. “I am excited to be a part of ACA to provide knowledge to people in the community who are unfamiliar with cattle and be able to help others within the state who have cattle.”

 

After an exciting Monday of training Sydney in her new role, Tuesday welcomed Lauren Terry to the new position of Director of Rodeo Programs.  Don’t get too used to the name, though, as in just 11 short days, she will become Mrs. Wilson. A native of Moulton, Lauren’s role will be to plan and execute the annual SLE Rodeo that takes place each March in Montgomery along with assisting the association on events during the year. Her background includes competing in rodeo, organizing a local rodeo with her family and serving as Miss Rodeo USA for the International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) which took her across the country promoting rodeo.

 

To contact Sydney, call us at (334) 265-1867 or email her at sdougherty@bamabeef.org. To reach out to Lauren, give us a call or email her at lwilson@bamabeef.org

 

 

Fall means Fair!

Fall means several things in Alabama, but the welcoming of the season means one huge event in the world of Alabama ag…the Alabama National Fair! It is officially fair week as  the Alabama National Fair is kicking off on Friday! Good luck to all the exhibitors competing in livestock shows! ACA staffer Morgan Pounds will be out in the barns to lend a helping hand throughout the Beef Livestock Shows this weekend and Monday.

Staffers Ali Cantrell and Kayla Greer will also be making an appearance during fair week as Ali is helping coordinate and judge the Where’s the Beef? Cook Off event happening next Friday, and Kayla helps judge the photography contest happening tomorrow!

 

 

Alabama Drought

As a result of the extreme drought conditions in Alabama, state transportation and agriculture officials are working to issue special hay hauler permits. This no-cost process is a combined effort of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to provide emergency relief to livestock producers.

Drought conditions in Alabama continue to worsen, not only due to the lack of rain, but intensified by triple-digit, record breaking highs during the past month. According to the Alabama Drought Monitor, in just the past week, areas affected by the drought in the state have increased over 35 percent. A sharp increase in drought intensity and coverage conditions are expected to quickly escalate because current dry conditions often materialize more quickly than the precipitation data indicates due to the intense heat.

To transport over-dimensional loads of hay within Alabama, dimensions must not exceed 12 feet wide by 14 feet high. A no-cost permit is currently available from ALDOT until December 31, 2019.

Haulers must be registered in ALDOT’s database to receive the no-cost permit. To be added to the ALDOT database as a new hauler, please complete a New Hauler Letter Form available on ALDOT’s website at www.dot.state.al.us.

If you do not have internet access, you may also call 1-800-499-2782. The following information will need to be provided to the ALDOT staff member who answers your call:

• Truck/trailer tag numbers
• Route information
• City and state of origin and destination

Additionally, the worsening drought conditions escalate the immediate need for hay producers and livestock producers to communicate their hay availability and needs. The Alabama Hay Listing webpage,www.agi.alabama.gov/s/haylist, provides an avenue for farmers who have hay available to list for sale, the type, size, quality and quantity they have available. Also, on the same page, farmers in need of hay, can search for hay in their area that is available for purchase.

Other resources are available to cattlemen at www.alabamadrought.com

 

The ACA submitted a letter this week to the state climatologist outlining the widespread drought conditions across the state for cattle producers and the severity also caused by the heat. The letter also detailed effects of the drought on the cattle industry in the coming months as a result of the drought. This letter will also be shared with the governor’s office. The drought map is updated each week and more counties need to be sited as D2 drought status so that producers can apply for the Livestock Forage Program at their local Farm Service Agency office. Stay tuned for more details in coming weeks.

 

Talkin’ Beef at Samford University

On Thursday ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell and beef checkoff contract Registered Dietician Elesha Ergle will present on the beef life cycle to nutrition students at Samford University. Ali will be presenting on the journey from pasture to plate and cooking up a delicious beefy dish. Elesha will lead discussion on incorporating beef into a healthy lifestyle.

 

 

Speaking of Talking…

ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley recorded a radio segment on “The Land Show”, sponsored by Southeastern Land Group this morning which will air sometime this fall statewide. The ACA thanks the hosts of the show Jonathan Goode and Dave Milton for allowing us to be on the show to promote October Beef Month and provide an update on the cattle industry.

 

 

Sales, Sales and More Sales!

Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds is really putting her title to the test this week as she is hitting the field! On Tuesday, Morgan stopped by Uniontown for Alabama Livestock Auction’s 50 Fancy Crossbred Heifer Sale. Today, she is joining ACA President Chris Langley in Roanoke to catch their weekly sale. Be sure to stop by and say hello to our state president and staffer if you happen to be in area!

This weekend will also activate our staff and officers as we head to sales across the state. While staffer Kayla Greer stops into the 31st annual Alabama Connection Sale at Quail Valley Farms on Friday, ACA Vice President Clay Kennamer will stop in at the Bar 7 Genetics 2nd Annual Female Sale on Saturday. Stop and say hi if you see us around!

 

 

Disaster Relief

The ACA has been working continuously with the Department of Agriculture on a possible state block grant to assist with disaster relief from Hurricane Michael. It has been a long process, but we are confident that the pieces are beginning to come together for USDA to hopefully award disaster money to state departments to administer. Our involvement has been to assist with the formula in which affected cattle producers will be paid for losses. There is no guarantee that the state block grant will be awarded which would mean relief money would be paid out by the federal government. More to come as the process progresses.

Membership Update

Membership Count of the Day: 9,358
County presidents and secretaries are encouraged to email Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy with information about their county annual meetings, should you already have the date set! We’d love to go ahead and get that info up on our calendar, get a staffer or officer assigned and get it on the list for the November magazine.

With the kickoff of October Beef Month, we would like to remind cattlemen leaders to take photos and send them to us! We want to brag on all your awesome county activities on social media and in the magazine! If you’re reading books for Cowboys in the Classroom, selling steak sandwiches, hosting an event or serving a charity of any sort, let us know!! To stay up to date with events, visit the Bama Beef Events Calendar at www.BamaBeef.org/Events.

If you need supplies for October Beef Month, call Ali Cantrell at (334) 265-1867.

 

 

ACA + ADEM

ACA participated in an Alabama Department of Environmental Science (ADEM) working group, which meets twice a year to discuss industry updates with the department. Agriculture is well represented and stays in correspondence with staff at ADEM to assist with any regulatory hurdles or needs.

 

 

ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications for 2019-2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarships are now open and are set to close on November 1, 2019. This year’s lineup of scholarships include those funded by the sale of the Cowboy vanity car tag, such as the “Tagged for Greatness” scholarship, as well as many endowed scholarships from generous families. An addition to the many award opportunities this year is a Trade School Scholarship for students attending a trade school program in the state of Alabama. Be sure to check out our many scholarships and get those applications submitted by November 1.

 

Award recipients will be honored at the 2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship Banquet to be held April 11, 2020 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in Wetumpka, AL. More information and applications can be found online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships.

 

BEEFFEST AT SWEETCREEK

October 12-13 is sure to be a great time as we team up with the folks at SweetCreek Farm Market and Alabama Department of Ag and Industries to host the first-ever BeefFest in conjunction with the venue’s annual pumpkin festival! Make a road trip to Pike Road, AL for fun games, craft vendors, a beef chili cook-off and a coloring contest for kiddos. ACA staff and volunteers will be present to tell the pasture to plate story while serving up some delicious beef chili samples. Don’t miss out on all the fun!

 

 

TRADE SHOW REGISTRATION NOW LIVE

Registration is open for the trade show at the 77th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show happening in Montgomery on February 14-15. That’s right, bring your sweetheart to town and enjoy promoting your product or service to Alabama’s largest gathering of cattlemen! Please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you would like to be a vendor at the 2020 show or visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register online with a credit card.

 

 

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.

Can it really be true? Next time we meet here on the blog it’s going to be October…already?! Wow, we must be having a lot of fun around here because time sure is flying. While we continue on in our efforts on the farm and here in Montgomery, take just a second to catch up on all that’s happening at the ACA this week. Fall months bring busy calendars, so saddle up for sales, October Beef Month promotions and so much more!

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Membership Count of the Day: 9,345
County presidents and secretaries are encouraged to email Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy with information about their county annual meetings, should you already have the date set! We’d love to go ahead and get that info up on our calendar, get a staffer or officer assigned and get it on the list for the November magazine! Thanks to the MANY counties who responded to last week’s call for dates and check out who’s meeting when by visiting the Bama Beef Events Calendar at www.BamaBeef.org/Events.

 

 

Sysco Fall Buying Expo

Today, Beef will be front and center at Sysco’s Fall Buying Expo at The Finley Center in Hoover. ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell and chefs from Sysco will be hosting a booth at the protein section of the food show and will be teaching customers how to cut ribeye steaks that they can take home and enjoy. They will also be able to take some good beefy recipes with them from beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

 

 

Staffers Hit Sales

Staffer Morgan Pounds will be hitting some more sale barns this weekend. She will be headed south for some great special sales. Morgan will go to Dothan on Friday to stop by and check out the 7^th Annual Melvin Adams Farms Bred Heifer Sale at Dothan Livestock Company. On Saturday, Morgan will be in Brundidge for Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Showcase Sale. This sale will consist of 85 Brangus and Ultrablack female lots. If you are in the area stop by and catch a good sale!

 

 

Promoting Beef Month

ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell hit the radio waves on 98.9 Bama Country in Montgomery. She joined in on Bubba and Kristy’s talk show Tuesday morning to talk about Beef Month and to encourage people to come to BeefFest at SweetCreek Farm Market. Tune in October 7 on your drive into work because she will be dropping in again for another interview. Ali Cantrell also recorded a Business Break with WSFA in Montgomery to promote Beef Month and BeefFest. That segment should air the first week of October!

 

 

SLE Annual Meeting

Members of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition will gather on Thursday evening at the Cattlemen’s Building for their annual membership meeting and dinner. New directors will be elected and installed, announcements about the 2020 show will be made, the crew will get a sneak peak into the new SLERodeo.com website and our newest staffer, Lauren Terry (soon-to-be-Wilson), will make her debut to the group. We are excited to host this meeting and make some big announcements to the crew. Stay tuned on rodeo entertainment news and more, coming soon!

 

ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications for 2019-2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarships are now open and are set to close on November 1, 2019. This year’s lineup of scholarships include those funded by the sale of the Cowboy vanity car tag, such as the “Tagged for Greatness” scholarship, as well as many endowed scholarships from generous families. An addition to the many award opportunities this year is a Trade School Scholarship for students attending a trade school program in the state of Alabama. Be sure to check out our many scholarships and get those applications submitted by November 1.

 

Award recipients will be honored at the 2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship Banquet to be held April 11, 2020 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in Wetumpka, AL. More information and applications can be found online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships.

 

BEEFFEST AT SWEETCREEK

October 12-13 is sure to be a great time as we team up with the folks at SweetCreek Farm Market and Alabama Department of Ag and Industries to host the first-ever BeefFest in conjunction with the venue’s annual pumpkin festival! Make a road trip to Pike Road, AL for fun games, craft vendors, a beef chili cook-off and a coloring contest for kiddos. ACA staff and volunteers will be present to tell the pasture to plate story while serving up some delicious beef chili samples. Don’t miss out on all the fun!

 

 

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL REGISTRATION OPEN

If you’re interested in teaching your youth about marketing cattle on the grid and retained ownership, we’ve got just the program for you! Youth are invited to register their animals into he Junior Pasture to Rail Program— a partnership between the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and Alabama Beef Systems Extension— where they’ll ship calves in November, participate in a few pasture to plate educational opportunities, their receive the carcass data on their animals after harvest. To learn more about program requirements and to register, visit www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R.

 

 

TRADE SHOW REGISTRATION NOW LIVE

Registration is open for the trade show at the 77th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show happening in Montgomery on February 14-15. That’s right, bring your sweetheart to town and enjoy promoting your product or service to Alabama’s largest gathering of cattlemen! Please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you would like to be a vendor at the 2020 show or visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register online with a credit card.

 

 

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.

Well, it’s still hot. The fall season will officially grace us with its calendar presence on Saturday, but weather-wise…not so much! We know it’s getting tough out there. It’s dry and hot. Not to mention those blasted love bugs!! Hang in their cattlemen. Your work is justified and appreciated! While you continue to work on the farmscapes of Alabama, we will continue to put boots on the ground across the industry trail here in Alabama. Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening at the ACA this week! 

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Southeastern Livestock Network Meets at ACA

The ACA is hosting the Southeastern Livestock Network (SLN) this week which consists of representatives from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Several state veterinarians are also meeting here to discuss regulatory developments regarding Animal Disease Traceability (ADT).  The two groups will come together to further the steps needed to prepare for changes in ADT next year.

 

 

Membership Update

Membership Count of the Day: 9,321
County presidents and secretaries are encouraged to email Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy ASAP with information about their county annual meetings, should you already have the date set! We’d love to go ahead and get that info up on our calendar, get a staffer or officer assigned and get it in the October magazine! Don’t hesitate to share that info as soon as you get it.

 

 

Blount County Youth Event

Staffer Morgan Pounds and AJCA President Ashlyn Ruf will be headed to Blount County for the Cutting Horse Demo & Calf Handling Talk hosted by Blount County Cattlemen’s Association on Thursday. Both Morgan and Ashlyn are looking forward to the chance to talk about junior cattlemen and the exciting events coming for our youth this year!

 

 

NCBA Announces New CEO Hire

DENVER (Sept. 18, 2019) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced two significant leadership changes today.

 

The NCBA Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association confirmed Colin Woodall to serve as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer. Woodall, who was named this morning after an exhaustive national search, managed NCBA’s efforts in Washington, D.C., for more than a decade. Since joining NCBA in 2004, Woodall has been instrumental in ensuring the interests of NCBA members and the beef community, are well represented in the nation’s capital.

 

Originally from Big Spring, Texas, Woodall graduated from Texas A&M University. Following graduation, he worked both as a grain elevator manager and sales manager for Cargill at several locations in western Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle before moving to Washington, D.C., to work on Capitol Hill.

 

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to lead NCBA and to serve the beef community as the next CEO of the association. American beef producers are the best people I know and although our industry faces many challenges, I am confident we can overcome them,” said Woodall.

 

Ethan Lane was also named today to serve in the role of Vice President, Government Affairs. In his new role, Lane will guide NCBA’s policy efforts in Washington, D.C., where he has extensive experience advocating on behalf of cattle producers.

 

 

Filming Cooking Segments

ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell is cooking up the beef this morning with Jack Galassini in preparation of October Beef Month promotions. Ali is talking tailgating on the segment and offering up some great hand-held beef dishes great for around the tent on gameday, and she’s serving up a few holiday roasting ideas as we head into the fall months. These segments will air on WSFA.

 

 

ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications for 2019-2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarships are now open and are set to close on November 1, 2019. This year’s lineup of scholarships include those funded by the sale of the Cowboy vanity car tag, such as the “Tagged for Greatness” scholarship, as well as many endowed scholarships from generous families. An addition to the many award opportunities this year is a Trade School Scholarship for students attending a trade school program in the state of Alabama. Be sure to check out our many scholarships and get those applications submitted by November 1.

 

Award recipients will be honored at the 2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship Banquet to be held April 11, 2020 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in Wetumpka, AL. More information and applications can be found online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships.

 

 

NCBA at Work Following Tyson Fire

(Now former) NCBA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Colin Woodall provided an update related to the investigation being conducted by USDA, into market response following the fire. Both NCBA and USDA believe it’s important for all market participants to understand what has transpired in the markets and ensure full transparency. NCBA will continue to work closely with USDA and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to identify any market participant who may try to illegally capitalize from the market situation. Read more at https://www.ncba.org/ourviews.aspx?NewsID=7042

 

To receive the extended member-only updates, visit NCBA.org/membership.aspx or call 866-BEEF-USA and become a member today!

 

 

Beef Education

On Thursday, Ali will be traveling to Auburn to present to grad students from the Ukraine about the beef industry in Alabama. This is in partnership with USDA on promoting U.S. cuisine. The day will start off with a tasting at Bow and Arrow and then Dr. Jason Sawyer and Ali Cantrell will present on beef and the industry.

 

 

Beef Cattle Short Course & Other Events

Morgan will stopping by her second short course next Tuesday in Oneonta. Producers new to the cattle business should attend Alabama Extension’s new Beef Systems Short Course.   The short course is a multi-night lecture series covering the fundamentals of beef production and is geared for new and limited experience producers. The price is $40.00 to register. To register or learn more visit their website or check out our Bama Beef Events Calendar where you’ll find MANY upcoming events, sales and educational workshops. The fall calendar is filling up!

 

 

BEEFFEST AT SWEETCREEK

October 12-13 is sure to be a great time as we team up with the folks at SweetCreek Farm Market and Alabama Department of Ag and Industries to host the first-ever BeefFest in conjunction with the venue’s annual pumpkin festival! Make a road trip to Pike Road, AL for fun games, craft vendors, a beef chili cook-off and a coloring contest for kiddos. ACA staff and volunteers will be present to tell the pasture to plate story while serving up some delicious beef chili samples. Don’t miss out on all the fun!

 

 

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL REGISTRATION OPEN

If you’re interested in teaching your youth about marketing cattle on the grid and retained ownership, we’ve got just the program for you! Youth are invited to register their animals into he Junior Pasture to Rail Program— a partnership between the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and Alabama Beef Systems Extension— where they’ll ship calves in November, participate in a few pasture to plate educational opportunities, their receive the carcass data on their animals after harvest. To learn more about program requirements and to register, visit www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R.

 

 

TRADE SHOW REGISTRATION NOW LIVE

Registration is open for the trade show at the 77th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show happening in Montgomery on February 14-15. That’s right, bring your sweetheart to town and enjoy promoting your product or service to Alabama’s largest gathering of cattlemen! Please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you would like to be a vendor at the 2020 show or visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register online with a credit card.

 

 

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. 

 

It’s a hard date. It’s one that stands out in the minds of each and every American that lived through this day 18 years ago. We remember the news reports, the horror of watching the towers fall on live television, the smoke, the images of rescue teams running into the chaos. After almost two decades, it’s incredible how the details of that day are inscripted in our minds. We all know where we were. We can remember the emotion. We can remember the disbelief that something so horrible could happen on our homeland. 

But it did. 

Then came September 12. A day where America was truly American. We were one nation under God. Patriotism soared as we shook our fists at our attackers. Bookstores sold out of Bibles. Prayer groups ceaselessly gathered. Stores, schools, businesses closed. Everything was quiet for a mement in time as we prayed so intentionally and fervently for the lives of the rescuers, for the families of those taken and the state of our nation. 

Eighteen years later, we still pause to remember that day, those events, the people. So we do that right now. Before we head into our weekly update and continue on with life as usual. Just pause with us- to remember- so that

September 11, 2001 is truly never forgotten. 

…

 

 

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Membership Count of the Day: 9,317 members

Recruit, recruit, recruit! 

 

ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications for 2019-2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarships are now open and are set to close on November 1, 2019. This year’s lineup of scholarships include those funded by the sale of the Cowboy vanity car tag, such as the “Tagged for Greatness” scholarship, as well as many endowed scholarships from generous families. An addition to the many award opportunities this year is a Trade School Scholarship for students attending a trade school program in the state of Alabama. Be sure to check out our many scholarships and get those applications submitted by November 1.

Award recipients will be honored at the 2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship Banquet to be held April 11, 2020 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in Wetumpka, AL. More information and applications can be found online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships.

 

 

 

AgVenture in Fayette

Staffers Morgan Pounds and Ali Cantrell headed to Vista Farms today for a youth event called Ag-Venture. Vista Farms is part of the educational youth event, and staffers are headed to be a helping hand and interact with the youth and do some beef education. We’re excited to be part of this day.

 

 

Bull Ad Class at Auburn

Each year, Director of Communications Kayla Greer gets the opportunity during the fall months to visit her alma mater to present on the art of building ads to the Auburn ANSC Bull Production class. During this presentation, she discusses the assets that make an ad successful and those that care hurt your marketability. She also joins the students in the pasture as they capture an image of the bull they are marketing for the assignment. She offers insight on framing, positioning and tips to make the animal look the best it can on an ad. Then she charges them with the task of building their own ad and once submitted, she assists the class leaders in grading. Special thanks to Dr. Sonia Moisa and George Richburg for allowing us to be in on this unique assignment.

 

 

YCLP Meeting in Auburn

This weekend, we are looking forward to hosting the third session for our Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class VI. They will be heading to Auburn for our Cattlemen’s Beef 201, a tour of Langley Farms and some leadership/team building at the AU ropes course. We know it’s going to be a great weekend and appreciate all that are making it happen!

 

 

CATTLEMEN’S BEEF 201

Speaking of…the ACA is hosting a Cattlemen’s BEEF 201 Program at the Auburn University Beef Teaching Unit and Meats Lab on Friday, September 13. We invite all cattlemen to explore the beef industry from pasture to plate, with emphasis on the plate side as we’ll fabricate a carcass before your eyes! This is the part you don’t get to see on the farm! Features of this program will include a live animal evaluation, carcass evaluation and fabrication. Please sign up to attend next week’s checkoff-sponsored course at www.BamaBeef.org/Beef201 or contact ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell.

 

 

Visiting Alabama Stockyards

Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds enjoyed her past weekend traveling to sales. She attended South Alabama Stockyards in Brundidge on Friday to enjoy a special sale. Then on Saturday, she enjoyed the 30^th Annual “Keepin Kind” Bred Heifer Sale at Cullman Stockyards. This week, she dropped in to meet Robbie Gibbs and the team at Arab Livestock Market and enjoyed their weekly sale. We’re excited about a busy sale season coming up!

 

 

BEEFFEST AT SWEETCREEK

October 12-13 is sure to be a great time as we team up with the folks at SweetCreek Farm Market and Alabama Department of Ag and Industries to host the first-ever BeefFest in conjunction with the venue’s annual pumpkin festival! Make a road trip to Pike Road, AL for fun games, craft vendors, a beef chili cook-off and a coloring contest for kiddos. ACA staff and volunteers will be present to tell the pasture to plate story while serving up some delicious beef chili samples. Don’t miss out on all the fun!

 

 

JUNIOR PASTURE TO RAIL REGISTRATION OPEN

If you’re interested in teaching your youth about marketing cattle on the grid and retained ownership, we’ve got just the program for you! Youth are invited to register their animals into he Junior Pasture to Rail Program— a partnership between the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and Alabama Beef Systems Extension— where they’ll ship calves in November, participate in a few pasture to plate educational opportunities, their receive the carcass data on their animals after harvest. To learn more about program requirements and to register, visit www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R.

 

 

TRADE SHOW REGISTRATION NOW LIVE

Registration is open for the trade show at the 77th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show happening in Montgomery on February 14-15. That’s right, bring your sweetheart to town and enjoy promoting your product or service to Alabama’s largest gathering of cattlemen! Please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you would like to be a vendor at the 2020 show or visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register online with a credit card.

 

 

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.

Just like that, we have approached the end of yet another month and are really fired up to enter the fall season! Not only will the weather hopefully offer a slight break in the heat but it’s a busy time, and we enjoy getting out on the road! As October Beef Month creeps in, sale season fires up and the those fall calves start to his the landscape…there’s lots to be excited for int he world of beef! We were thrilled to host over 40 counties at last week’s August Board Meeting and enjoyed the opportunity to award the 10 counties who went “Over the Top.” It was also a tru joy to unveil The MOOseum project to a group of cattlemen who are so engaged in the Alabama beef industry. Speaking of being engaged, keep reading to learn more about what’s happening this week at the Alabama Cattlemen’s. 

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BEEF 101 at Sysco Central Alabama

This past Friday, ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell spent the day at Sysco Central Alabama for a beef cutting training with sales representatives. Barney Wilborn with the Auburn Meats Lab did a demonstration over cutting the Round primal, and Ali gave an overview of the entire beef industry as well as a run down on beef labeling. ACA and YCLP members, Scott McElfresh, his wife Sarah McElfresh and Amanda Engle were in attendance as well!

 

 

And the Bama’s Best Burger Fiery Four Finalists Are…

• SUCH-n-SUCH (Decatur) Heart Attack Burger
• R & R Burgers (Springville) The Jealous Grandma Burger
• Heards BBQ & Soul Food (Maplesville) Surf-n-Turf Burger
• Brickstone Burgers & Brews (Eufaula) Brickstone Burger

 

 

Big Fun at the Pike County Catttlemen’s Rodeo

ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds spent this past weekend out and about as she joined the team lead by President Jim Shaver and Director Ed Whatley at the Pike County Cattlemen’s 27^th Annual Rodeo. Morgan competed in the celebrity mechanical bull contest that Friday morning at Santa Fe Steakhouse and she enjoyed getting to visit with cattlemen, vendors and watch the show that evening with staffer Ali Cantrell.

 

 

Beef Fest Coming to Town

ACA is hosting Beef Fest at SweetCreek Farm Market in Pike Road October 12 -13. Make a road trip to the farm market for fun games, a beef chili cook-off and a coloring contest for kids. ACA staff and volunteers will be present to tell the pasture to plate story while serving up some delicious beef chili samples. This event will be held in conjunction with the venue’s annual pumpkin festival, so join us for a big day of family fun! Learn more on the event page on our website.

 

 

Stopping by Stockyards

Staffer Morgan Pounds headed to Brewton, AL for a Saturday sale this past weekend. There she met the owner Dale Anderson and enjoyed watching the sale. She also enjoyed meeting the staff, buyers, sellers and local cattlemen. As sale season kicks into high gear, Morgan will be at Uniontown on Friday for the Herdbuilder Replacement Female Sale at Alabama Livestock Auction.

 

 

Junior Pasture to Rail Registration Open

If you’re interested in teaching your youth about marketing cattle on the grid and retained ownership, we’ve got just the program for you! Youth are invited to register their animals into the Junior Pasture to Rail Program where they’ll ship calves in November, participate in a few pasture to plate educational opportunities, then receive the carcass data on their animals after harvest. To learn more about program requirements and to register, visit www.BamaBeef.org/JP2R.

 

 

YOU’RE INVITED: CATTLEMEN’S BEEF 201

The ACA is hosting a Cattlemen’s BEEF 201 at Auburn University’s Beef Teaching Unit and Meats Lab on Friday, September 13. We invite all cattlemen to explore the beef industry from pasture to plate. Features of this program will include live animal evaluation, carcass evaluation and fabrication. Please sign up at www.bamabeef.org/beef201 or contact Ali Cantrell to get registered for the program. There are only 15 spots left!

 

 

Vendor Registration Now Live

Trade show vendor rgistration is open for the 77th annual ACA Convention Trade Show happening in downtown Montgomery! Please contact Ali Cantrell if you would like to be a vendor at the 2020 Convention or visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention  to register today!

 

 

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.