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.
The summer heat continues to bear down, and it seems impossible that it is time for the kids to go back to school already. Whether your baby is just starting kindergarten this year, or your “baby” is starting high school, there is no doubt you have given some thought about how to help your kids power through the day.
Children need proper nutrition to keep their growing bodies fueled for learning throughout the school day. Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast are able to pay attention better in classes, perform better on tests and have less behavior issues. If you are confused about how to get your family going this school year, beef is here to help.
Beef Jerky at Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! If your kiddos are scrambling to get out the door in the mornings, whip up some Beef Jerky Trail Mix for a healthy meal on the go. Mix it with different dried fruits (no added sugars are best) and nuts, or let the kids make their own mixture to inspire their imagination and get them involved in the kitchen. Loaded with 25 grams of protein per serving, trail mix a great way to get your kids’ school day started off right. It even packs easy into a lunch box for snack time.
After School Treats Beef Jerky Granola Bars are another great option for on-the-go breakfasts or snacking. Kids who are active in sports and other after-school activities will also love to keep these treats in their packs for busy afternoons. For a delicious snack after they hop off the bus, have some Peanut Butter Chocolate-Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Beef Jerky Cookies to keep the kids powered through homework until suppertime. These beef’d up cookies are sure to be a hit, and you can feel good knowing they have had a nutritious snack packed with protein.
Individually-wrapped beef jerky sticks come in all sizes and flavors and are delicious and handy for those days when you just thought the calendar looked light. You can find these in large quantities online for reasonable prices and have them delivered to your door, saving you time and money. Keep them packed away in the car, backpacks, and athletic bags for a quick and nutritious snack that will keep your scholars and athletes full and focused.
Everyone’s lives are busy, but we can still pack in healthy foods to fuel our active agendas. One serving of lean beef provides 50 percent of our daily protein needs, so while you are busy chasing kids, you can put your mind at ease knowing that their snacks are one less thing to worry about. Visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com to explore all kinds of unique beef jerky and back to school recipe ideas for this busy time of year!
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.
Well, if it wasn’t hot enough, it just got hotter! With a volatile week of weather and cattle markets, we are happy to bring some news that’s not so dreary. We’ve got a lot coming up and in the works, so keep reading to learn more about what’s happening at the ACA this week!
Tyson Plant Burns
Let’s start with the obvious. The cattle market is the talk of the week as the boards are feeling the effects of a fire that one of Tyson’s beef harvest plants in Kansas suffered over the weekend. The plant processes 6,000 head of cattle a day taking away a landing spot for an already-saturated fed cattle market. Tyson has announced they will rebuild immediately and is working to redirect cattle into their other packing facilities. With the uncertainty so far around this situation, cattle markets have been limit down both Monday and Tuesday. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has had a significant role to ensure the Federal regulatory burden does not make recovery any harder. ACA is working to notify our congressmen and senators in D.C. of the situation so they are aware of the effects this will have on our producers in the coming weeks who are selling feeder calves.
State Ag Board Meeting
Erin Beasley attended the quarterly meeting for the Department of Agriculture and Industries Board on Tuesday in Decatur. She presented the 2018 annual report and financials for the State Beef Checkoff program and received unanimous approval from the board along with several positive comments about the program as a whole.
Bama’s Best Burger Update
Regional semi finalist voting has kicked off for the 2019 Bama’s Best Burger contest! Region 1 and Region 2 semi finalists are duking it out in a a very close first round of Facebook polling. Region 1 semi finalist is SUCH-n-SUCH (Decatur) Heart Attack Burger, while the Region 2 semi finalist is the Bananza Burger from The Strand in Fort Payne! So far the poll has garnered over 1,300 votes with SUCH-n-SUCH leading by only 30 votes. This poll closes in the morning, and the challenge between Region 3 semi finalist J&J Grocery (Bessemer) Cheeseburger and Region 4 semi finalist R&R Burgers (Springville) Jealous Grandma Burger will go live! Be sure to follow the contest to find out who all the regional semi finalists are and VOTE for your local dive.
Wood Fruitticher Sales Meeting
This Thursday, staffer Ali Cantrell is traveling to Trussville for the Wood Fruitticher Sales meeting to kick off the fall beef sales promotion. Barney Wilborn, the manager of Auburn University’s Meat Lab, will be joining Ali during this sales meeting to fabricate and present cuts from the chuck and sirloin to the salesmen. This presentation is meant to educate the salesmen about the cuts they sell everyday and how to better market them to their customers.
Board of Directors Meeting- Next Week!
Board members, be sure to RSVP to Jessica Kennedy for next week’s Summer Board of Directors Meeting! We’ll be giving out “Over the Top” county prizes, giving you all the ACA updates you need and letting you in on an exclusive FIRST LOOK at ALL the new changes in The MOOseum! Don’t miss out.
At the membership desk this week, remittances from our latest mail-out have begun rolling in and the membership number of the day is 8,836! We are so close to 9,000…but the goal is 10,000. Staffers have begun to call non-renewed members, so join us in recruiting!
Beef Systems Short Course
On Tuesday, ACA Director of Field Services stopped in on the first of many Beef Systems Extension Short Courses happening statewide throughout the fall months. Morgan visited the kickoff meeting at the Clanton location and enjoyed the opportunity to visit with cattlemen and get an overview of the content being taught during the four-night course. To find an upcoming course near you and to get registered, visit www.aces.edu/go/1065.
Clay County Cattlemen’s Rodeo
Staffers are looking forward to the opportunity to attend this weekend’s Clay County Cattlemen’s Rodeo happening Friday and Saturday evenings. The team will go to enjoy and support this county cattlemen event and see what all it has to offer! Next week will bring the Pike County Cattlemen’s Rodeo where staffer Morgan Pounds will be taking pride on a mechanical bull and attending the event. If you’ve got an upcoming county event, be sure to let us know about it!
Preparing for Fall Promotions
Ali Cantrell is preparing October Beef Month boxes for county Cattlemen’s Associations. These boxes will be ready for pick up at the Summer Board of Directors meeting on August 22. Please contact Ali if there is a special event this fall that you need promotional material for so she can add it to your box! If you are unable to pick up a box at the board meeting, let Ali know that you want it mailed.
News from the AJCA
If you attended the 2019 AJAC Round-Up, we want to hear your feedback on the event. Visit www.BamaBeef.org/AJCA where you’ll find a link to a survey regarding the event and 2020 upcoming events. We appreciate the time you take to help us improve the Round-Up! We also encourage you to go check out the newest feature of the AJCA, an Instagram! If you use the social app, hop on and give @al_juniorcattlemen a follow. With the guidance of ACA staff, AJCA President Ashlyn Ruf will be running the account during her year of leadership. Let’s show her and our junior association some support!
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.
Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Well, it’s a scorcher out there today. Good thing today’s blog is chock-full of good reads to keep you inside during your lunch break just a liiiitttleee bit longer. As board sale and back-to-school seasons fire up, it’s a busy time for both the worlds of cattle production and beef promotion. All systems are go at our office as we tackle stockyard visits, October Beef Month plans, burger contest, board sales and The MOOseum renovation project. Keep reading to find out more about what’s happening at the ACA this week.
The MOOseum Taking Life
The big news this week is all that’s happening on the first floor of our building! As if it hadn’t already, The MOOseum is truly experiencing a total transformation as the exhibit fabricators are in town performing installation. The images we’ve seen for so long in 2D form are really beginning to take life in 3D and we’re so excited to unveil the new MOOseum!
Save the Date- August Board Meeting
If you’re a Board member, you’re opportunity to see The MOOseum isn’t far off as you’ll get a first-hand look at the August Board Meeting to be held August 22 at 10 a.m. We’ll be celebrating our “Over the Top” counties, enjoying an educational session with Dr. Misty Edmondson and getting all the updates…oh, and touring the new exhibits!! Don’t forget to RSVP to Jessica Kennedy by August 16. We’ll see you there!
Membership # of the Day: 8,770
Out and About at Alabama’s Stockyards
Field services staffer Morgan Pounds has been out and about in Alabama since she started at the ACA in May. She has been to seven yards across the state and hopes to be able to say she has made it out to visit each yard in the state before she has been on our team for a year. So far she’s visited Mid State Stockyards, Montgomery Stockyards, Livingston Stockyards, Opp Stockyards, Sand Mountain Stockyards, Alabama Livestock Auction and Clay County Livestock. For the month of August she has Double A Auction (August 24) and Coffee County (August 29). If you will be at the sale on those days, stop by to meet her and grab a cap!
Trump Signs EU Agreement
The officers of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association were on site at the White House last week for President Trump’s announcement of increased access into the European Union. NCBA President Jennifer Houston said “Today is a good day for America’s cattlemen and cattlewomen. President Trump and his trade team deserve a lot of credit for standing up for America’s cattle industry and securing this important market access to Europe. For many years it has been difficult for us to sell our high-quality U.S. beef to European consumers because of the restrictive tariff and non-tariff barriers, but the establishment of this 35,000 metric ton duty-free quota sends the signal to America’s cattle industry that Europe is ready for U.S. beef. All across America, our beef producers go to great lengths to raise safe and delicious beef products that are enjoyed by consumers around the world. It is exciting to know that European families will enjoy more of the delicious U.S. beef that we feed our families. And this would not have happened if it were not for the effort of President Trump and his trade team.”
Consider being a member of NCBA to support the efforts in Washington, join here www.ncba.org.
Fall Promotional Boxes
Next week, ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell will be preparing October Beef Month boxes for county cattlemen’s associations. These boxes will be ready for pick up at the Summer Board of Directors meeting on August 22. Please contact Ali if there is a special event this fall that you need promotional material for so she can add it to your box. If you are unable to pick up a box at the board meeting, let Ali know that you want it mailed. Email Ali
AJCA Leadership Retreat
ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds will be headed to the 4-H center Friday with our 2019 2020 Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) Board. On this retreat, she hopes the juniors build relationships with each of their fellow board members and grow closer together as a team. The AJCA Board works to serve the Junior Cattlemen of Alabama. Over the weekend, they will have multiple meetings discussing upcoming AJCA events, evaluating 2019 Round-Up (be on the look out for a survey to give us your own evaluation of 2019 Round-Up), and looking at ways they can better serve in their districts as directors.
Board Sales Galore!
It’s board sale season! Staffers Erin Beasley, Kayla Greer, Ali Cantrell, and Morgan Pounds will be attending the Producers Feeder Calf Sale in Autaugaville tonight. The staffers look forward to fellowshipping with fellow cattlemen. On Thursday, Ali Cantrell and Morgan Pounds will head to the SAFE Feeder Calf Sale hosted in the Wiregrass Area.
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.
And just like that, July is complete! With the ringing of the midnight hour tonight, we’ll say “so long” to July and welcome a very busy August with open arms. As we prepare for all the fun that comes with back-to-school/countdown to kickoff/hay baling/board sale/calf weaning/board meeting season, keep reading to learn more about what’s happening at the ACA!
DENVER FOR NCBA SUMMER MEETING
ACA Executive VP Erin and the officers are in Denver this week participating in the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting where policy matters will be discussed and plans for the 2020 checkoff program will be outlined. This week has been busy and a lot of information has been discussed and presented. Alabama is well-represented as Chris Langley, Larry Reeves, Clay Kennamer, Eric Smith and Jimmy Holliman attended the conference! Hear more about what’s happening with this Southeast AgNet report.
Stopping Along West Alabama Landscape
Staffers Morgan Pounds and Kayla Greer took a trip to west Alabama on Tuesday. On their travels, they got the chance to stop by Donald Mean’s farm and check out his 275-head Brangus herd. When in Demopolis, why not stop by the building the association was organized in 1944? After enjoying a nice ribeye sandwich at Stacey’s Café in the old Demopolis Inn, staffers headed to Uniontown where they both enjoyed watching Alabama Livestock Auction’s weekly sale and saying hey to owner Jim Sealy. The day did not end there. Staffers then headed to Greensboro to snap a few pictures of stocker calves so check out the September issue of the Alabama Cattleman to see our favorite photo from the day and where it was taken!
Speaking of stockyards, be sure to stop by Clay County Stockyards next Tuesday to meet Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds! She will be visiting with the buyers of the sale and will have a few hats and tags for our cattlemen in tow. Don’t miss out!
ALACTE Summer Conference
Today, ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell presented at the ALACTE Summer Conference to Family and Consumer Science teachers in Birmingham. The presentation was over incorporating beef basics and cookery techniques into a classroom lesson plan. This was also an opportunity to discuss the Alabama Jr. & Sr. Beef Cookoff for next year with the FACS teachers.
WE’RE HIRING
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, in partnership with the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, is seeking to hire a Director of Rodeo Programs. Responsibilities of this job largely include the execution of the annual SLE Rodeo, sponsorships and serving as field staff for the Cattlemen’s Association. To learn more and apply, visit www.BamaBeef.org/Staff. A copy of the job description can also be viewed by clicking here>> Director of Rodeo Programs.
BOARD MEETING SOON
Board meeting notices are out, Board members! Be sure to send back those RSVPs. The meeting will be August 22 at the Cattlemen’s building. We will be honoring the “Over the Top” counties and having an educational program from Dr. Misty Edmondson. RSVP to Jessica Kennedy at the office if you plan to attend!
Membership # of the day: 8,743
Riverchase Career Center Ribbon Cutting
On Thursday, staffer Ali Cantrell will be attending the ribbon cutting for the Riverchase Career Connection Center in Hoover City Schools. The Riverchase Career Connection Center will be a program for high school students in Hoover City Schools to learn a trade and learning skills that will help them find substantial careers. ACA has been working with the culinary program professionals to incorporate beef education into the lesson plan.
The MOOseum, Under Construction
The MOOseum has shut its doors and is under construction as we renovate throughout July and August! In just a few short weeks, the space has really begun to transform, and we are very excited with the changes and upgrades thus far! Weʼve got one more week of demo and preparation before the graphic fabricators are in town to install the many pieces that will make The MOOseum new and exciting! It is amazing how quickly this project is moving along when compared to the many, many hours of detailed work that went into planning. he MOOseum is really bringing the best it has to offer in terms of upgrades. You wonʼt believe what weʼve got in store, so Board Members REALLY donʼt want to miss the August Board Meeting where we will be unveiling the finished product to you, our board!
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.
That one word can get your mouth drooling! From diner smash burgers to gourmet cheeseburgers, burger lovers desire the best of the best. Cooking the perfect burger at home can be intimidating with so many different methods, but you can find one that suits your taste. Check out this great video from Epicurious that gives different cooking methods and the science behind cooking a great burger. Start perfecting your own recipes or try out some of these great ideas!
Burgers for Breakfast
Burger lovers will flock to the idea of having a tasty burger at breakfast. If you cook hamburgers and have leftovers, try making yourself a burger for breakfast! Reheat a burger (165 degrees), top with some bacon, fried egg, or cheese on a bun or roll, and you’ve got yourself a high protein breakfast that is quick, delicious and packed with protein! If you would rather have a recipe, try this Bistro Breakfast Burger.
Smash burgers
The delicious diner favorite. Ground beef is rolled into a ball, placed on a hot griddle or skillet, smashed thin, and served 1-3 patties thick, usually slathered with cheese and all kinds of delicious toppings. Use a cast iron skillet and make some of these delicious burgers at home. This recipe for smash burgers gives step-by-step instructions if you are a first timer. Warning: after having these you may never want to cook a burger any other way!
Grill Masters Unite
If the thoughts of frying a burger in a skillet annoys you, don’t hesitate to craft a delicious, juicy burger on your grill. Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, be sure that you know the safety instructions for both methods, or refer to this video for some great tips. When you are ready to grill, try out this recipe for Classic Beef Cheeseburgers. For those of you who have mastered the art of grilling and are looking for a great new burger recipe, try these Gourmet Grilling Burgers.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
With many people focusing on low carb or gluten free diets, there are ways to enjoy a good burger while sticking to diet restrictions. Try having your favorite burger wrapped with all your favorite toppings inside whole leaf lettuce. You can have all the deliciousness of the burger sans the bun. This spicy Western Burger is cool with avocado and wrapped in crispy leaf lettuce for a fresh, delicious, summer-worthy burger.
Whether you love them grilled, fried, leftover for breakfast…or any way that you can get them…burgers are a great way to pack in beef’s excellent protein in a delicious, affordable way. While burgers may seem like they aren’t the healthiest choice for your dinner plate, there are many methods of cooking and leaner choices available in ground meat to provide numerous options, and don’t forget to top it with fresh veggies such as lettuce, tomato and even avocado for an added boost of nutrition to complement all that delicious protein. For more recipes, cooking methods 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.
pplications 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.
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.
