Happy New Year! We hope this post finds you well-rested after a busy and full holiday season. We also hope it finds you warm as Mother Nature has really turned down the thermostat in our home state…BUUURRRR. With unseasonably cold temperatures getting cattlemen out early in the mornings to feed hay and bust frozen water troughs, it’s these conditions that make our passion and animal husbandry shine. As we enter into the new year (Geez, 2018 already?!), your Alabama Cattemen’s staff resolves to work harder, promote heavier and go the extra yard for our cattlemen even more so in 2018 than in 2017. What did your New Year Resolutions include? 

The New Year brings a new calendar full of events, new programs in the Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan to accomplish and a legislative session to monitor. Keep reading to learn about all that’s happening this first week of 2018. 

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January Magazine- Coming to a Mailbox Near You!

Boy, oh boy, do we have a treat for you! We’re not gonna say much, but be on the lookout for the January issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine. They should be in your mailbox very soon…:)

 

 

Membership Report

ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy is anxiously awaiting your county leadership updates and county annual meeting photos. She needs the names and contact information of the newest county leaders in order to organize the updating of the magazine and website as well as provide the correct correspondence for important letters and emails pertaining to Board Members. Please send those updates to Jessica! She is also looking out for information on your upcoming county meetings. Send those dates, times and locations her way to get them included on our online calendar and to line up a state representative to attend the event. If you’d like a county meeting mailout done, please give Jessica TWO WEEKS notice. Those mailouts take a good bit of time to design, print and label, so please give us plenty of notice to do a clean, thorough job for your county.

 

Also- keep an eye out for renewal notices as the second renewal mailout is hitting mailboxes this month.

 

Last but certainly not least, the i4a membership software training webinars are still happening! If you have not signed up for training please send Jessica the days that are best for you and if you want a 12pm, 3pm, or 7pm slot.  Please choose multiple times and days of availability.  If you’re not a big emailer, give her a call at (334) 265-1867.

 

 

Legislative Session Kicks Off Next Week

The 2018 Alabama Legislative Session begins on January 9. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley is ready to strap on her lobbyist boots and hike over to the State House to play a watchdog role for Alabama’s cattle producers. Leading up to the session, Erin will be participating in legislative seminars this week to gather insight into the upcoming session and meet with legislators on topics of interest to Alabama’s beef cattle industry. Stay tuned for any important updates.

 

 

CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

We hope you’ll “Hoof It to Huntsville” on March 9-10 to join us at the 75th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show. We’ve got a great lineup of speakers, fun events and the Alabama cattle industry’s largest industry trade show in the works. Registration is now open at BamaBeef.org/Convention. Be on the look out in your January Alabama Cattleman magazine for more information, including a schedule of events! P.S.- Early Bird Prices are good though January 31. Don’t miss out!

 

 

SLE RODEO TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The 61st annual SLE Rodeo is coming to town March 15-17 at Garrett Coliseum. PRCA 2017 Stock Contractor of the Year Frontier Rodeo Company’s elite bucking stock, PRCA Freestyle Bullfighting and hometown funny man Trent McFarland are sure to combine to make one excellent show for the whole family! Kids events will be available where your little buckaroo can play in the dirt like a real rodeo cowboy. If you’re in the market for an awesome stocking stuffer idea, you’re in luck. SLE Rodeo tickets are on sale now! Call us at 888-2RODEO2 or visit us online to order tickets to the show and to learn more about the 2018 SLE Rodeo!

 

 

YCLP CLASS V APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recognizes the need to cultivate our future leaders of the association and industry. The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), funded in part by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, aims to do just that by identifying the state’s top young cattlemen and developing them into leaders of the future.

The three primary goals of the YCLP are:

• Provide participants with a “pasture to plate” experience of Alabama’s beef industry
• Equip participants with the tools necessary to become an effective leader and to share their beef story with their peers
• Create a network of young cattlemen who the ACA can depend on to help with beef promotion and issues management as well as become industry leaders in the future

The YCLP consists of six meetings dispersed across Alabama over the course of a year. The class will be selected by a committee based on applications submitted. Preference will be given to those nominees who are between the ages of 20 & 40, but do not be discouraged to nominate yourself or someone else who falls out of that range.

If you’re interested in the program or would like to nominate someone, find the form in the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine or print the application.

 

 

Resolve to Eat Lean Beef

The new year often comes with resolutions associated with losing weight, eating healthier or changing your lifestyle altogether. Beef is just what you need to power through those resolutions without sacrificing flavor or fullness. Check out this recipe:

 

 

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

As the year comes to a close, and we all settle in our homes to enjoy the Christmas season with friends and family, your Alabama Cattlemen’s Association staff wanted to provide you with one, last update for 2017 and take the opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We hope you are blessed this Christmas and that the new year brings all the prosperity we hope for in our resolutions. We appreciate each of you for your membership, your involvement and the role you play in Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

Until 2018, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

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HOliday Hours

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, your ACA staff will be taking a break to enjoy time with friends and family. The office will be closed Monday, Dec. 25- Monday, January 1. We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, January 2 and appreciate the time granted to prepare for a busy start to 2018. Many of us, however, won’t get out of work as we will be taking on the life of a full-time cattleman as we trade our business slacks for blue jeans and enjoy a week on the farm. If you should need us, shoot us an email. We will be monitoring our emails throughout the week to provide continued attention to our cattlemen and members.

 

CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

We hope you’ll “Hoof It to Huntsville” on March 9-10 to join us at the 75th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show. We’ve got a great lineup of speakers, fun events and the Alabama cattle industry’s largest industry trade show in the works. Registration is now open at BamaBeef.org/Convention. Be on the look out in your January Alabama Cattleman magazine for more information, including a schedule of events! P.S.- Early Bird Prices are good though January 31. Don’t miss out!

 

 

SLE RODEO TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The 61st annual SLE Rodeo is coming to town March 15-17 at Garrett Coliseum. PRCA 2017 Stock Contractor of the Year Frontier Rodeo Company’s elite bucking stock, PRCA Freestyle Bullfighting and hometown funny man Trent McFarland are sure to combine to make one excellent show for the whole family! Kids events will be available where your little buckaroo can play in the dirt like a real rodeo cowboy. If you’re in the market for an awesome stocking stuffer idea, you’re in luck. SLE Rodeo tickets are on sale now! Call us at 888-2RODEO2 or visit us online to order tickets to the show and to learn more about the 2018 SLE Rodeo!

 

 

AJCA Directors Gather in Montgomery

AJCA President Cassidy Catrett and AJCA Adviser Michael Agar are excited to host the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association 2017-2018 Board of Directors in Montgomery this week for their annual planning meeting. Th object of today and tomorrow’s meeting is to plan the 2018 Round-Up as well as discuss several ways to increase membership and make the AJCA more attractive to all youth interested in Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

 

 

Tax Bill Working Its Way to the Oval Office

The massive tax reform bill is well on its way to getting through final passage after the Senate approved the final version early this morning. The bill is now headed to the House for one more vote before it will make its way to President Trump’s office. This tax reform bill will have significant impact on small business and agriculture, including changes to the death tax. Stay tuned for updates on final version of the bill!

 

 

YCLP Class V Applications Now Available

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recognizes the need to cultivate our future leaders of the association and industry. The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), funded in part by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, aims to do just that by identifying the state’s top young cattlemen and developing them into leaders of the future.

The three primary goals of the YCLP are:

• Provide participants with a “pasture to plate” experience of Alabama’s beef industry
• Equip participants with the tools necessary to become an effective leader and to share their beef story with their peers
• Create a network of young cattlemen who the ACA can depend on to help with beef promotion and issues management as well as become industry leaders in the future

The YCLP consists of six meetings dispersed across Alabama over the course of a year. The class will be selected by a committee based on applications submitted. Preference will be given to those nominees who are between the ages of 20 & 40, but do not be discouraged to nominate yourself or someone else who falls out of that range.

If you’re interested in the program or would like to nominate someone, find the form in the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine or print the application.

 

Membership Update

ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy is anxiously awaiting your county leadership updates and county annual meeting photos. She needs the names and contact information of the newest county leaders in order organize the updating of the magazine and website as well as provide the correct correspondence for important letters and emails pertaining to Board Members. Please send those updates to Jessica!

 

Also- i4a membership software training webinars have begun! If you have not signed up for training please send Jessica the days that are best for you and if you want a 12pm, 3pm, or 7pm slot.  Please choose multiple times and days of availability.  She will be doing webinars while the office is closed next week and will be available via email as well. If you’re not a big emailer, give her a call at (334) 265-1867.

 

 

MOOey Christmas Was Udderly Holly Jolly

Last week’s 2nd annual MOOey Christmas event was great success! We had a pile of children through The MOOseum to enjoy cookies, cattle and a sit on Cowboy Santa’s lap. The MOOseum Coordinator Kara Harden wants to thank our Cowboy Santa, Bill Lipscomb, Cassidy and Perry Catrett for bringing up cattle for the kids to see, Jason King with Priefert for providing panels for a pen, the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association for the use of their cow barrels and all the schools that came out. We were proud to host Azalea Training Center’s special needs group, United Christian Academy, Carver Pre-K, and Maxwell AFB’s Wilson Elementary.

 

 

Holiday Recipe Inspiration

Need a quick idea for a meal centerpiece? What about a delicious and filling finger food or appetizer for one of the many holiday parties you’ll attend? Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. has got your back with this Holiday Entertaining recipe collection. View it and enjoy Christmas with family, friends and beef! View the Collection 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

• Alabama Cattle Market Report
• 2017 Alabama Beef Cattle Facts

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

MOOey…we mean Merry…Christmas!! As we get into the holiday season, our office is buzzing with Christmas cheer and big plans for the new year. We hope all of you are settling nicely into your winter feeding schedules, especially as this frigid air and wet weather moves into the South. If you’re looking to dodge the chill air for just a little while longer, take a minute to read up on all that’s happening at the ACA this week.

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Membership Update- County Annual Meetings

It’s county annual meeting season, and our Bama Beef Events Calendar is bursting with meeting dates. Check it out, and be sure to send ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy your county annual meeting dates for us to share! After your meeting, be sure to send her any photos and an updated list of officers.

 

Speaking of Jessica, she is still working to perfect the membership program. Stay tuned with more information from her and remember that we’re all learning how this new program works together! Secretaries who will be inputting membership can email Jessica or call (334) 265-1867 for their logins and website links.  Before beginning to enter membership, we encourage secretaries to sign up for a training webinar.  Send Jessica a list of days and times that work for best for you: Mon-Sun 8am, 12pm, 3pm, 7pm.

 

 

Talking Holiday Roasting on Talk of Alabama

Prime Rib was the talk of the town in the Birmingham area Tuesday morning as Jeff State Culinary Instructor Chef Kenneth Moore joined ACA’s Erin Beasley and Dining Out With Comedienne Joy host Joy King on ABC 33/40’s “Talk of Alabama” to promote holiday roasting with beef. The cooking segment featured Prime Rib and even offered great ideas for repurposing that roast into healthy and delicious meals after Christmas dinner. We got four different spots in the hour-long segment which provided a great educational and promotional outlet to viewers.

 

Even the hosts at “Talk of Alabama” gave this meal two thumbs up!

 

 

MOOey Christmas On Hold

Well, the weather outside is frightful, particularly this week. For those who haven’t checked the weather forecast, you may want to pull out your heavy winter coat and put an extra bale of hay out for your herd. This weekend is going to get COLD. With that and the threat of snow flurries and icey roads in mind, we’ve decided to postpone our MOOey Christmas event to protect visitors from traveling difficulties and exposure to nasty weather. We hope to move the event to next week, so stay tuned for more information!

 

 

ACA T-Shirts On Sale Now!

Santa Claus is coming to town, and h’e on the search for the perfect stocking stuffers. Lucky for him,  ACA T-shirts are now available and ON SALE for the Christmas season. Hop on over to our online store where you’ll find our new T-shirts, and be sure to use the code MOOLAH20 to get 20% each shirt. Our “Black & Red ACA Structured Hats” and BEEF Tags are also 20% with the code above.

 

 

PAC, Finance and Nominating Committees Meet

There’s hustle and bustle in the office as our nominating, political action (PAC) and finance committees are meeting today. While the PAC committee seeks to select candidates to make financial contributions to, the nominating committee is working to select a new slate of officers to present at the 2018 Convention. All that meeting makes for one busy day.

 

 

Convention Registration Opens Dec. 15

Speaking of the 2018 Convention, save the dates! We hope you’ll “Hoof It to Huntsville” on March 9-10 to join us at the 75th annual ACA Convention & Trade Show. We’ve got a great lineup of speakers, fun events and an awesome Trade Show in the works. Registration opens on December 15 at BamaBeef.org/Convention. Be on the look out in your January Alabama Cattleman magazine for more information, including a schedule of events!

 

 

December Magazine Available Online

For those of you who are members, the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine is now available online. There, you’ll find great educational content, checkoff and legislative updates and a delicious holiday recipe perfect for Christmas morning. Visit www.BamaBeef.org/Magazine to read enjoy it on your smart phone or tablet today. (Password required. If you’re a member and would like to read it, give us a call at 334-265-1867).

 

 

SLE Rodeo Tickets On Sale Dec. 15

The 61st annual SLE Rodeo is coming to town March 15-17 at Garrett Coliseum. Frontier Rodeo Company’s elite bucking stock, PRCA Freestyle Bullfighting and hometown funny man Trent McFarland are sure to combine to make one excellent show for the whole family! Kids events will be available where your little buckaroo can play in the dirt like a real rodeo cowboy. If you’re in the market for an awesome stocking stuffer idea, you’re in luck. SLE Rodeo tickets go on sale to the public on Dec. 15. Call us at 888-2RODEO2 or visit us online to order tickets to the show and to learn more about the 2018 SLE Rodeo!

 

AU Sausage Boxes on Sale Now

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the meat eater in your life? The AU Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen have got JUST what you need in their jam-packed with goodness sausage boxes. For only $30 you can 2-lbs of summer sausage, 1-lb. of jalapeño summer sausage and 1-lb. of a perfectly-paired cheese. Who wouldn’t love a gift like that?!

 

Proceeds from the sale of this year’s sausage boxes will aid in sending our collegiate cattlemen and cattlewomen to the 2018 NCBA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an outstanding educational and networking opportunity for our young people who will soon enter the industry. If you’re interested in ordering a box, call (334) 674-0569, email clb0012@auburn.edu or mail in this printer-friendly order form.

 

 

Weekly Recipe Inspiration- Maple Glazed Roast with Roasted Acorn Squash

 

Here are a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

• Alabama Cattle Market Report
• 2017 Alabama Beef Cattle Facts

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 

 

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year! Not only has the Christmas season arrived, but bright fall leaves are painted across our farmscapes, new calves are on the ground, hay fills the rings in our pastures and turkeys make way for delicious holiday roasts on our tables. Like we said, it’s the most wonderful time of year!! As your state staff prepares to tie up all the ends of 2017, we are also looking forward to a big year in 2018. Keep reading to catch up on all that’s been going on in Alabama’s beef cattle industry and to get a few very important updates. 

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Scholarship Application Deadline

Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship applications are now available online at BamaBeef.org/Scholarships and the deadline to apply is THIS FRIDAY at midnight! We encourage you to visit the site and explore the many scholarship opportunities for high school and college students in Alabama. Each year, the AFC awards over $50,000 in scholarships to deserving students whose parents or grandparents are members of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

 

Check out the many scholarship opportunities, and don’t forget- the deadline is Friday, Dec. 1 at midnight!

 

 

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Industry Tour

The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class IV took an industry tour of west Alabama cattle operations Nov. 10-11, and it was an excellent weekend of learning and networking. The tour started out at Alabama Livestock Auction, Inc. at the BCIA Fall Round-Up Bull Sale, headed west to tour Next Step Cattle Company’s bull development facility in Livingston with ACA Past President Jimmy Holliman and enjoyed dinner at Diamond Jims & Mrs. Donna’s. After a good night’s sleep in Demopolis, the crew toured Ralph Cole and family’s diversified cattle and catfish operation in Greensboro then rounded out the tour back in Uniontown where Jim and Jimmy Sealy offered marketing advice to the young cattlemen. Special thanks to all our hosts and all who attended!

 

 

Hot Topic Tuesday: YCLP Leadership Project Success!

Speaking of YCLP, Class IV students Matthew Brady and Blake Hamner completed their joint leadership project this week and did an excellent job! Sponsored by the Perry and Tuscaloosa Cattlemen’s Associations and Alabama Ag Credit, Blake and Matthew organized “Hot Topic Tuesday,” an event held at the Black Belt Experiment Center on November 28th. Extension Veterinarian Dr. Soren Rodning preformed a live estrus synchronization, a hands-on calving demonstration and presented on hot topics in the beef industry to around 25 attendees. After the program, lunch was provided by Alabama Ag Credit.

 

This is what the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program is all about. Congratulations on a job well done to Matthew and Blake. Special thanks to all who helped make the event a success!

 

 

County Annual Meetings & Membership Update

It’s county annual meeting season, and our Bama Beef Events Calendar is bursting with meeting dates. Check it out, and be sure to send ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy your county annual meeting dates for us to share!

 

Speaking of Jessica, she is still working to perfect the membership reporting process. Stay tuned with more information from her and remember that we’re all learning how this new program works together! Secretaries who will be inputting membership can email Jessica or call (334) 265-1867 for their logins and website links.  Before beginning to enter membership, we encourage secretaries to sign up for a training webinar.  Send Jessica a list of days and times that work for best for you: Mon-Sun 8am, 12pm, 3pm, 7pm.

 

 

A Quick Legislative Update

We have been working diligently with leadership in D.C. this week in regards to the Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) bill. Last week, a 90-day waiver was granted for the livestock hauling sector of the industry to allow more time to formulate solutions to this mandate. ACA has been working with Livestock Marketing Association along with producers to discuss with Sen. Shelby and Congressman Rogers offices the details as to why ELDs cause issues for our industry from the standpoint of animal welfare. Stay tuned for details as they unfold.

 

 

Last week we met with the Ag Coalition to listen to details about an Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act that will be presented in the legislature in the upcoming session. The bill expands access for private financing for small rural businesses who are either expanding or starting from the ground up.

 

Additionally, the Alabama BEEF PAC Committee will meet next Wednesday, Dec. 6 to evaluate all candidates in the upcoming election. The PAC Committee will decide which candidates will receive financial contributions.

 

 

Alabama Forage Conference

ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Programs Michael Agar spent time in Eufala this week at the Alabama Forage Conference. Special thanks to Drs. Kim Mullenix and Leanne Dillard for spearheading this event designed to help cattle produce high-quality forages for Alabama livestock.

 

 

A Very MOOey Christmas

The MOOseum is hosting its 2nd annual MOOey Christmas at the Cattlemen’s Building on Dec 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  Currently, we have 155 kiddos scheduled to come and give their Christmas wish list to our very own Cowboy Santa, Mr. Bill Lipscomb.  We have partnered with the United States Marine Corps to host a Toys 4 Tots drive, and we are having a competition for the schools scheduled. The school that brings the largest donation will receive a $50 The MOOseum gift certificate to use for merchandise for their classroom.  We will also be honored to have servicemen from the USMC to attend our event.

 

Also, could it be a “MOOey” Christmas without the “Moo?” AJCA President Cassidy Catrett and AJCA Past President Cameron Catrett  are once again lending a hand and bringing live cattle to the building for the children to see. YCLP Class IV student and Lee County Cattleman Markie Hageman is bringing a few cattle reindeer props for photos, and of course, we will be serving cookies and milk! Come on out and celebrate with us…and don’t forget your Toys 4 Tots donations!!

 

 

AUBURN UNIVERSITY COLLEGIATE CATTLEMEN & CATTLEWOMEN SAUSAGE BOXES

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the meat eater in your life? The AU Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen have got JUST what you need in their jam-packed with goodness sausage boxes. For only $30 you can 2-lbs of summer sausage, 1-lb. of jalapeño summer sausage and 1-lb. of a perfectly-paired cheese. Who wouldn’t love a gift like that?!

 

Proceeds from the sale of this year’s sausage boxes will aid in sending our collegiate cattlemen and cattlewomen to the 2018 NCBA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an outstanding educational and networking opportunity for our young people who will soon enter the industry. If you’re interested in ordering a box, call (334) 674-0569, email clb0012@auburn.edu or mail in this printer-friendly order form.

 

 

SEC Championship Recipe Inspiration

Alabama’s own Auburn Tigers are taking on the Georgia Bulldogs this weekend in the SEC Championship and no matter who you cheer for, we can all agree on one thing…Beef. It’s What’s For Gameday. Cheer on your team with yummy steak nachos!

 

 

Here are a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

• Alabama Cattle Market Report
• 2017 Alabama Beef Cattle Facts

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 

It’s a whirlwind time at the ACA as we are in the midst of the 2018 membership drive kickoff, board meeting preparations and in assembly mode on the 2018 Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan. Important tasks are in the works, but in a season when we pause to focus on all  we are thankful for, we’d like to simply say how thankful we are for Alabama’s cattlemen. We’re thankful for your hard work to make this industry what it is. We’re thankful for those that came before us and paved the way to make our industry and association what it is today. We’re thankful for today’s cattlemen who take risks, aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, stay involved and work hard day in and out to raise a safe, wholesome and sustainable product. We’re thankful for our young people, for  it’s in them that we have hope for tomorrow’s industry. It is clear that we have a lot to be thankful for this year, but before we head into the holidays, we need to pause to keep our producers informed on what your cattlemen’s association is doing for you this week. Keep reading to learn more…

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Membership Update

Membership renewal statements for 2018 went out November 1st!  If a member is in question, please call Jessica at (334) 265-1867 as we will be working out the kinks with members who have held memberships in multiple counties in previous years.

Board members: RSVP for the November board meeting! At this month’s meeting, secretaries will receive their login information for the new software as well as some other useful training information.  For those who are not able to attend, you will receive information after the board meeting.

Don’t forget this renewal incentive–> Anyone who renews for 2018 by December 31st will be entered into a drawing to win one of three cash prizes – $250, $150 or $100.  All county memberships will need to be in the state office no later than December 31st to qualify for this drawing.

 

 

2018 CHECKOFF MARKETING PLAN…OFFICIALLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 Last week at the state office, the state beef checkoff team hosted the 2018 Checkoff Task Force Meeting, and it was a day full of great ideas, planning, brainstorming and exploring areas of growth for the beef checkoff program. During this meeting, cattlemen and industry influencers gathered to hear a recap of this year’s program successes, learned about national checkoff goals and perspectives from NCBA’s Season Solorio and offered input and desires for areas of the program such as producer communication and education, retail/foodservice, advertising and social media, youth and issues management. Staff is now busy typing up all the new ideas, budgeting and preparing our more important presentation of the year for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Look forward to all to come and thanks to all who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute their input on the Alabama beef checkoff program.

 

 

Franklin County Youth Field Day

On Saturday, the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen hosted their first-ever field day. The juniors were educated on proper selection criteria when judging cattle, showing cattle in a pen show setting, took a skill-a-thon test indicating their basic knowledge about cattle, learned about the importance of farm safety and how to work as a team and enjoyed some great burgers. ACA Director of Industry Relations and Youth Programs Michael Agar was in attendance and offered his insight about cattle judging based on his experience with the Mississippi State University Livestock Judging Team. Special thanks to all involved and to Franklin County Junior Cattlemen Adviser Caleb Beason who planned and executed this event. Great work, Franklin County! We look forward to watching to event grow in the future.

 

 

ALABAMA FORAGE CONFERENCE & OTHER EXTENSION PROGRAMS FOR CATTLEMEN

The Alabama Forage Conference will be held at Lakepoint State Park in Eufala on Nov. 28-29. Registration is now open for this conference on our website, and we encourage you to learn more and sign up! While you’re exploring through our online events calendar, be sure to check out all the many great Extension educational opportunities for cattlemen that are coming up. From QuickBooks for Farmers to Calving Season Emergencies to the Fall Beef-Forage Update and information on Silvopastures, there’s a class out there for everyone! This calendar is updated weekly with new events, courses, county meetings and cattle sales.

 

Be sure to follow it and stay up-to-date with all that’s happening in Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship applications are now available online at BamaBeef.org/Scholarships and the deadline to apply is less than a month away! We encourage you to visit the site and explore the many scholarship opportunities for high school and college students in Alabama. Each year, the AFC awards over $50,000 in scholarships to deserving students whose parents or grandparents are members of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

 

Check out the many scholarship opportunities, and don’t forget- the deadline is Dec. 1 at midnight!

 

 

AUBURN UNIVERSITY COLLEGIATE CATTLEMEN & CATTLEWOMEN SAUSAGE BOXES

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the meat eater in your life? The AU Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen have got JUST what you need in their jam-packed with goodness sausage boxes. For only $30 you can 2-lbs of summer sausage, 1-lb. of jalapeño summer sausage and 1-lb. of a perfectly-paired cheese. Who wouldn’t love a gift like that?!

 

Proceeds from the sale of this year’s sausage boxes will aid in sending our collegiate cattlemen and cattlewomen to the 2018 NCBA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an outstanding educational and networking opportunity for our young people who will soon enter the industry. If you’re interested in ordering a box, call (334) 674-0569, email clb0012@auburn.edu or mail in this printer-friendly order form.

 

 

CATTLE SALE SEASON

We are in the midst of cattle sale season in Alabama, our your state officer team and staff have been burning up the roads visiting the sales and networking with cattlemen from across the state. We’ve enjoyed the sites, the impressive cattle, strong prices and, of course, the hospitality shown by sale hosts. We hope to see you at one soon! View Our Cattle Sales Calendar Online Now

 

 

Stock Show U & BEEF U

We’ve got two exciting youth events headed to Alabama, and we want to be sure you’ve got them on your calendar! Coming up on the calendar first is Sullivan Supply’s Stock Show U with instructors Taylor Harrison and Tad Harper. This event will be held at the Cullman County Ag Trade Center and is FREE to attend, compliments of Sullivan Supply. Be sure to register to attend by clicking here. Next up on Saturday, Dec. 9 is BEEF U led by Extension Specialist Jason P’Poole. This educational and hands-on workshop is for young people ages 5-18 and will be held at the Stanley P. Wilson Beef Teaching Unit at Auburn University. Learn more here

 

 

 

Here are a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

• Alabama Cattle Market Report
• 2017 Alabama Beef Cattle Facts

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

That’s a wrap on October Beef Month 2017 and WOW what a GREAT month it was for beef promotion across our state. County chapters did an outstanding job getting out in the community while your state office implemented big campaigns online to put beef on consumers’ minds. Keep reading to learn more about those online results! 

This is the time of year when we shift focus here at the state office. We not only look back over the past year to evaluate which programs were successful or maybe need tweaking, but we also begin to think toward 2018, and the new membership year as it is now upon us! It’s a busy and exciting time in Montgomery, and we look forward to celebrating 2017 with you while making big plans for 2018.

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2018 Membership Drive Kicks Off TODAY!

With the start of November comes the start of the 2018 membership drive, and we encourage every membership to re-up on their annual dues and to sign up a new member! Help us beat our 10,000 total membership from the 2017 membership year. Also- here’s some incentive…if you pay your dues by Dec. 31, you’ll be entered for an Early Bird Drawing for three cash prizes: $250, $150 or $100. Can you say return on investment?! Renew or Join Today

 

The new membership software is now complete, and ACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy has been working diligently to produce educational videos to help teach county leaders how to use the new program. County secretaries are encouraged to attend the November Board Meeting on Nov. 16 as Jessica will be assigning county login information and discussing where to access “how to” videos.

 

 

2018 Checkoff Marketing Plan…Under Construction

Speaking of return on investment…let’s talk checkoff. This week at the state office, our theme is Alabama Beef Checkoff as we are hosting the 2018 Checkoff Task Force Meeting tomorrow. During this meeting, cattlemen and industry influencers will gather to hear a recap of this year’s program successes, learn about national checkoff goals and perspectives from NCBA’s Season Solorio and offer input and desires for areas of the program such as producer communication and education, retail/foodservice, advertising and social media, youth and issues management. Stay tuned for big plans and ideas, straight from the minds of Alabama’s cattle producers!

 

 

October Beef Month Success

Online promotion was the theme of this year’s October Beef Month, and we’re proud to bring you the results of this year’s campaigns. Not only was every post centered around beef promotion and education, but we brought some big numbers to the board with digital advertising and couponing. Throughout the month we posted weekly carousel ads on Facebook that presented delicious beef imagery with direct links to recipes on the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner website. Each week, the ads reflected the theme of recipe/cooking techniques we presented on our online properties- burgers/grilling, weeknight meals/skillet cooking, tailgating with beef and stews/chilis/slow cooking. Those ads had excellent reach of over 82,000 Alabamians, driving over 4,500 clicks to specific recipes on the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner website. Post engagement and conversations were also very positive about beef, and Facebook users particularly enjoyed the stew/chili ads…which is expected this time of year!

 

On another digital front, our ibotta coupon- which offered $2 OFF a roast of any brand or variety purchased at most Alabama grocers- encouraged the sale of over 5,700 roasts, provided educational beef messaging to over 16,900 app users and reached more than 539,200 Alabama residents. This coupon featured prominent checkoff logos and well-represented Alabama’s beef cattle producers. Great work, team!

 

 

Alabama Forage Conference & Other Extension Programs for Cattlemen

The Alabama Forage Conference will be held at Lakepoint State Park in Eufala on NOv. 28-29. Registration is now open for this conference on our website, and we encourage you to learn more and sign up! While you’re exploring through our online events calendar, be sure to check out all the many great Extension educational opportunities for cattlemen that are coming up. From QuickBooks for Farmers to Calving Season Emergencies to the Fall Beef-Forage Update and information on Silvopastures, there’s a class out there for everyone! This calendar is updated weekly with new events, courses, county meetings and cattle sales.

 

Be sure to follow it and stay up-to-date with all that’s happening in Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship applications are now available online at BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. We encourage you to visit the site and explore the many scholarship opportunities for high school and college students in Alabama. Each year, the AFC awards over $50,000 in scholarships to deserving students whose parents or grandparents are members of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

 

Check out the many scholarship opportunities, and don’t forget- the deadline is Dec. 1 at midnight!

 

 

Auburn University Collegiate Cattlemen & Cattlewomen Sausage Boxes

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the meat eater in your life? The AU Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen have got JUST what you need in their jam-packed with goodness sausage boxes. For only $30 you can 2-lbs of summer sausage, 1-lb. of jalapeño summer sausage and 1-lb. of a perfectly-paired cheese. Who wouldn’t love a gift like that?!

 

Proceeds from the sale of this year’s sausage boxes will aid in sending our collegiate cattlemen and cattlewomen to the 2018 NCBA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an outstanding educational and networking opportunity for our young people who will soon enter the industry. If you’re interested in ordering a box, call (334) 674-0569, email clb0012@auburn.edu or mail in this printer-friendly order form.

 

 

Cattle Sale Season

We are in the midst of cattle sale season in Alabama, our your state officer team and staff have been burning up the roads visiting the sales and networking with cattlemen from across the state. We’ve enjoyed the sites, the impressive cattle, strong prices and, of course, the hospitality shown by sale hosts. We hope to see you at one soon! This Friday ACA’s Kayla Greer and Michael Agar will be at Frank Turner and Sons in Hayneville  while this past weekend, staff enjoyed heading out to the CK Cattle Headquarters Sale, Michael enjoyed a trip to The Oaks sale in Grantville, GA while ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley headed north to the Debter Hereford sale in Horton, AL.

 

View Our Cattle Sales Calendar Online Now

 

 

Auburn ANSC Students Learn About ACA and Checkoff Program

ACA Director of Industry Relations and Youth Programs Michael Agar was a guest speaker for Animal Science Orientation at Auburn last Thursday. Michael spoke about the national and state checkoff, BQA and about the work of our association. As a recent graduate himself, he also discussed what he did as a college student to prepare for a professional career in the cattle industry. Many of the students expressed interest in the presentation and stayed after class to ask him questions about the association.

 

 

 

Here are a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

• Alabama Cattle Market Report
• 2017 Alabama Beef Cattle Facts

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.