Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas holiday and spent plenty of time with friends and family on the farm. Not sure about you, but this weather has our heads spinning…hot, cold, rain, drought, and now they’re talking snow this weekend! Dealing with the weather is just one of the many unique facets of being an Alabama cattleman.

You may notice some aesthetic changes with today’s post, and we are excited to welcome you to the new-and-improved home of the Bama Beef Blog! This blog platform is directly connected to our website, BamaBeef.org so it helps us streamline our updates and news and get the most out of what our new website has to offer. We hope you like it!

As your taking a break from re-winterizing the farm, putting out hay and preparing for a wild weather weekend ahead, keeping reading to get your first Bama Beef Blog update of 2017. It’s going to be a great year…

CAPITAL CITY STAMPEDE- 74TH ANNUAL ACA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

Convention is just around the corner. In fact, according to our website countdown, it’s only 42 days away!! Make sure to get registered and to book your hotel room at the Renaissance Hotel and Montgomery Convention Center before the Cattlemen’s Block rates end on January 27. You can book your hotel now through this link or by calling 334-481-5000 and ask for the Cattlemen’s Block using the mini code “CAT.”

There are so many great reasons to register today and head on down to Montgomery February 15-16 to the ACA Convention & Trade Show. Just in case you need convincing, here’s an outline…

(1) Outstanding Speakers
We have three headliner speakers this year. The first is 10-year veteran of CattleFax, Chad Spearman, who will be talking about “what lies ahead for the cattle market.” The Colorado State University graduate will discuss weather predictions and cattle price outlooks during one of the Convention’s sessions. Next on the lineup is NCBA’s Senior VP of Global Marketing and Research Alisa Harrison. Alisa comes with vast experience in the worlds of beef retail marketing and public relations, and she will be discussing marketing beef in a challenging environment. Last but certainly not least, NCBA Past President Steve Foglesong who is now serving as a member of President-Elect Donald Trump’s agricultural advisory team. He will be discussing what to expect from Washington D.C. under the Trump Administration.

(2) An Almost Sold-Out Trade Show
If you’ve got business that needs to be taken care of for the betterment of your farm, it can probably be handled at our trade show. We’ve got over 65 national, state and local vendors bringing everything from heavy farm machinery, off-road vehicles, cattle working facilities, insurance, breed associations, nutrition and nutritional supplements…it’ll all be at our trade show for you to see and learn about.

If you’d like to have a booth in our trade show, time is running out! We have only 10 booths left to sell. Contact Erin Beasley by calling (334) 265-1867 to grab your spot today.

(3) An Array of Cattlemen’s Colleges
We’ve got four Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges coming your way at this year’s convention. Check them out:

• “Coping With Drought: Forage Management Strategies and Nutritional Needs for Winter Grazing” led by Dr. Kim Mullenix, AU Beef Cattle Specialist
• “Producing the Right King of Cattle and Marketing Strategies for Top Dollar” panel led by Jerry Etheredge, LMA president; Gene Lowry, JBS Feedlot; Jim Sealy, Alabama Livestock Market; Darryl Stokes, Montgomery Stockyard.
• “Effective Estate Planning and Reducing Tax Burdens” by ACES Specialists Ken Kelley and Robert Page
• “Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training and Update” by Dr. Soren Rodning, Auburn Extension Veterinarian

(4) Beef…of course…
That’s pretty simple. The meals with be worth the trip alone!

(5) Family Fun and Networking
There will be no shortage of networking at the convention’s many meetings and throughout the trade show. We also are offering family fun at the Wednesday night “Rotational Grazing” event where families can enjoy social time with good food and music provided by the Good Ol’ Boys, aka Ed Whatley’s crew! To wrap up Convention, the Sweet Young’uns will open up the dance floor with over 50 years of musical entertainment experience!

We will also be taking care of some business at convention! We recently completed Nominating Committee work on the slate for 2017 officers to be presented at the General Membership Meeting on Thursday February 16^th. Be looking forward to who will lead this association in the future!

We will also be handing out over $50,000 in scholarships at the Thursday night Awards Banquet! The scholarship committee is making final decisions on awards this week on over 100 applications. Scholarship letters will be mailed out next week.

NCBA Convention

ACA officers, Board members and staff are getting ready to “Mosey on Down to Music City” at the 2017 NCBA Convention and Beef Industry Trade Show February 1-3! Staff will be there to attend meetings, workshops, promote associate memberships and to man our booth at the trade show!

We’ve got several Board members and state officers who are going to serve and important role, however. ACA President Bill Lipscomb and Immediate Past President Jim Akin will represent ACA on the Federation (Checkoff) Board while ACA President-Elect Richard Meadows and Past President Jimmy Holliman represent Alabama on the Policy (membership) Board. Past President Donna Jo Curtis will complete her three-year term on the NCBA Executive Committee representing the southeastern states in Region II on the Federation side. Holliman, who serves as chair NCBA’s Animal Health and Well-being Committee, is in Washington D.C. today with a meeting of all of NCBA’s Policy Committee chairs preparing for the producer committee meetings later this month in Nashville.

Not a Fan of GIPSA? Neither Are We…

Speaking of Washington D.C., your state Cattlemen’s Association is working with NCBA on a possible lawsuit against USDA’s recent action forcing a unpopular change in Grain Inspection Pickers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) regulations that would impact value-based marketing. Stay tuned for more details as plans unravel.

County Annual Meetings

Counties across the state are hosting annual meetings, and ACA officers and staff are working to attend each and every one! We can’t be there if you don’t let us know, so send your upcoming county meeting information to Jessica Kennedy at the state office. If you need ACA trinkets such as tags, membership applications, placemats, napkins, etc for your meeting PLEASE let Jessica know ASAP!

A few notes from the Membership Office:

1. “Over the Top” Deadline – All membership needs to be in the state office or postmarked by February 28^th to qualify for “Over the Top” awards.
2. The 2^nd Renewal Notice will go out by the end of the month so get payment in for pending membership!
3. Several counties have entered membership but have not yet sent payment.  This is a reminder that membership is processed when payment is received at the state office, so get that check sent in! 
4. Following your county meeting, send us your new officers so we can update them in our system! Simply email them to Jessica.

AJCA Round-Up Dates and Theme Announced!

We’re excited to host our Juniors back in Montgomery at Garrett Coliseum on July 20-23, 2017 for a FIESTA! That’s right, bring your bright colors because we are going to be taking on the Round-Up with a south-of-the-border theme!

2017 Associate Members

We’d like to shoutout our 2017 Associate Members and thank them for their partnership with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Be sure to check out their services!

Platinum Level Associate Member

Gold Level Associate Member

Silver Level Associate Member

Bronze Level Associate Member

Thanks for checking out this week’s blog post! We hope you enjoy the NEW Bama Beef Blog. We’ll see you back here next week. Be safe and stay warm! 

FOUR DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! 
Before we close out 2016 and staff enjoys a holiday vacation next week, we would like to wish each and every one of our cattle producers, members, industry partners, county and state leaders, Junior cattlemen, YCLP students, social media followers, sponsors…..everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! We hope Santa Claus is good to you and yours and that 2017 starts bright. 

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors met this Tuesday to discuss plans for the upcoming year’s events and develop ideas for growing the statewide organization. Presiding over the meeting was AJCA President Cameron Catrett, with ACA Director for Industry Relations and Youth Activities Matthew Pounds advising. The group discussed starting county chapters, themes and new contest ideas for the 2017 AJCA Round-Up and responsibilities of directors including giving reports at county Cattlemen’s annual meetings.

Drawing Winners

New Face on the Bama Beef Blog

The MOOseum Video Project

Christmas Party, Holiday Vacation and Retirements

The Capital City Stampede will be held Feb. 15-16, 2017 at the Renaissance Hotel and Montgomery Convention Center in Montgomery, Ala. Registration is now open online, and mail-in registration forms are available in the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine. You can also book your hotel now through this link or by calling 334-481-5000 and ask for the Cattlemen’s Block using the mini code “CAT.”

We have three headliner speakers this year. The first is 10-year veteran of CattleFax, Clay Spearman. The Colorado State University graduate will discuss weather predictions and cattle price outlooks during one of the Convention’s sessions. Next on the lineup is NCBA Past President Steve Foglesong who is now serving as a member of President-Elect Donald Trump’s agricultural advisory team. Foglesong will give us a look inside the future of American agriculture under the Trump Administration. Also confirmed is NCBA’s Senior VP of Global Marketing and Research Alisa Harrison. Alisa comes with vast experience in the worlds of beef retail marketing and public relations, and she will be giving an update on Checkoff efforts globally.

Also, the Trade Show is filling up! Fifty+ vendors are locked in including some great equipment vendors. WE ONLY HAVE 13 BOOTH SPACES STILL AVAILABLE. Visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register now. You can also stay up-to-date with all the newest announcements by joining our Convention Event Page on Facebook.

60th Annual SLE Rodeo

Just in time for Christmas, SLE Rodeo tickets are NOW AVAILABLE! Rodeo tickets can be purchased online at SLERodeo.com, by calling 1-888-2RODEO2, through mail-in order forms available online, by visiting the Garrett Coliseum Box Office or at a local Publix.

With the closing out of the year, one would think office tasks would be slowing down. On the contrary, much like the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, our office is busy with year-end tasks as well as planning ahead for 2017. Take a minute along with us to enjoy this week’s blog update. 

Capital City Stampede- 74th Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show

The Capital City Stampede will be held Feb. 15-16, 2017 at the Renaissance Hotel and Montgomery Convention Center in Montgomery, Ala. Registration is now open online, and mail-in registration forms are available in the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine. You can also book your hotel now through this link or by calling 334-481-5000 and ask for the Cattlemen’s Block using the mini code “CAT.”

We have three headliner speakers this year. The first is 10-year veteran of CattleFax, Clay Spearman. The Colorado State University graduate will discuss weather predictions and cattle price outlooks during one of the Convention’s sessions. Next on the lineup is NCBA Past President Steve Foglesong who is now serving as a member of President-Elect Donald Trump’s agricultural advisory team. Foglesong will give us a look inside the future of American agriculture under the Trump Administration. Also confirmed is NCBA’s Senior VP of Global Marketing and Research Alisa Harrison. Alisa comes with vast experience in the worlds of beef retail marketing and public relations, and she will be giving an update on Checkoff efforts globally.

Also, the Trade Show is filling up! Fifty+ vendors are locked in including some great equipment vendors. WE ONLY HAVE 15 BOOTH SPACES STILL AVAILABLE. Visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register now. You can also stay up-to-date with all the newest announcements by joining our Convention Event Page on Facebook.

A Very “Mooey Christmas”

On Friday, December 9, more than 80 preschoolers from Montgomery-area daycares and a group of special needs adults

from the Azalea Training Center in Prattville joined us for The MOOseum’s first-ever “Mooey Christmas” event for photos with Santa, a Christmas cookie snack and to learn all about Alabama’s beef cattle industry through tours of The MOOseum. The groups even had the opportunity to see real live Shorthorn steers on display by AJCA President Cameron Catrett and AJCA District 4 Director Cassidy Catrett.

The MOOseum also served as a proud Toys for Tots 2016 drop off location and encouraged “Mooey Christmas” attendees to bring donations for the charity that provides toys to less-fortunate children.

The first-ever “Mooey Christmas” event was a hit, and plans are already in the works to make next year’s event bigger and better. This event was aimed at giving back to the community, and it truly brought joy to all involved.

YCLP Class III

Class III met for their final meeting before graduation at the ACA Convention. The focus of the meeting was to recap learning experiences over the year, work on communication skills, discover ways to deal with differing personalities, and continue our work on issues management training.

 

 

Matthew Pounds Joins ACA Staff

We are excited to welcome the new ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Activities Matthew Pounds into the office for his first week on the job. Matthew is a very recent graduate of Auburn University’s College of Agriculture and a Pike Road resident. He is the grandson of well-known Brahman breeder and veterinarian Dr. Robert Barlow. On a fun note, he is also new to the married world as he and his new wife, Whitney, recently wedded in November. He has hit the ground running making contacts in counties with Junior Cattlemen’s chapters, attending industry-related meetings and planning next week’s AJCA Directors meeting.

Matthew comes to the ACA after having spent several years working for two very large purebred Brahman ranches in Texas- Hudgins and V-8 and five years with Joyce Custom Fitters. He grew up on a cattle farm and was an active member of the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association. He is well-versed in exhibiting in the Junior Beef Expo, the Alabama Junior Fair and the AJCA Roundup.

You can contact Matthew by email or by calling him at (334) 265-1867.

 

 

Drought Committee Meeting

The Drought Committee meeting with the governor’s office and stakeholders this morning at the Cattlemen’s Building expand on the educational process on how to use less hay by incorporating alternative feeds. We want to work with neighboring states, particularly our neighbors to the west, to expand the online hay directory. Again, meeting with the governor’s office and stakeholders.

 

 

Black Vulture Meeting

Black Vultures have been a problem, but are especially so along the Tennessee River among our friends in northwest Alabama. These vultures flock together in an un-ordinary fashion and kill or maim calves during or after birth. As we all know, birds of prey are protected by the federal government. Despite that, this has become a growing problem in the past couple of years and the ACA and stakeholders are meeting to discuss streamlining the process on getting a permit.

 

 

Retirement Reception

We enjoyed hosting a surprise retirement reception for MarthaDavis last evening to honor 26 years of dedicated service to the ACA. Past presidents, staff members new and old and family members stopped by to wish her well and offer gifts. She was even serenaded by longtime staff member and Pike County cattleman Ed Whatley. Thank you, Martha!

 

 

SLE Rodeo Time

We’ve got a lot of SLE Rodeo planning in the works as we look to close out 2017. Thursday afternoon, we are meeting with longtime SLE Rodeo media consultant Lisa Matthews Locklar to continue planning the promotional campaign for the 60th annual SLE Rodeo. We are also meeting over lunch today with representatives from the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Montgomery & Wetumpka to discuss their sponsorship. We so appreciate Wind Creek’s support!

THIS FRIDAY, December 16, tickets for the four rodeo performances will open on all platforms to the general public! Rodeo tickets can be purchased online at SLERodeo.com, by calling 1-888-2RODEO2, through mail-in order forms available online, by visiting the Garrett Coliseum Box Office or at a local Publix.

 

 

AJCA Director Meeting

AJCA Directors will be meeting Tuesday, December 20 to discuss potential changes, dates and themes for the 2017 AJCA Round-Up. We look forward to having our Junior directors in town for the day and are excited for them to meet the new ACA Director of Industry Relations & Youth Activities Matthew Pounds.

 

 

Thanks for checking out this week’s blog post! Tune in next week for a big announcement about next year’s Bama Beef Blog. Until then, keep up with our day-to-day activities by visiting our website (BamaBeef.org), our Events Calendar or FOLLOW US on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Have a great week!

Happy December! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has found its way into the ACA office as we prepare to close things out for 2016 and look ahead to the new year. We are crossing our T’s and dotting our I’s as we finish up programs from this year and look ahead toward all the events that lie ahead in 2017. It’s going to be a BIG year! 

Take a break from wading through all the mud puddles (We say that with very grateful hearts!) and warm up for a few minutes as you enjoy this week’s update from the ACA state staffers.

What’s our favorite Christmas gift? Working for Alabama’s cattle producers…

Membership Drawing

We haven’t forgotten about the drawing. It’s coming your way soon as Jessica finishes up inserting the many submissions into our membership software. Thanks to all who got their Early Bird memberships in and good luck in the drawing! Stay tuned for the lucky winners…

Capital City Stampede- 74th Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show

The Capital City Stampede will be held Feb. 15-16, 2017 at the Renaissance Hotel and Montgomery Convention Center in Montgomery, Ala. Registration is now open online, and mail-in registration forms are available in the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine. You can also book your hotel now through this link or by calling 334-481-5000 and ask for the Cattlemen’s Block using the mini code “CAT.” 

To date, we have confirmed three speakers for the many sessions in the Convention. The first is 10-year veteran of CattleFax, Clay Spearman. The Colorado State University graduate will discuss weather predictions and cattle price outlooks during one of the Convention’s sessions. Next on the lineup is NCBA Past President Steve Foglesong who is now serving as a member of President-Elect Donald Trump’s agricultural advisory team. Foglesong will give us a look inside the future of American agriculture under the Trump Administration. Also confirmed is NCBA’s Senior VP of Global Marketing and Research Alisa Harrison. Alisa comes with vast experience in the worlds of beef retail marketing and public relations, and she will be giving an update on Checkoff efforts globally.

Also, the Trade Show is filling up! Fifty+ vendors are locked in including some great equipment vendors. Make plans to attend and show these vendors how much we appreciate them exhibiting with us! Visit www.BamaBeef.org/Convention to register now. You can also stay up-to-date with all the newest announcements by joining our Convention Event Page on Facebook.

Christmas at The MOOseum

Moo-ey Christmas! This year, we are proud to announce that The MOOseum is now a Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location. Bring your unwrapped toys by the ACA to donate to less-fortunate children during the Christmas season and stick around for a tour! We’ve already had so many wonderful donations and are grateful to those who have stopped by to make a child’s Christmas bright.

We’ve also got another exciting Christmas treat this year! This Friday, December 9, you can bring your kiddos to The MOOseum for our very first Moo-ey Christmas event! We are hosting children from the River Region into The MOOseum for photos with Santa, a cookie decorating station, coloring time and tours of The MOOseum with real, live show calves (courtesy of AJCA President Cameron Catrett) for the children to see! Bring your little ones by next Friday morning to join in on all the Christmas cheer…and don’t forget your toy donation!

Montgomery Wellness Forum

On Thursday, the Montgomery Wellness Forum will meet in our building to discuss programs incorporating healthy choices in the workplace. This group consists of large business in Montgomery as well as public health officials, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. We love having this group in our building because it gives us a chance to remind them about the recent research and resources available to keep beef in their healthy lifestyles that they are implementing in the workplace.

YCLP Meeting 4

This weekend holds the final meeting for our third class of YCLP students. They’ll be joining here at the Cattlemen’s Building for a discussion entitled, “Deep Dive into Your Leadership Potential.” It will focus on leadership on the county level and offer continued training in beef advocacy.

This is the last session before Class III graduates at the ACA Convention.

Still on Drought Defense

Even after all this wonderful rainfall, we are still playing defense in terms of the drought. This week, ACA leadership met with representatives from the Dept of Ag, ALFA, Auburn University and other allied industry partners to focus on hay needs of cattlemen looking to feed their cattle through the spring. The group is working with the goal to seek out potential government funding for hauling hay into the state.

SLE Rodeo

We’ve got a lot of SLE Rodeo planning in the works as we look to close out 2017. This afternoon, we are meeting with longtime SLE Rodeo media consultant Lisa Matthews Locklar to plan the promotional campaign for the 60th annual SLE Rodeo.

Next week on December 16, tickets for the four rodeo performances will open on all platforms to the general public! Rodeo tickets can be purchased online at SLERodeo.com, by calling 1-888-2RODEO2, through mail-in order forms available online, by visiting the Garrett Coliseum Box Office or at a local Publix.

We are also excited to announce that local rodeo entertainer Trent McFarland is our featured act during this year’s SLE Rodeo. Trent is from Autauga County and has performed with his wife, Wendy, across the southeast in rodeo events. He has been the featured act in past SLE Miracle Rodeo’s, and we are excited to have Trent on the main stage at the SLE Rodeo for its 60th anniversary show!

Revitalizing Greene County Cattlemen’s

ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell is meeting with a group of producers from Greene County to discuss reorganizing the Greene County Cattlemen’s Association chapter. The chapter, which has held low membership and little activity in the past several years, is looking for a nudge in the right direction on rejuvenation. We’re happy to help counties meet their true potential and are proud that Greene County is taking a step in the right direction of improvement!

That’s a Wrap, 2016
Welcome, 2017!

We have many meetings happening over the course of the next few weeks to help wrap up the 2016 year at the ACA. Final reports are due and nominating and finance committees are meeting close the books on 2016 and look ahead to 2017. A Scholarship Selection Committee is in the works and are looking through a record number of scholarship applications! The goal is to notify the winners by mid-January. Stay tuned!

One Final Note…Good News!

For those who have been following the Meadows’ Family story since ACA President-Elect Richard Meadows’ middle son, Will, was in an accident sustaining head injuries just before Thanksgiving, they have good news to share! Their family is so appreciative of the prayers and support they have received since the accident and are pleased to report that Will has made leaps and bounds in his recovery since last week’s post. Today, he is headed to Shepherd’s of Atlanta for a minimum of four weeks in rehab. They ask for continued prayers for improvement and patience through the rehab process. Follow Will’s progress on the Will’s Journey Facebook Group.

His mother, Kathy, said he would appreciate any and all cards, texts, emails, social media posts, etc. We will update here once we receive the mailing address!

Thanks for checking out this week’s blog post! We’ll be back here next week with another update. Until then, keep up with our day-to-day activites by visiting our website (BamaBeef.org), our Events Calendar or FOLLOW US on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Have a great week!