The holidays are here! It is hard to believe that we are already in preparation for our Thanksgiving feasts. Thanksgiving may lovingly be known as “Turkey Day,” but every holiday spread deserves some beef! Beef is a versatile choice for the holidays providing high quality protein in a low-calorie package. Reach for some of these awesome ideas over the coming days and weeks.
Beefing Up Breakfasts
Many of us have overnight guests during the holidays, and we want to feed them more than a toaster pastry or bowl of cereal for breakfast. This easy Breakfast Scramble can be made ahead of time and cooked when your guests are ready to eat. If you have a house full of people with a variety of tastes, grab some mugs and a variety of ingredients for Beef and Egg Breakfast Mugs. Your guests can make their own creation to their liking and cook individually in the microwave.
Hors d’oeuvres
In many families the holiday meal isn’t at a regular “meal time,” and appetizers might be the key to keeping everyone from becoming hangry until the main course is served. Try some Corned Beef and Pickle Dip that’s a cinch to make and serve. Simple, easy, and loaded with flavor, these Flaky Beef Stuffed Pinwheels are a wonderful addition to your holiday appetizer tray. If you’re looking for something tasty and different for a football gathering or a “Friendsgiving” party, try these Cheeseburger Egg Rolls.
Beef Up Turkey Day
Yes, maybe it’s turkey day…but you can have your turkey and beef too! Bring some beef to the table with some amazing side dishes. Change up your stuffing with Beef Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries. Add new tradition to your table with this Beefed Up Mac and Cheese that will have the kids asking for more. If you really want to change it up this year, make beef the star of your Thanksgiving with this Classic Beef Tenderloin Roast with Cranberry Drizzle. This healthy recipe is certified by the American Heart Association and will bring flavor and nutrition to your table any time of the year.
The holidays are a great time to try new recipes and eat more beef with the company of friends and family! While it can be a time of over indulging and putting on added weight, lean beef can play a part in keeping your holidays fit. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides 25 grams of protein and only 173 calories! For more information on beef’s nutrition and health benefits, and to find out more about beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.
Ah, feels like fall! Before we know it, we’ll be gathering around the table for Thanksgiving, then gathering around the tree to hear the Christmas story and open gifts. Folks, 2019 is drawing near to an end already if you can believe it. But it can’t end without first accomplishing a busy sale season, finishing up October Beef Month, kicking off county annual meetings and before we set the 2020 Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan and budgets. So much to do and so little time, but as we mentioned on an Instagram comment yesterday, “it is truly our greatest pleasure.”
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. That’s just over a week away, so get those apps in!! 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.
Fall Beef 101 Programs
On Thursday, ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell looks forward to hosting a Beef 101 program with the Drake University Culinary Program and for students from Holtville High School in Elmore County. It’s a busy time of year for Beef 101 and a great time for us to teach influencers about the nutritional benefits and life cycle of our favorite protein, beef! If you would like to participate in one of these programs coming up, let Ali know!
Alabama Forage Conference
Save the date and hop online to www.BamaBeef.org/Forage to learn more and register for this year’s Alabama Forage Conference. Themed “Diversifying Alabama Forage Systems,” this conference will take place December 3-4 at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL. Conference topics will include “using annuals to extend the grazing season,”Alfalfa and Bermudagrass,” and “grazing cover crops.” For only $65, you’ll get the information from this conference and enjoy the pre-conference tour. Learn more at the website above!
SLE Rodeo- Moving & Shaking!
ACA Director of Rodeo Programs Lauren Wilson has hit the ground running since she gone on October 1. Not only has she gotten hitched, but she’s already began gathering rodeo committees to activate them in their specific roles. On Monday, Lauren and Ali met with Ed Whatley to discuss rodeo vendor opportunities. Ali is heading up vendors and is working on layout and prices for space inside or out of the Coliseum. Vendor information will be available soon!
This morning, SLE Executive Director Erin Beasley and Lauren met with the sponsorship committee to establish sponsorship levels and packages and creating a list of target sponsors to reach out too. This was an exciting meeting and very encouraging as sponsorships are so important to this show! Thanks to all who joined us and offered valuable input.
Lastly (for this week at least), Lauren and Erin will meet with Coliseum staff to finalize vendor layout, discuss hospitality tent area and set up ticket sales. Be on the look out for tickets to become available for purchase in December..just in time for Christmas!
Also- the new www.SLERodeo.com will go live on November 1. Get ready to explore the site and learn all about this year’s rodeo and its fun opportunities!
Talkin’ Beef with BCIA
ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds will be in attendance at the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday. She plans to give updates from the association, brag on Beef Month activities, remind members about our scholarships and talking about stockyard visits while taking in all the new information from the BCIA. As always, we are excited to be part of this group.
Save the Dates- 2020 ACA Convention & Trade Show
Cattle Drive to the Capital as we saddle up for a Valentines Day Weekend event filled with beef cattle news, updates and awards. We’ll be in Montgomery on February 14-15 for the 77th annual convention featuring educational sessions, guest speakers, youth public speaking, quiz bowl and career development and the largest cattle industry trade show in the state of Alabama. Don’t miss out! Save the dates and get ready for those great deals with Early Bird Registration opening on November 15.
Membership Update
Membership # of the Day: 9,394
Board members, be sure to RSVP to Jessica Kennedy about our upcoming Board Meeting to be held on November 14, 2019 at the Cattlemen’s Building in Montgomery. Also, if you would like to attend next week’s Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting to help plan the use of next year’s checkoff dollars, let us know!! Any and all are invited- we need your input! Don’t hesitate to call and let us know you’d like to attend at (334) 265-1867.
Alabama Junior & Senior High School Beef Cook-Off
Does your county host a beef cook-off in coordination with local Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) programs? If you answered yes, then keep reaching!! If you answered no but would like to, contact Ali Cantrell at our office and she can help get you started!
Back to those who answered yes. Rules and registration for the 2020 state cook-off are now live at www.BamaBeef.org/Cookoff. The event this year will be hosted on April 4, 2020 at Carver High School in Montgomery. If you have any questions, contact Ali.
Coffee County Youth Day
ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds is meeting with 30 youth from Coffee County Young Leadership Program. These young people come from 5 different schools in the county and compete in leadership contests, applications and interviews to get in the program. Today, these youth are touring ACA President-Elect Larry Reeves’ operation today and learning about jobs and opportunities in both the beef and poultry industries. Morgan was glad to be part of this tour and offer insight into the impact beef production has on the state of Alabama.
Consumer Marketing
This week, along with social media efforts promoting beef, we published a blog with the help of our contract Registered Dietician Elesha Ergle about savory, fall comfort dishes! This blog post came just in time for the cold front that pushed through our state and hopefully gave readers some good ideas for cozy, fall foods! To further push that marketing effort, a consumer newsletter twill publish on Thursday to provide over 10,000 recipients a further look into beef recipes and information. We’re encouraging consumers to Savor the Flavors of Fall…with Beef!
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.
Follow Elesha on Twitter & Instagram: @EleshaErgleRDN
October is Beef Month in Alabama, and it’s time to get some fall recipes together for cooler weather! Whether it’s your first pot of chili or a new recipe for meatloaf, you can make beef the star of your comfort foods for the season. A three-ounce portion of lean beef provides 25 grams of protein for only 173 calories, so you can have your protein without all the additional calories!
Quick Comforts
Meatloaf is one of the favorites at our house, and nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty meatloaf and mashed potatoes. With our busy schedules, who has time to make a homemade meatloaf? Insert the Instant Pot here! This recipe for One-Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Supreme. You can have this home-cooked meal in minutes, not hours. Beef up your macaroni and cheese with this Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe that will keep the kids asking for more! Quick, easy, and just a few ingredients to get it together.
Chili Day
Kick off the cooler weather with your first pot of chili! So many options, which one to choose…with beans or without, with tomatoes, hot or mild. Whatever your taste buds prefer, get warmed up with these favorites. This Three Bean and Beef Chili is packed with protein and deliciousness or this Stovetop Chili Mac that is a combination of flavors that is sure to be a hit with your family.
Pot Roastin’
The ultimate comfort food…pot roast. So many variations of this wonderful dish, many have their own favorites. For a delicious, tender roast, start with a chuck or shoulder roast. For optimal tenderness and flavor, cook low and slow in slow cooker, oven, or in an electric pressure cooker. This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is a favorite around our house. If you like a more traditional roast, try this Classic Sunday Pot Roast.
Get your fall recipes going with beef! For more recipes, nutrition and food safety information, and to learn more about beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. Happy Beef Month and Happy Fall, Ya’ll!
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.
“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!
New Faces on Team ACA
Dougherty
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.”
Terry (Wilson)
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!
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 7th 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.
Be the MVP of Your Tailgate with Unbeatable Food Safety Skills
By Elesha Ergle, RDN
College football season is here, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Whether your favorite tailgating memories are from childhood, college, or just last weekend, a few of your memories are sure to include some of your favorite foods. Beef is always a staple in our family football gatherings or for tailgating near campus, and food safety is always a top priority for my team. Safe food handling before, during and after cooking can be the difference between a win or loss at your next gathering. Be the MVP of your party and know proper preparation, cooking and holding techniques for beef to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Pre-game Instructions
When purchasing beef, pay attention to the ‘use-by’ or ‘best before’ dates stamped on the packages, and keep beef refrigerated at 40 degrees (or below) until ready to use. Store raw beef on the bottom shelf of refrigerator or place in a shallow pan to prevent package from leaking on to other items. If purchasing frozen beef, avoid packages with ice crystals, which is an indication of thawing and re-freezing. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw beef, and keep raw foods separate from cooked foods. For more information, Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has an entire page to assist you in safely handling beef from start to finish.
Kick-Off
You have safely handled your pre-game warm up, now it’s time to cook some delicious beef recipes for your football party! No tailgate is complete without some sort of nachos or cheese dip. Beef up your regular old queso with this Crock Pot Queso Dip, using the slow cooker to safely hold your dip for up to four hours, so you can graze over it the whole game. Call an audible on your nacho game with some Cowboy Nachos by Ree Drummond, which uses brisket instead of ground beef; or give your fans something to cheer about when they make their own nacho creations with these easy Big Game Fritos Pies.
The After Party
Using proper heat sources such as chaffing dishes or slow cookers, beef can be safely held at 135 degrees or higher for up to four hours; foods should then be discarded and not kept for reuse, even if they are to be reheated. Use this USDA guide for safe food handling to help you keep all your foods safe at home and away games.
No matter what team you are cheering for, football season is a great time to grab some beef and get your party going! For more recipes, food safety information, and to learn more about beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.
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!
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.
Woodall (Photo: BeefUSA.org)
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.
…
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 30th 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.
Hello September, and hello fall months! Although it may not quite feel like fall outside, signs of the changing season are everywhere you look! Our Bama Beef Events Calendar is full of upcoming sales. Fall calves are hitting the ground across the state, and beef promotion is in the air as we’ve kicked off fall promotions surrounding October Beef Month. Speaking of, be sure to listen out for the classic “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” tagline on the Auburn and Alabama radio pre-game shows and stay tuned for big plans as we head into October. Keep reading to learn more and catch up with the team at ACA this week!
Membership # of the Day: 9,045
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.
Cattlemen’s BEEF 201
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.
Make Way for the 2020 Rodeo
The SLE Board of Directors will meet on Thursday to discuss several big topics in preparation of the 2020 SLE Rodeo. These will include ticket prices, entertainment, a website relaunch and other business. The annual meeting and dinner for SLE members with be Thursday, September 26 and the results of the Board disucssion will be announced to the membership. SLE members should be on the look out for an invitation to the dinner in coming days!
Sales, Sales and More Sales
It’s sale season, and it’s evident when looking at our staff calendar! On Friday, ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds will be stopping by South Alabama Stockyard in Brundidge, AL to attend a special sale being hosted at the market. She’s looking forward to seeing the livestock and visiting with market owners and cattlemen attending the sale. But wait, there’s more! Morgan is also hitting the road on Saturday as she heads north to Cullman Stockyard for the Keepin’ Kind Bred Heifer Sale. If you’re out and about attending these sales, be sure to stop Morgan and introduce yourself. She’d love to talk with you!
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.
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
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 27th 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.
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.
pplications for 2019-2020 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarships are now open and are set to close on November 1, 2019. That’s just over a week away, so get those apps in!! 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.
