Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: August 5, 2020

And just like that, it’s August! More than halfway through 2020, and this must be the longest year in history. It certainly has been one for the history books! As we turn ahead to board sale season, bull sale season and a busy fall full of beef promotion, we are giddy to get our boots on the ground. Keep reading to find out what’s to come and what’s happening this week at the ACA.


MEMBERSHIP UPDATE & BOARD MEMO

The “Over the Top” deadline has come and gone, and we’d like to congratulate those counties that went over their membership goals and earned their presidents an iconic ACA red coat. We had 18 counties achieve this goal, and they are: Auburn Collegiate, Chambers, Choctaw, Clay, Coffee, Colbert, Coosa, Covington, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Madison, Morgan, Randolph, St Clair, Tallapoosa and Washington counties.

We would also like to remind county leaders that next week’s board meeting will take place on Thursday, August 13 at the RSA Activity Center in downtown Montgomery. Due to COVID-19, this meeting will allow only a limited audience of one(1) representative per county and will require masks or face coverings. If you haven’t yet, be sure to RSVP to Jessica Kennedy here at the office.

Cattlemen’s sale calendar

With the release of the August magazine came an update to the Cattlemen’s Sale Calendar. The fall is a busy season for sales, and while some may look a little different or be completely online this year, others are continuing on as usual. Be sure to check out the updated events calendar and tag what sales you’ll be attending this year! www.BamaBeef.org/CattleSales

BAMA’S BEST BEEF NOMINATIONS

Nominations for the 2020 Bama’s Best Beef contest are now open, so head over to our website to submit your favorite hometown beef dish. Now more than ever, we need to show our support for those locally owned restaurants that do a great job of bringing the BEEF! This year’s contest combines our spring and fall promotions and will have an added bonus of a People’s Choice contest, in conjunction with the actual tasting round featuring a panel of industry judges. Nominations are live on www.BamaBeef.org/BestBeef so click the link and nominate, nominate, nominate!

HEADED SOUTH FOR FARM TOURS

Staffers Morgan Pounds and Kayla Greer will head south on Wednesday for farm visits and photos. They are looking forward to spending time with Cattlemen in the Mobile County Area. They will be stopping by Anthony Faggard and Calvin Freeland’s operation, both in Grand Bay, to learn what they do day to day on their farms. Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds is always searching for different farms to tour all across the state. If you are a member and would like to host a YCLP Tour or AJCA Field Day at your farm in the future, please contact her for a farm visit.

LOOKING AHEAD

This week has focused a lot on looking ahead as October and the kickoff of the SLE Rodeo timeline takes place. This week, staff with SLE Rodeo met to lay out a timeline for the remainder of the 2020 and into 2021. Checkoff staff also met to layout a marketing plan and budget for October Beef Month. As you can imagine, it will look a little different than normal, but the beauty of digital marketing is that it is always on! Never fear, beef will be promoted no matter what!!

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: July 29, 2020

As we near the end of July, our eyes turn to a busy fall season ahead. Schools return in session, and all the activities that come with the school time season do also. While it may look different in 2020, the fact still remains the same…beef can fuel you through it! The fall focuses on ramped up beef promotions and producer events, and we look forward to putting our boots on the ground for both. While we look ahead, we are also keeping our heads down on the work at hand. Keep reading to learn more about what your ACA staff is up to this week!


ACA LEADERS IN DENVER

Clay Kennamer, Jim Jordan and Erin Beasley are in the Denver this week while President Larry Reeves joins in virtually for the NCBA Summer Meeting. The group will be voting on new policies, resolutions and receiving an update from the Denver office and staff. They took the opinions of Alabama Cattlemen received during our virtual round-ups and aim to represent cattlemen from our home state in their voting efforts!

ATTENDING THE ALABAMA GROCERS CONVENTION

On July 27- 29, ACA’s Ali Cantrell will be headed to Destin, FL to meet with retailers and wholesalers at the Alabama Grocers Association Convention. The convention will have a small trade show during the lunch hour of each day for exhibitors to meet with retailers and host a booth with promotional material. Ali will be speaking with attendees about Beef promotion in the retail sector as well as future educational opportunities with staff and sales such as a BEEF 101.

JUNIOR LEADERS COME TO TOWN

ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds welcomed the newly-elected AJCA Board to Montgomery Monday and Tuesday for their first meeting of their term. This meeting was heavily focused on leadership and team building. The group conducted meetings discussing upcoming events, officer responsibilities, and goals as an overall board for 2021. The AJCA Board also evaluated the 2020 Round-Up and decided to release another survey to get feedback from participants. If you participated in 2020 Round-Up or where in attendance please take the survey here to help us plan for next year.

THE MOOSEUM AND ONLINE GIFT SHOP STAYING BUSY

The MOOseum is open for business for small groups. Masks and temperature checks are required, but that’s not stopping visitors from walking through our doors! We’ve had several tour groups stop by to learn about Alabama’s beef cattle industry as our indoor educational facility is a welcomed stop to parents and childcare leaders looking to keep their kiddos entertained.

Also, online sales have not stopped! In fact, they have revved up tremendously and we are proud to now offer Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) T-shirts for sale on the store, so purchase one to support our youth organization today! www.BamaBeef.org/Store

BAMA’S BEST BEEF NOMINATIONS FIRE UP

Get ready to nominate your favorite hometown beef dish THIS WEEK as nominations for the 2020 Bama’s Best Beef contest open up on Friday. This year’s contest combines our spring and fall promotions and will have an added bonus of a People’s Choice contest, in conjunction with the actual tasting round featuring a panel of industry judges. Nominations will be live on www.BamaBeef.org/BestBeef so be on the lookout and nominate, nominate, nominate!

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

As of today, the ACA is proud to represent 8,780 members of our state association and counting as counties continue to recruit new and renewal members. County leaders- don’t forget the new “Over the Top” deadline is THIS FRIDAY, July 31. Help us get to 10,000 members strong while earning your iconic ACA red coat! We also encourage ONE representative to save the date for August 13 as we will be hosting a very limited audience Board of Directors Meeting in Montgomery at the RSA Activity Center.

ACES TO HOLD SHORT COURSES THIS FALL

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.

Producers can take the course at different locations around the state, including Jasper, Hayneville, Texasville and Centre.  These are regional meetings and producers should select the location and dates most convenient for them. Over four nights, producers will learn critical information on profitable beef production.

There is a $40 registration fee, and all participants will receive a copy of Extension’s recently updated Alabama Beef Handbook.

Alabama Extension animal scientists developed a concentrated curriculum that is most vital for new cattle producers to master. The course will be taught by Extension regional animal science agent. Learn more and register at www.ACES.edu.


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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: July 22, 2020

What Round-Up. Those masks were hot, and the sunshine was hotter…but boy oh boy, what a weekend it was! Despite all the curveballs COVID-19 threw our way, ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds handled the changes with grace and pulled off an awesome youth event! We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. But, now that the 2020 Round-Up has ridden off into the sunset, we are turning our eyes to the fall months and all the fun that brings os saddle up for this week’s update and let us know if we can do anything to help you!


ROUND-UP WRAP UP

We were thrilled to welcome over 115 youth and 150 cattle to the Garrett Coliseum fairgrounds this weekend for several youth educational contests and three cattle shows. Congrats to all who competed, won and took home big prizes. This year’s overall Top Junior Competitor was Mackenzie Smith of Marshall County. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Victoria Thompson of Lee County, while her big sister Jewel Thompson took home the Overall Senior Competitor buckle. The Supreme Champion Breeding Heifer was exhibited by Annabelle Wesley of Pike County, while Caleb Fields of Morgan County took home the Grand Champion Market Animal buckle. The Bred & Owned Champion was Audra Graves of Blount County. Stay tuned for the September issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine for a line-up of ALL the weekend’s winners.

We are also thrilled to introduce you to the 2020-2021 Board of Directors.

President: Hannah Maddox, Dekalb
Vice President: Will Meadows, Houston
Secretary: Hannah Grace Childress, Chilton
Treasurer: Russell Jordan, Clay
Ex- Officio: Ashlyn Ruf, Limestone
District 1: Corley Williams, Marshall
District 2: Brooke Ginn, Calhoun
District 3: Jewel Thompson, Lee
District 3: Victoria Thompson, Lee
District 4: Matthew Baxley, Geneva
At-Large: Walker Johnson, Cullman

SWEET GROWN ALABAMA DAY

Today, we enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Sweet Grown Alabama Day, a kickoff farmers market-style event that highlighted many members of the new state branding program, Sweet Grown Alabama. Commissioner Rick Pate, Gov. Kay Ivey and a host of other dignitaries installed the program and welcomed visitors to the state branding launch as we celebrated Alabama agriculture and the spoils of our harvest.

We as an association will work closely with this program moving forward as official Supporters and advocates for cattle producers who sell homegrown freezer beef. If you are interested in being a Sweet Grown Alabama member and having your products listed for sale on their database, visit www.SweetGrownAlabama.org.

CHECKOFF SIGNS GRILLING FORECAST SPONSORSHIP WITH WAFF

For those who tune into WAFF for your local news, be on the lookout beginning in August for a Weekend Grilling Forecast, brought to you by BEEF! This will be a very eye-catching campaign, and completes our task of promoting summer grilling statewide. This campaign matches two billboard campaigns in the Birmingham area and east/Central Alabama. We also have radio promotions going in Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville and statewide digital advertising through AL.com. This all matches the advertising we are doing through our own social media properties and the website. Summer grilling has been top of mind as families “STEAK at Home.” Visit www.UnitedWeSteak.com/Alabama to learn more.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

As of today, the ACA is proud to represent 8,723 members of our state association and counting as counties continue to recruit new and renewal members. County leaders- don’t forget the new “Over the Top” deadline has been extended to July 31. Help us get to 10,000 members strong while earning your president an iconic ACA red coat! We also encourage ONE representative to save the date for August 13 as we will be hosting a very limited audience Board of Directors Meeting in Montgomery at the RSA Activity Center.

We also like to highlight our associate members every once in a while, so join us in celebrating our close industry partners of the association.

  • ALFA Insurance
  • Ritchie Industries
  • Alabama Farmers Cooperative
  • TriGreen Equipment
  • Alabama Ag Credit \ Alabama Farm Credit
  • Lake Majestik Farms
  • Mix30 by Agridyne
  • Corteva
  • Southeast Select Sires
  • Tucker Milling, LLC
  • Mr. Fix-It
  • Cargill

ACA AT ALABAMA GROCERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION

On July 27- 29, ACA’s Ali Cantrell will be headed to Destin, FL to meet with retailers and wholesalers at the Alabama Grocers Association Convention. The convention will have a small trade show during the lunch hour of each day for exhibitors to meet with retailers and host a booth with promotional material. Ali will be speaking with attendees about Beef promotion in the retail sector as well as future educational opportunities with staff and sales such as a Beef 101.

ACES SET TO HOST BEEF SHORT COURSES THIS FALL

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.

Producers can take the course at different locations around the state, including Jasper, Hayneville, Texasville and Centre.  These are regional meetings and producers should select the location and dates most convenient for them. Over four nights, producers will learn critical information on profitable beef production.

There is a $40 registration fee, and all participants will receive a copy of Extension’s recently updated Alabama Beef Handbook.

Alabama Extension animal scientists developed a concentrated curriculum that is most vital for new cattle producers to master. The course will be taught by Extension regional animal science agent. Learn more and register at www.ACES.edu.

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: July 8, 2020

The temperatures are rising, and Alabama is due an intense heat wave this weekend…that can only mean one thing. The AJCA Round-Up is near! As our office prepares for the large youth event, we are also balancing a busy promotional and membership calendar. Despite the times and all the interruptions they bring, we are still busy around the ACA. Keep reading to learn more.

ACA HOSTS VIRTUAL REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

In an effort to stay in touch with our county leaders, state officers and staff are hosting four virtual meetings to update leaders on the work of the association and hear from what’s happening in the countryside. It has been a joy to “see” some familiar faces, starting with Tuesday evening’s north Alabama meeting. On Thursday, north central leaders with “gather” online for their round of updates. Then, next Tuesday and Wednesday will get us through the southern counties. We look forward to hopping online and chatting with our county leaders! If you haven’t heard from us regarding these virtual round-ups, please contact our office at (334) 265-1867.

SLE STRATEGICALLY PLANS

Board Members of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition gathered in person and via Zoom on Wednesday for a Strategic Planning Meeting. The agenda included outlining five and 10 year plans for the organization, along with creating a mission statement. They also covered a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis and addressed goals to work toward. They also talked about plans for the 2021 rodeo and get the ball rolling there.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

As of today, the ACA is proud to represent 8,578 members of our state association and counting as counties continue to recruit new and renewal members. County leaders- don’t forget the new “Over the Top” deadline has been extended to July 31. Help us get to 10,000 members strong while earning your president an iconic ACA red coat!

AJCA ROUND-UP: ON THE HORIZON!

We are excited to welcome 115 youth livestock exhibitors to the Garrett Coliseum for our 14thAnnual Round-Up next week. We look forward to seeing the youth of Alabama compete in numerous educational contest all weekend. If you are planning to attend Round-Up as a spectator or exhibitor please be award that mask are MANDATORY in Montgomery city limits. We invite everyone to take part in watching the future of our industry compete on our Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page. We will be streaming events throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

BAMA BEEF SALES DIRECTORY

This week, the ACA launched our Bama Beef online sales directory, which connects consumers looking for local beef to the cattlemen who produce it! The listings are now live at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef, so if you know anyone who sells local beef, be sure to have them contact our office so we can include them on the directory! We also encourage you to share this link with consumers you may know who are looking to stock up on some local freezer beef.

ACES BEEF SYSTEMS SHOURT COURSES- COMING THIS FALL

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.

Producers can take the course at different locations around the state, including Jasper, Hayneville, Texasville and Centre.  These are regional meetings and producers should select the location and dates most convenient for them. Over four nights, producers will learn critical information on profitable beef production.

There is a $40 registration fee, and all participants will receive a copy of Extension’s recently updated Alabama Beef Handbook.

Alabama Extension animal scientists developed a concentrated curriculum that is most vital for new cattle producers to master. The course will be taught by Extension regional animal science agent. Learn more and register at www.ACES.edu.

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: July 1, 2020

Welcome, July! And Happy Independence Week 🇺🇸 We will stop to celebrate our many freedoms and enjoy a weekend among family and in front of the grill, let us also remember those who have sacrificed for those freedoms. It’s not all about hamburgers and American Flag T-shirts. It’s about the blood, sweat a tears that those who came before us poured in order to make America the greatest country in the world. We salute our heritage and will work to preserve those values. Speaking of work, while the holiday week creates a slower pace in the workplace for many, your ACA team is still busy as we represent you here in our state’s capital. Keep reading for this week’s Bama Beef Update, and again, Happy Fourth of July!


ACA ATTENDS ALMA ANNUAL MEETING

ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley and Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds spent a couple of days on Alabama’s most Southern tip this week as they attended the Alabama Livestock Marketing Association Annual Meeting in Orange Beach. As you may well know, Alabama’s livestock markets do not sell on the week of Fourth of July, which frees up these market owners to gather for a quick meeting. The success of our stockyards is vitally important to Alabama’s beef cattle industry, so Erin and Morgan wanted to hear about how they’re coming through COVID-19, provide them with an industry update and host dialogue about how we as an association can continue working with them for the betterment of our cattle industry. Check out the Southeast AgNet story, here.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

As of today, the ACA is proud to represent 8,533 members of our state association and counting as counties continue to recruit new and renewal members. County leaders- don’t forget the new “Over the Top” deadline has been extended to July 31. Help us get to 10,000 members strong while earning your president an iconic ACA red coat!

AJCA ROUND-UP REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Registration for the 2020 AJCA Round-Up has closed, and we are excited to welcome many, many youth in cattle to Montgomery in just two short weeks. While Morgan continues to filter through the entries, we’ll report back with more numbers next week. This year’s event may look a little different— as does everything— but we still look forward to an excellent show. A few changes to look for are the Opening Ceremonies, Awards Banquet are cancelled. We will announce awards by age division in smaller groups. Also, to avoid cross-contact, no food will be served throughout the event. As a reminder, be sure to bring a mask or type of face covering, by ordinance of the City of Montgomery. Stay tuned as more updates come about.

ACA LAUNCHES “STEAK HOME ALABAMA” CAMPAIGN

Just in time for the Fourth of July holiday, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program is proud to extend a nationally-launched campaign here in our home state. Featuring a steak cut in to the shape of Alabama, the “United We Steak” summer grilling campaign offers a play on a classic, “Steak Home Alabama.” This patriotic campaign captures everything you love about grilling with friends and family. In Birmingham, billboards will feature the above imagery. Facebook and Instagram advertising has already launched and will see a bigger bump in paid advertising later this week, and radio stations are featuring the patriotic sound of the sizzle as stations in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery are all running summer grilling commercials, brought to listeners by BEEF.

BAMA BEEF SALES DIRECTORY

In response to growing demand for local beef products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is in the process of creating a digital portal to directly connect consumers looking to purchase beef with those who produce it. We are now accepting submissions to be included in this directory, which we plan to launch publicly next week! If you are an Alabama beef producer who sells freezer beef, please add your operation to the listing by completing our form available also at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef. Or you can call our office to relay the information. Just ask to speak with Ali Cantrell or Kayla Greer.

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: June 24, 2020

Summertime is in full swing here in Montgomery, and while the year 2020 has offered anything but normalcy, we are doing our best to seek out new and exciting ways to promote beef and work on your behalf! With the AJCA Round-Up approaching quickly and summer grills firing up, it is a time of beef promotion and youth education around here. We’re also continuing on with normal tasks like protecting you on the Hill and putting out our monthly magazine, the Alabama Cattleman. Keep reading to check out what is happening around the ACA this week.


YCLP CLASS VII KICKS OFF

Class VII of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) kicks off its first session this Friday in Montgomery. This class of 29 young cattlemen will tour Montgomery Stockyards, McLane-Garrett, LLC, CK Cattle, and enjoy a relaxing stay at Kick Back Ranch Resort. To go along with the farm tours, the class will also receive virtual leadership training with Auburn University’s Dr. Don Mulvaney and have a Q&A beef industry issues discussion with ACA Executive VP Erin Beasley. Plenty of time for networking, socializing and making new friends in the beef industry is also on the agenda! We are looking forward to meeting this year’s class and building their knowledge and leadership skills throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with this weekend’s events.

CHECKOFF SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH AL.COM

Beginning late this summer and early this fall and preceding the 2020 College Football season, be watching as AL.com releases its 2020 “Meet the Tide” and “Meet the Tigers” videos, as they’ll be brought to you by BEEF. In a year with so many event cancellations and so few sports, your checkoff team had to explore new, more virtual options for promoting our brand! The ACA logo will fly proud throughout the videos— which are expected to receive over 750,000 impressions online— and the iconic Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner logo and Rodeo jingle will be heard at the end of each of the four pre-season videos featuring the biggest recruits of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers. We are very excited for this opportunity to feature beef in line with our state’s biggest names in football!

UNITED WE STEAK SUMMER GRILLING CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

Just in time for the Fourth of July holiday, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program is proud to extend a nationally-launched campaign here in our home state. Featuring a steak cut in to the shape of Alabama, the “United We Steak” summer grilling campaign offers a play on a classic, “Steak Home Alabama.” This patriotic campaign captures everything you love about grilling with friends and family. In Birmingham, billboards will feature the above imagery. Facebook and Instagram advertising has already launched and will see a bigger bump in paid advertising later this week, and radio stations are featuring the patriotic sound of the sizzle as stations in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery are all running summer grilling commercials, brought to listeners by BEEF.

BAMA BEEF SALES DIRECTORY

In response to growing demand for local beef products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is in the process of creating a digital portal to directly connect consumers looking to purchase beef with those who produce it. We are now accepting submissions to be included in this directory. If you are an Alabama beef producer who sells freezer beef, please add your operation to the listing by completing our form available also at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef. Or you can call our office to relay the information. Just ask to speak with Ali Cantrell or Kayla Greer.

14TH ANNUAL AJCA ROUND-UP

AJCA RoundUp Logo

Registration is now open for the 14th annual Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Round-Up. It closes in just FIVE short days!! Happening July 16-19 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, this annual junior event is full steam ahead. With adjustments constantly being made to accommodate CDC guidelines in the wake of COVID-19, we would like to draw attention to the fact that the following contests could potentially be cancelled due to the inability to properly and safely socially distance our competitors: Showmanship Clinic, Cattle Judging, Volleyball, Battle of the Beef. The follow events are cancelled: Awards Banquet. Divisions will be called in separately, and winners will be given their awards. No food will be served throughout the weekend. Voting will be come-and-go at allotted time slots based on division. A full schedule and the rules packet are available on the website and are being updated continually, along with registration. Check it out >> www.BamaBeef.org/RoundUp.

ACA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

As it stands today, the ACA is proud to represent 8,510 members of our state association and counting as counties continue to recruit new and renewal members. County leaders- don’t forget the new “Over the Top” deadline has been extended to July 31. Help us get to 10,000 members strong while earning your president an iconic ACA red coat!

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: June 17, 2020

This year continues to be a unique one for the record books, but as life seems to somewhat be returning towhead may be a new normal, the cattle industry is picking back up in action. Sales are on the calendar, events are on the docket (in moderation), and we are able to find ourselves traveling a bit more than we have in the past few months. As we all continue to navigate these unchartered waters, we encourage you to stay updated with what’s going on here in our Montgomery office and beyond. Keep reading for this week’s Bama Beef Update.


ACA SUBMITS CARES PROPOSALS, AWAITING RESPONSE

One portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security (CARES) Act was earmarked funds for each state, and Alabama received $1.8 billion. The association was instrumental in submitting three requests on behalf of the cattle industry for review by Governor Kay Ivey’s office. 

  1. Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter submitted a request for a comprehensive feasibility study to increase meat processing capabilities in the state.
  2. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate submitted a request for $1.5 million to be used for small meat processing plant enhancements to increase beef cattle harvest capabilities in the state.
  3. The association submitted a request for additional funds to be used for direct payments to cattlemen who sold feeder calves between April 16-May 15 that were not compensated for losses in the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) due to selling cattle after April 15. 

The association is hopeful to that some of these requests will come to fruition in an effort to provide additional relief to cattlemen and meet the need of increased beef cattle slaughter in the state. 

STAFF ATTENDS YOUTH EVENTS

Staffer Morgan Pounds has been out and about at junior events this month. Youth of Alabama have been excited to be able to compete in livestock shows and participate in field days again. From Pike Memorial Day Blowout, Alabama Angus field day, to the Belt Buckle Classic this past weekend we are thrilled to see our youth back at livestock shows. We are looking forward to seeing you all in July at the 14th annual Round-Up! Registration closes June 29 register online here! www.BamaBeef.org/RoundUp

YCLP CLASS VII TO HOLD FIRST MEETING IN MONTGOMERY

This YCLP Class VII will be headed to Montgomery for their first session of the year. This class will meet at ACA Building for tour and leadership training on Friday June 26th. They will get the chance to tour Montgomery Stockyards, McLane Garrett Cattle Company, and CK Cattle. This years class ranges in ages 38-22 and from 19 counties all throughout the state. If you are a YCLP Alumni and would like to meet this years class please fill out the form at this link to stay updated on YCLP Alumni events and current class. Click Here

FILMING A VIRTUAL BEEF 101

With the unknowns remaining about what the school year may look like come fall, staff has elected to be vigilant in maintaining one of our shining star programs of the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program, BEEF 101. Just in case events are still discouraged and outside-the-classroom travel isn’t possible, staffers Ali Cantrell and Kayla Greer will be working this summer to create a virtual BEEF 101 learning experience. Tomorrow, the duo will join the butchers, meat scientists and cattlemen at Auburn’s Meat Lab to film a live animal evaluation and a carcass fabrication. This footage will be accompanied with explanations from professionals, and this content will be provided to any and all who would like to still experience the pasture to plate story we tell during this successful program. Stay tuned as we produce this educational content!

BAMA BEEF SALES DIRECTORY

In response to growing demand for local beef products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is in the process of creating a digital portal to directly connect consumers looking to purchase beef with those who produce it. We are now accepting submissions to be included in this directory. If you are an Alabama beef producer who sells freezer beef, please add your operation to the listing by completing our form available also at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef. Or you can call our office to relay the information. Just ask to speak with Ali Cantrell or Kayla Greer.

ACA MEETS WITH SWEET GROWN ALABAMA

Staffers Erin Beasley and Ali Cantrell will head over to the Alabama Department of Ag & Industries today to meet with Ellie Watson, Alex Tigue, Dr. Misty Edmondson, Brady Ragland and Dr. Nealy Barrett to brainstorm the possibilities of incorporating Sweet Grown Alabama- branded beef into local grocery stores across Alabama. This effort will require much forethought, and this team is looking to work toward benefiting both Alabama cattle producers and the consumers who place high value in local products.

14TH ANNUAL AJCA ROUND-UP

AJCA RoundUp Logo

Registration is now open for the 14th annual Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Round-Up. Happening July 16-19 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, this annual junior event is full steam ahead. With adjustments constantly being made to accommodate CDC guidelines in the wake of COVID-19, we would like to draw attention to the fact that the following contests could potentially be cancelled due to the inability to properly and safely socially distance our competitors: Showmanship Clinic, Cattle Judging, Volleyball, Battle of the Beef. The follow events are cancelled: Awards Banquet. Divisions will be called in separately, and winners will be given their awards. No food will be served throughout the weekend. Voting will be come-and-go at allotted time slots based on division. A full schedule and the rules packet are available on the website and are being updated continually, along with registration. Check it out >> www.BamaBeef.org/RoundUp.

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: June 3, 2020

What. A. Year.

2020 will certainly go down in history as an unforgettable year, although we may all would like to forget it by the time it is said and done! Nevertheless, despite the many issues our nation and world faces, America’s cattlemen are still raising cattle. We’ll continue to work on our behalf, if you continue to work to feed the world. Keep reading for this week’s update about all that’s happening in Montgomery.


 

Marketing Meat Direct to Consumers: A Three-Part Webinar Series

Screenshot 2020-05-20 14.48.00In response to growing demand for local meat products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program have partnered with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Sweet Grown Alabama to host a three-part webinar series to educate Alabama farmers on the steps required to raise, harvest and market their products in a way that complies with state and national regulation, ensuring a safe and wholesome product for consumers to enjoy.

 

Monday’s webinar was a hit with around 60 virtual attendees. Great questions were asked, and Extension’s Alex Tigue did an excellent job educating on “Creating the Product Consumers Want.” If you missed out, don’t worry. You can view the recorded session on our website at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef.

If you are interested in learning from this series, please pre-register for this virtual event by CLICKING HERE. Webinar access information will be provided following your submission and will be sent via the email address provided in the form.

Today and Friday’s webinar will occur as follows:

  • June 3, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
    The Processing Process
    – Choosing a Processor
    – Dry Aging vs Wet Aging
    – The Math: Dressing Percentages and Carcass Yields
  • June 5, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
    Getting Your Product to Market, and Getting Paid for It
    – Where to Sell Your Product
    – How to Price Your Product
    – How to Advertise
    – The Ins-and-Outs of Farmers’ Markets
    – Intro to Sweet Grown Alabama

If you have any questions, please contact Ali Cantrell at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association at (334) 265-1867.

 

 

Bama Beef Directory

In line with the above webinar series and also in response to growing demand for local beef products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is in the process of creating a digital portal to directly connect consumers looking to purchase beef with those who produce it. We are now accepting submissions to be included in this directory. If you are an Alabama beef producer who sells freezer beef, please add your operation to the listing by completing our form available also at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef. Or you can call our office to relay the information. Just ask to speak with Ali Cantrell or Kayla Greer.

 

 

New YCLP Council Holds First Meeting

Staffer Morgan Pounds welcomes the YCLP Council to the building young-cattlemen-logo_websizedtomorrow for their first meeting. The YCLP Council is comprised of alumni from various classes. Throughout this groups two year term they will plan a YCLP alumni event, aid in planning current class tours, stay connected with past YCLP classes, and be advocates for the beef industry. We are excited to start the YCLP Council and have this group of passionate young cattlemen.

 

YCLP Council Members 2020-2022

  • YCLP Class 1 – Caleb Beason Franklin County
  • YCLP Class 2 – Bradfield Evans Lowndes County
  • YCLP Class 3 – Nic Cornelison Jackson County
  • YCLP Class 5 – William Morgan Crenshaw County
  • YCLP Class 6 – Travis Tucker Blount County

 

 

Hitting the Roads…Finally!!

Staffers Morgan Pounds and Ali Cantrell hit the roads this weekend. They are excited to get out and about again and see our cattlemen!! On Saturday, the duo will head to Fayette County to Vista Farms for the Alabama Angus Field Day. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hello! When they leave Fayette, they’ll head east to attend the Cullman County Cattlemen’s Meeting . This meeting will be at Stonebridge Farms and start at 6pm and will have Pro Rodeo Announcer, Adam Gibbs, as a guest auctioneer for the event.

 

 

Membership Update

As of today, the ACA is proud to represent 8,307 members statewide. Our goal is 10,000 and now county presidents have the chance to help us get there while also earning your iconic red coat as the new Over the Top deadline has been extended to July 31. Get out and recruit/renew!

 

 

ACA Now Offers Blue BEEF Tags

100085826_1953128378156489_312650877296967680_nIf you thought our iconic red BEEF tags were popular, let us intprudce you to their Auburn-oriented counterpart. In response to a few requests for blue and white tags, we decided to order a test batch and WOW. They are flying out the door. In the course of one week we’ve sold over 100 of the blue tags through our online store!! Folks are also buying up the red tags, hats and T-shirts while they are there. Don’t miss out on your blue tag >> www.BamaBeef.org/Store 

 

 

14th annual AJCA Round-Up

Registration is now open for the 14th annual Alabama Junior AJCA RoundUp LogoCattlemen’s Association Round-Up. Happening July 16-19 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, this annual junior event is full steam ahead. The agenda might look a little different this year as the public speaking and career development contests were moved to the convention, and a showmanship clinic and a Bred & Owned show were added to the events lineup. A full schedule and the rules packet are available on the website, along with registration. Check it out >> www.BamaBeef.org/RoundUp.

 

 

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

 

 

Fire Up the Grill…It’s Summertime!

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

 

The summer sun is starting to make its debut, so let the summer fun begin! Grilling is a staple for summertime activities and is a great way to stay involved with your outdoor guests while preparing a delicious meal. If you have no idea where to begin with grilling, get started with some grill basics. Choose what works best for you and your surroundings. Whether gas or charcoal, you can find the option that is best suited for your grilling needs. For detailed information on different types of grills and their uses, check out this video from Home Depot. No matter the type of grill you decide on, beef can bring you versatile recipes to please any tastes. Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has grilling basics as well as a ton of recipes.

 

Burgers Galore
If perfecting an excellent burger is your goal, Food Network has a great informational video with beef buying, seasoning, and handling information, as well as grilling tips. If you are comfortable with your grilling skills, these Maple Bacon Beer Burgers are sure to be a favorite. Smash burgers are a diner favorite and make a great addition to your summertime grilling scene. Get your grill and griddle ready for these BBQ Smash Burgers, they will be a hit at your next gathering.

 

Steak Out
Grilling the perfect steak is something that most steak lovers desire, but remember- practice makes perfect. First choose the cut that best suits you. Some people only want a ribeye, where others may prefer a filet. Choose your cut and spend your time perfecting the one that you enjoy most. Sous vide has become a common-place household item and makes steak grilling even easier, especially for leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin or strip steaks. Grill master Bobby Flay has some great resources for grilling the perfect steaks such as this Perfectly Grilled Strip Steak.

 

Gas or charcoal, burgers or steaks, no matter what your taste buds crave, give into grilling and enjoy the wonderful taste of beef outdoors! Beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron with recipes for any meal, any occasion. For more recipes and more information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.

 

Happy Grilling! 

 

Our Favorite Summer Grilling Links

 

State Checkoff color_nobackgroundThis article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: May 27, 2020

Summer heat and showers have flooded the state, and we are grateful as the combo of the two produce what a cattleman needs most— grass! While you work to bale hay, keep water troughs full and manage summer grazing, your ACA staff is busy in the office in Montgomery seeing to the many elements that make the industry work. From managing calls to promoting summertime grilling and planning youth events to producing new merchandise, we can always find something to work on around here! Keep  reading to learn more about what’s happening at the ACA. 


 

Executive Committee Meets Virtually Thursday

ACA logo- meme size copyThe Executive Committee will meet tomorrow via Zoom tomorrow in place of the regularly schedule board of directors meeting. The group will receive updates of the association’s response efforts to COVID-19, upcoming checkoff funded projects and discuss cattle pricing proposals that are on the table in the industry. The ACA hopes to have an in person Board of Directors meeting in August.

For today’s membership update, to date, we are proud to have 8,190 members in the 2020 year. Let’s get to that big 10,000!!

 

 

USDA Announces Details of CFAP Program

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened the application period for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Cattlemen are encouraged to visit their local FSA office quickly to submit application for this government funding. Forms are available at the link below, and word so far is that the application process is pretty streamlined!

 

Eligible Livestock for CFAP

CFAP assistance is available to livestock producers who have an ownership interest in eligible livestock that have suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and face additional significant costs in marketing their inventories due to unexpected surplus and disrupted markets. The application period will open on Tuesday, May 26.

Cattle eligible for CFAP include:

  • Feeder Cattle (<600 lbs.)
  • Feeder Cattle (> 600 lbs.)
  • Slaughter Cattle: Fed Cattle
  • Slaughter Cattle: Mature Cattle

All Other Cattle (not including livestock used, or intended for, dairy production)

A single payment for livestock will be calculated using the sum of the producer’s number of livestock sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rates per head, and the highest inventory number of livestock between April 16 and May 14, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head.

Producers must provide the following information for CFAP:

Total sales of eligible livestock, by species and class, between January 15, 2020, to April 15, 2020, of owned inventory as of January 15, 2020, including any offspring from that inventory; and highest inventory of eligible livestock, by species and class, between April 16, 2020, and May 14, 2020.

Learn more at » https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock

 

 

Marketing Meat Direct to Consumers: A Three-Part Webinar Series

Screenshot 2020-05-20 14.48.00In response to growing demand for local meat products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program have partnered with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Sweet Grown Alabama to host a three-part webinar series to educate Alabama farmers on the steps required to raise, harvest and market their products in a way that complies with state and national regulation, ensuring a safe and wholesome product for consumers to enjoy.

If you are interested in learning from this series, please pre-register for this virtual event by CLICKING HERE. Webinar access information will be provided following your submission and will be sent via the email address provided in the form.

The webinar will occur as follows:

  • June 1, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
    Creating the Product Consumers Expect
    – Carcass Goals
    – Nutritional Management of Cattle, Pigs & Small Ruminants
    – Other Management Considerations
  • June 3, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
    The Processing Process
    – Choosing a Processor
    – Dry Aging vs Wet Aging
    – The Math: Dressing Percentages and Carcass Yields
  • June 5, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
    Getting Your Product to Market, and Getting Paid for It
    – Where to Sell Your Product
    – How to Price Your Product
    – How to Advertise
    – The Ins-and-Outs of Farmers’ Markets
    – Intro to Sweet Grown Alabama

If you have any questions, please contact Ali Cantrell at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association at (334) 265-1867.

 

 

Bama Beef Directory

In line with the above webinar series and also in response to growing demand for local beef products, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is in the process of creating a digital portal to directly connect consumers looking to purchase beef with those who produce it. We are now accepting submissions to be included in this directory. If you are an Alabama beef producer who sells freezer beef, please add your operation to the listing by completing our form available also at www.BamaBeef.org/BamaBeef. Or you can call our office to relay the information. Just ask to speak with Ali Cantrell or Kayla Greer.

 

 

Pike County Cattlemen’s Memorial Day Blowout

ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds and several of the AJCA Directors spent the weekend in Pike County at a jackpot show that welcomed over 250 exhibitors. Great work to the county chapter for putting on a great event for youth who were itching to get back in the show ring. Thanks to all who made it happen!

 

 

ACA Now Offers Blue BEEF Tags

100085826_1953128378156489_312650877296967680_nIf you thought our iconic red BEEF tags were popular, let us intprudce you to their Auburn-oriented counterpart. In response to a few requests for blue and white tags, we decided to order a test batch and WOW. They are flying out the door. In the course of one week we’ve sold over 100 of the blue tags through our online store!! Folks are also buying up the red tags, hats and T-shirts while they are there. Don’t miss out on your blue tag >> www.BamaBeef.org/Store 

 

 

14th annual AJCA Round-Up

Registration is now open for the 14th annual Alabama Junior AJCA RoundUp LogoCattlemen’s Association Round-Up. Happening July 16-19 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, this annual junior event is full steam ahead. The agenda might look a little different this year as the public speaking and career development contests were moved to the convention, and a showmanship clinic and a Bred & Owned show were added to the events lineup. A full schedule and the rules packet are available on the website, along with registration. Check it out >> www.BamaBeef.org/RoundUp.

 

 

2020 SLE Rodeo Cancelled, Looking Forward to 2021

sle-logo

Just in case you missed the news last week…On March 13, 2020 the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) announced the postponement of the 63rd annual SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week amid growing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. SLE leadership has been monitoring conditions related to COVID-19 and the sport of rodeo both locally and nationally over the course of two months and in doing so, has made the decision to cancel the 2020 rodeo and related events.

 

Tickets will be refunded through the agency in which they were purchased. If tickets were purchased through the Garrett Coliseum Box Office, contact (334) 356-6866 to request a full refund. Tickets purchased with a credit card through the SLE Rodeo Headquarters will be refunded automatically. For tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, rodeo patrons will receive an automatic refund of the ticket order amount to the method of payment used for purchase within 30 days.

 

Information on the 2021 SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week will be made available in coming months. Please monitor announcements and updates at www.SLERodeo.com or on our Facebook page.

 

 

 

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.