Bama Beef Blog Update | February 16, 2022

Bama Beef Blog Update | February 16, 2022

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!

ACA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

Join us in Mobile, AL at the Mobile Convention Center on March 4-5 for the largest cattle industry trade show and educational event in Alabama. ACA Convention & Trade Show registration will close next week! Walk-in registration is welcome, but meals will not be guaranteed. Grab your seat at the table by getting registered today. Keynote speakers include John Driscoll of the Mobile Port Authority and Kevin Good of CattleFax. As always, we’ll host a trade show with more than 75 vendors full of equipment, feed, animal health, retail and breed representatives. The event will also feature Cattlemen’s Colleges, Youth Contests, our annual BEEF PAC Auction, and incredible meals. Learn more about our Schedule of Events and Register Now. 

SLE RODEO, COMING TO TOWN!

The countdown is on for the 65th annual SLE Rodeo as we are only 30 days away from the greatest show on dirt! The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) is proud to be nationally-televised on The Cowboy Channel thanks to being named a 2022 NFR Play-Off Series Rodeo by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). 

As an official NFR Playoff Series rodeo, will have the top professional ProRodeo cowboys and cowgirls competing against the best livestock in the business during four performances from March 18-20, 2022. We will also have live performances from World Champion Western Entertainer and Trick Roper Rider Kiesner, a PowWow performance by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, B-K Ranch Fighting Bulls, and more! Buy your tickets now by visiting Tickets & Deals (slerodeo.com) so you don’t miss out on any of the action! 

We’re proud to announce new changes coming in 2022 as we shift from a Thursday-Saturday event to a Friday-Sunday show. The show order is as follows: Friday, March 18 (7PM); Saturday, March 19 (1PM); Saturday, March 19 (7PM); and Sunday, March 20 (2PM). Also new in 2022 is the addition of WPRA Breakaway Roping, live at each event! Learn more about all the family fun on our Events Calendar and stay tuned to social media for event announcements, ticket giveaways and all the news the SLE Rodeo has to bring! 

Our rodeo committee is also looking for volunteers for the weekend of the rodeo. If you are available to offer your time, please complete the form on this website: Volunteer at the Rodeo (slerodeo.com). We are looking forward to three action-packed days of good, clean family fun, and we hope to see you there. 

If you need to book a room, check out the Homewood Suites for a 10% discount if you plan to attend the show! Just call 334-272-3010, ask for the SLE Rodeo rate and tell them Ray sent you!

Legislative Update

There is a lot going on in the legislative world as session days tick away. The legislature is expected to go three days a week until the end of February which will put them over halfway through the session by the end of the month. A package of broadband bills passed the Senate last week to promote high speed expansion. We are continuing to monitor bills that are dropped. To date there are over 350 house bills and over 230 senate bills introduced. Today, the Cattlemen’s building will host a large number of legislators for the “Sweet Grown Alabama” luncheon. The event will highlight the work that Sweet Grown Alabama does to connect local farmers to consumers. The ACA is a partner with Sweet Grown and looks forward to hosting this event. Tomorrow, a fundraiser will be held at the Cattlemen’s building for Congressman Mike Rogers. This is an annual event and a time for Congressman Rogers to share an update on D.C. issues with local associations and lobbyists.

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner 300

Ali Cantrell will travel to Daytona SuperSpeedway this weekend to help our national Beef Checkoff team in efforts to promote the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner 300 race. Last year, Florida Beef Council led the charge with NCBA to promote beef at the race, and the message reached 1.9 billion people both from tv, radio, online services and in person interactions in the stadium. This all happened with a reduced amount of people allowed in the stadium due to the COVID pandemic. We are excited to see the results after this race weekend! The BIWFD 300 is February 19 in Daytona, Florida. Race week has multiple events that will be highlighting beef with celebrities, a cook-off and live behind the scenes action!

2022 COVER CONTEST

Submission Deadline: February 20, 2022

We’re on the hunt for farm lifestyle photography featuring cattle for the March 2022 issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine, and we need your help to capture it! Check out the entry rules at www.BamaBeef.org/Cover. 

To enter, email up to five  photos to ngodwin@bamabeef.org and kgreer@bamabeef.org. File attachments or links to online gallery downloads are acceptable. Links or tags on social media albums will not be accepted. Submissions should include photographer’s name, hometown, county and farm name in order to give proper credit to the photographer.

Entry Requirements:

  • Submissions must not feature posed family portraits. Visible faces are not preferred.
  • Submissions must be high resolution (300dpi minimum)
  • Submissions must be portrait oriented.
  • Submissions must leave ample space for the publication masthead.
  • Submissions must feature Alabama cattle farm scenery or lifestyle
  • Submissions must be seasonal to the publication date (early spring).
  • Submissions must not be overly-edited and may not include a watermark.
  • Submissions may not be used previously by another publication or company.
  • Submissions must be captured by an Alabama resident & member of the ACA.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

The 2022 membership year has officially kicked off, and we are headed boldly in the direction of 10,000 members! As we approach late winter/early spring, many counties will host annual meetings. Please, contact Jessica Kennedy at our office to let her know about county meeting dates and leadership changes OR complete this online form to notify us of your meeting, assign a mailout, and request a guest speaker. As always, leaders, we encourage you to enter new members and renewals by the 15th of each month to guarantee they stay on the magazine distribution list and to deposit checks in a timely manner. Also, PLEASE send county leader updates to the state office so we can update them for future mailings, emails, etc. Contact Jessica to let her know who your county officers are!

BEEF at FCCLA

Next week, the Alabama Beef Checkoff will sponsor the FCCLA culinary competition at Jefferson State Community College. It will next Wednesday, February 25, and the students will be challenged to cook a petite tenderloin. Beef will be provided by the Beef Checkoff and staffer Ali Cantrell will be a judge that day. We are very excited to sponsor an event that will challenge such talented students.

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class VIII will graduate at the ACA Convention Awards Banquet. We are looking forward to seeing these 23 young leaders grow in our organization and as industry advocates. With one class graduating, that calls for another class incoming. Applications for YCLP Class IX are now open! This program is for young cattlemen who are looking to build on their leadership skills, network with producers from across the state, and gain deeper industry knowledge. If you want to learn more about this program or apply please visit www.bamabeef.org/yclpclass9. These applications will close March 15, 2022 and will be passed on to the YCLP Council for the selection process to take place.

YCLP Council will meet tomorrow to discuss YCLP Reunion dates and location, select YCLP Council 2022-2024, and prepare for YCLP Alumni meeting at Convention. If you are an alumni of YCLP please join us at ACA Convention on Saturday, March 5 at 3:00pm for an alumni meeting. At this meeting you will be introduced to the new YCLP council, graduating class, and hear about upcoming alumni opportunities. New to convention this year, we are inviting all YCLP alumni to join the graduating class at an alumni reception. Saturday March 5 at 8:30 grab your plus one and join us for drinks, music, and networking to celebrate Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Class 8 sponsored by Alabama Farm Credit!

Junior Cattlemen Update

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) will be hosting youth career-centered contests at the ACA Convention and Trade Show! Join the AJCA Board of Directors, Saturday March 5 in Mobile for public speaking, career development, and quiz bowl competitions. All contests will be sponsored by Beef Checkoff and are FREE for all youth to enter. Each contest holds great scholarships opportunities! Here’s some more dates to mark on your calendar:

Saturday, March 5: Youth Contests at the ACA Convention (Register Now)

Thursday, April 14: Spring Youth Production Field Day (Vista Farms- Fayette)

July 14-17, 2022: AJCA Round-Up ( Montgomery, AL)

Saturday, September 17: Fall Youth Production Field Day (Location TBD)

DOWN TO EARTH: AGRICULTURE SUSTAINS ALABAMA

Sustainability is a buzzword that has captured the attention of producers and consumers alike, and agricultural communicators from across the state are taking on the buzz. In March 2021, communications staff from commodity representatives and trade organizations across the agricultural sector began meeting to discuss how to tackle this topic. The result of almost a year of conversations— Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama.

This yearlong public education campaign is a collaborative communications effort designed to be a voice for agricultural stakeholders in Alabama to promote the sustainable, conservation-minded practices farmers and ranchers are already doing. The goal is to reach 1 million Alabama consumers to influence their beliefs by promoting the work of farmers and ranchers across the state— to tell YOUR story. We know your goal is to create as much output with as little input, all while protecting the environment for future generations, and it is now time we, as communicators, do a better job of telling that story. To do that, the group has broken down the sustainability topic into six main points: Carbon Emissions, Animal & Plant Efficiency, Data & Technology, Conserving Natural Resources, Smart Land Use and Sustaining for the Future. We will be extending this campaign via digital advertising, broadcast news, print media, and a video campaign. The 2021 Farm-City theme also reflected this concept, which served as an excellent soft launch and way to introduce this tricky topic in an interactive way to school children across the state. 

Working group members include the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Sweet Grown Alabama, the Alabama Commission, Simply Southern and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. ACA’s Kayla Greer is a co-chair to this statewide, collaborative effort alongside Caleb Hicks of AP&EA. 

The campaign officially launches on March 31, 2022 with an event called “Down to Earth Day” in Pike Road, AL. It will include an educational field trip portion, public education event, and a media conference with elected officials as our special guests. This is YOUR campaign, so if you want to be part of it as a spokesperson, event volunteer, or just learn more about how to help spread the message, contact Kayla Greer at (334) 265-1867 or email her.Otherwise, please help us spread the Down to Earth message on social media beginning March 31, 2022 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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 or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | January 26, 2022

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | January 26, 2022

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, were you can check out the latest in news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. Keep reading for more info!

ACA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

ACA Convention & Trade Show registration is now live! Join us in Mobile, AL at the Mobile Convention Center on March 4-5 for the largest cattle industry trade show and educational event in Alabama. Keynote speakers include John Driscoll of the Mobile Port Authority and Kevin Good of CattleFax. As always, we’ll host a trade show full of equipment, feed, animal health, retail and breed representatives. The event will also feature Cattlemen’s Colleges, Youth Contests, our annual BEEF PAC Auction, and incredible meals. Learn more about our Schedule of Events, Book Your Hotel Room, or Register Now. 

If you are interested in having a booth at our trade show in Mobile, please contact Ali Cantrell. The early bird pricing will end on February 1, 2022! You can also register online, or you can visit our Convention Website.

Head on Down to Houston

Speaking of convention, ACA staff and officers will be in Houston next week to attend the NCBA Annual Meeting. Alabama will carry votes in both policy and federation meetings. These meetings help set direction for the upcoming year for NCBA policy and programming for the National Beef Checkoff program. We expect to see a large number of producers in attendance for the event and hope that any Alabamians will make their way to the ACA booth in the trade show, which will sprawl over 7 acres!

Talking Beef

ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell is hosting a booth at the Associated Grocers of the South, Inc Food Show. She will be meeting with independent grocers across the state to talk about promoting beef in the retail case and offering educational programs to their employees.

On Thursday, Ali will attend the Huntsville Trash Pandas Business Mixer where she will have the opportunity to visit with businesses from across the state. As a 2022 sponsor of the minor league team, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association will have a booth to visit with attendees and raffle off a beef gift bag at the end of the night. With this sponsorship, fans will see BEEF on the Jumbotron at home games throughout the season.

2022 Cover Contest

Submission Deadline: February 20, 2022

We’re on the hunt for farm lifestyle photography featuring cattle for the March 2022 issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine, and we need your help to capture it! Check out the entry rules at www.BamaBeef.org/Cover.

To enter, email up to five  photos to ngodwin@bamabeef.org and kgreer@bamabeef.org. File attachments or links to online gallery downloads are acceptable. Links or tags on social media albums will not be accepted. Submissions should include photographer’s name, hometown, county and farm name in order to give proper credit to the photographer.

Entry Requirements:

  • Submissions must not feature posed family portraits. Visible faces are not preferred.
  • Submissions must be high resolution (300dpi minimum)
  • Submissions must be portrait oriented.
  • Submissions must leave ample space for the publication masthead.
  • Submissions must feature Alabama cattle farm scenery or lifestyle
  • Submissions must be seasonal to the publication date (early spring).
  • Submissions must not be overly-edited and may not include a watermark.
  • Submissions may not be used previously by another publication or company.
  • Submissions must be captured by an Alabama resident & member of the ACA.

SLE RODEO, COMING TO TOWN!

The countdown is on for the 65th annual SLE Rodeo as we are only 51 days away from the greatest show on dirt! The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) is proud to be nationally-televised on The Cowboy Channel thanks to being named a 2022 NFR Play-Off Series Rodeo by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). 

Our show will have the top professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls competing against the best livestock in the business during four performances from March 18-20, 2022. We will also have live performances from World Champion Western Entertainer and Trick Roper Rider Kiesner, a PowWow performance by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, B-K Ranch Fighting Bulls, and more! Buy your tickets now by visiting Tickets & Deals (slerodeo.com) so you don’t miss out on any of the action! 

We’re proud to announce new changes coming in 2022 as we shift from a Thursday-Saturday event to a Friday-Sunday show. The show order is as follows: Friday, March 18 (7PM); Saturday, March 19 (1PM); Saturday, March 19 (7PM); and Sunday, March 20 (2PM). Also new in 2022 is the addition of WPRA Breakaway Roping, live at each event! Learn more about all the family fun on our Events Calendar and stay tuned to social media for event announcements, ticket giveaways and all the news the SLE Rodeo has to bring! 

Our rodeo committee is also looking for volunteers for the weekend of the rodeo. If you are available to offer your time, please complete the form on this website: Volunteer at the Rodeo (slerodeo.com). We are looking forward to three action-packed days of good, clean family fun, and we hope to see you there.

If you need to book a room, check out the Homewood Suites for a 10% discount if you plan to attend the show! Just call 334-272-3010, ask for the SLE Rodeo rate and tell them Ray sent you!

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

The 2022 membership year has officially kicked off, and we are headed boldly in the direction of 10,000 members! As we approach late winter/early spring, many counties will host annual meetings. Please, contact Jessica Kennedy at our office to let her know about county meeting dates and leadership changes OR complete this online form to notify us of your meeting, assign a mailout, and request a guest speaker. As always, leaders, we encourage you to enter new members and renewals by the 15th of each month to guarantee they stay on the magazine distribution list and to deposit checks in a timely manner. Also, PLEASE send county leader updates to the state office so we can update them for future mailings, emails, etc. Contact Jessica to let her know who your county officers are!

YCLP

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class VIII will graduate at the ACA Convention Awards Banquet. We are looking forward to seeing these 23 young leaders grow in our organization and as industry advocates. With one class graduating, that calls for another class incoming. Applications for YCLP Class IX are now open! This program is for young cattlemen who are looking to build on their leadership skills, network with producers from across the state, and gain deeper industry knowledge. If you want to learn more about this program or apply please visit www.bamabeef.org/yclpclass9. These applications will close March 15, 2022 and will be passed on to the YCLP Council for the selection process to take place.

Speaking of YCLP Council, those applications are also now open. If you are a YCLP Alumni and would like to serve on the YCLP Council, please visit www.bamabeef.org/council to learn more about the roles the Council serves and to apply. Those elected will serve a two-year term beginning March 2022. Open seats are available in Classes 2 (2015-2016), 3 (2016-2017), 5 (2018-2019), 6 (2019-2020) and 8 (2021-2022). Applications for YCLP Council close February 15, 2022.

UPCOMING EVENT: ALABAMA JR. & SR. HIGH SCHOOL BEEF COOK-OFF

The Annual Alabama Jr. & Sr. High School Beef Cook-Off will be on April 9 at Jefferson State Community College. If your county has hosted a local beef cook-off, be sure to get your winners registered on our website at https://www.bamabeef.org/cookoff by March 21! This event will be held at Health Sciences and Culinary Institute building at Jefferson State, and registration is FREE! Please contact Ali Cantrell on our staff if you have any questions. 

JUNIOR CATTLEMEN UPDATE

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) will be hosting youth career-centered contests at the ACA Convention and Trade Show! Join the AJCA Board of Directors, Saturday March 5th in Mobile for public speaking, career development, and quiz bowl competitions. All contests will be sponsored by Beef Checkoff and are FREE for all youth to enter. Each contest holds great scholarships opportunities! Here’s some more dates to mark on your calendar:

Saturday, March 5: Youth Contests at the ACA Convention (Register Now)

Thursday, April 14: Spring Youth Production Field Day (Vista Farms- Fayette)

July 14-17, 2022: AJCA Round-Up ( Montgomery, AL)

Saturday, September 17: Fall Youth Production Field Day (Location TBD)

DOWN TO EARTH: AGRICULTURE SUSTAINS ALABAMA

Sustainability is a buzzword that has captured the attention of producers and consumers alike, and agricultural communicators from across the state are taking on the buzz. In March 2021, communications staff from commodity representatives and trade organizations across the agricultural sector began meeting to discuss how to tackle this topic. The result of almost a year of conversations— Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama.

This yearlong public education campaign is a collaborative communications effort designed to be a voice for agricultural stakeholders in Alabama to promote the sustainable, conservation-minded practices farmers and ranchers are already doing. The goal is to reach 1 million Alabama consumers to influence their beliefs by promoting the work of farmers and ranchers across the state— to tell YOUR story. We know your goal is to create as much output with as little input, all while protecting the environment for future generations, and it is now time we, as communicators, do a better job of telling that story. To do that, the group has broken down the sustainability topic into six main points: Carbon Emissions, Animal & Plant Efficiency, Data & Technology, Conserving Natural Resources, Smart Land Use and Sustaining for the Future. We will be extending this campaign via digital advertising, broadcast news, print media, and a video campaign. The 2021 Farm-City theme also reflected this concept, which served as an excellent soft launch and way to introduce this tricky topic in an interactive way to school children across the state. 

Working group members include the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Sweet Grown Alabama, the Alabama Commission, Simply Southern and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. ACA’s Kayla Greer is a co-chair to this statewide, collaborative effort alongside Caleb Hicks of AP&EA. 

The campaign officially launches on March 31, 2022 with an event called “Down to Earth Day” in Pike Road, AL. It will include an educational field trip portion, public education event, and a media conference with elected officials as our special guests. This is YOUR campaign, so if you want to be part of it as a spokesperson, event volunteer, or just learn more about how to help spread the message, contact Kayla Greer at (334) 265-1867 or email her.Otherwise, please help us spread the Down to Earth message on social media beginning March 31, 2022 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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 or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | January 19, 2022

We are halfway through January and have already got all sorts of events, programs and business in the works. There’s nothing like staying busy! Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening in our office this week and stay in touch with your Cattlemen’s Association.

ACA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

ACA Convention & Trade Show registration is now live! Join us in Mobile, AL at the Mobile Convention Center on March 4-5 for the largest cattle industry trade show and educational event in Alabama. Keynote speakers include John Driscoll of the Mobile Port Authority and Kevin Good of CattleFax. As always, we’ll host a trade show full of equipment, feed, animal health, retail and breed representatives. The event will also feature Cattlemen’s Colleges, Youth Contests, our annual BEEF PAC Auction, and incredible meals. Learn more about our Schedule of Events, Book Your Hotel Room, or Register Now. 

If you are interested in having a booth at our trade show in Mobile, please contact Ali Cantrell. The early bird pricing will end on February 1, 2022! You can also register online, or you can visit our Convention Website.

SLE RODEO, COMING TO TOWN!

The countdown is on for the 65th annual SLE Rodeo as we are only 58 days away from the greatest show on dirt! The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) is proud to be nationally-televised on The Cowboy Channel thanks to being named a 2022 NFR Play-Off Series Rodeo by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). 

Our show will have the top professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls competing against the best livestock in the business during four performances from March 18-20, 2022. We will also have live performances from World Champion Western Entertainer and Trick Roper Rider Kiesner, a PowWow performance by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, B-K Ranch Fighting Bulls, and more! Buy your tickets now by visiting Tickets & Deals (slerodeo.com) so you don’t miss out on any of the action! 

We’re proud to announce new changes coming in 2022 as we shift from a Thursday-Saturday event to a Friday-Sunday show. The show order is as follows: Friday, March 18 (7PM); Saturday, March 19 (1PM); Saturday, March 19 (7PM); and Sunday, March 20 (2PM). Also new in 2022 is the addition of WPRA Breakaway Roping, live at each event! Learn more about all the family fun on our Events Calendar and stay tuned to social media for event announcements, ticket giveaways and all the news the SLE Rodeo has to bring! 

Our rodeo committee is also looking for volunteers for the weekend of the rodeo. If you are available to offer your time, please complete the form on this website: Volunteer at the Rodeo (slerodeo.com). We are looking forward to three action-packed days of good, clean family fun, and we hope to see you there. Let’s rodeo!

DOWN TO EARTH: AGRICULTURE SUSTAINS ALABAMA

Sustainability is a buzzword that has captured the attention of producers and consumers alike, and agricultural communicators from across the state are taking on the buzz. In March 2021, communications staff from commodity representatives and trade organizations across the agricultural sector began meeting to discuss how to tackle this topic. The result of almost a year of conversations— Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama.

This yearlong public education campaign is a collaborative communications effort designed to be a voice for agricultural stakeholders in Alabama to promote the sustainable, conservation-minded practices farmers and ranchers are already doing. The goal is to reach 1 million Alabama consumers to influence their beliefs by promoting the work of farmers and ranchers across the state— to tell YOUR story. We know your goal is to create as much output with as little input, all while protecting the environment for future generations, and it is now time we, as communicators, do a better job of telling that story. To do that, the group has broken down the sustainability topic into six main points: Carbon Emissions, Animal & Plant Efficiency, Data & Technology, Conserving Natural Resources, Smart Land Use and Sustaining for the Future. We will be extending this campaign via digital advertising, broadcast news, print media, and a video campaign. The 2021 Farm-City theme also reflected this concept, which served as an excellent soft launch and way to introduce this tricky topic in an interactive way to school children across the state.

Working group members include the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Sweet Grown Alabama, the Alabama Commission, Simply Southern and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. ACA’s Kayla Greer is a co-chair to this statewide, collaborative effort alongside Caleb Hicks of AP&EA.

The campaign officially launches on March 31, 2022 with an event called “Down to Earth Day” in Pike Road, AL. It will include an educational field trip portion, public education event, and a media conference with elected officials as our special guests. This is YOUR campaign, so if you want to be part of it as a spokesperson, event volunteer, or just learn more about how to help spread the message, contact Kayla Greer at (334) 265-1867 or email her. Otherwise, please help us spread the Down to Earth message on social media beginning March 31, 2022 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

The 2022 membership year has officially kicked off, and we are headed boldly in the direction of 10,000 members! As we approach late winter/early spring, many counties will host annual meetings. Please, contact Jessica Kennedy at our office to let her know about county meeting dates and leadership changes OR complete this online form to notify us of your meeting, assign a mailout, and request a guest speaker. As always, leaders, we encourage you to enter new members and renewals by the 15th of each month to guarantee they stay on the magazine distribution list and to deposit checks in a timely manner. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Gov. Ivey called a special session on Tuesday, putting on hold lawmakers’ regular law-making session to focus on the massive federal influx of funds. Lawmakers will begin work today focused on spending $772 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funds. A spending bill hasn’t been made public, but the talk is that priority spending for broadband internet, assisting hospitals and nursing homes and building out water and sewer infrastructure in communities where service lacks.

YCLP

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program(YCLP) Class VIII will graduate at the ACA Convention Awards Banquet. We are looking forward to seeing these 23 young leaders grow in our organization and as industry advocates. With one class graduating, that calls for another class incoming. Applications for YCLP Class IX are now open! This program is for young cattlemen who are looking to build on their leadership skills, network with producers from across the state, and gain deeper industry knowledge. If you want to learn more about this program or apply please visit www.bamabeef.org/yclpclass9. These applications will close March 15, 2022 and will be passed on to the YCLP Council for the selection process to take place.

Speaking of YCLP Council, those applications are also now open. If you are a YCLP Alumni and would like to serve on the YCLP Council, please visit www.bamabeef.org/council to learn more about the roles the Council serves and to apply. Those elected will serve a two-year term beginning March 2022. Open seats are available in Classes 2 (2015-2016), 3 (2016-2017), 5 (2018-2019), 6 (2019-2020) and 8 (2021-2022). Applications for YCLP Council close February 15, 2022.

DYW at ACA

The Distinguished Young Women of Alabama will visit the Cattlemen’s building on Thursday for a steak lunch and tour of The MOOseum. We are looking forward to having these young people who are competing in the state contest after winning their county competitions. If you have a daughter or granddaughter participating in the competition, be sure to tell them to come say hi when they’re here and let us know who they are!

UPCOMING EVENT: ALABAMA JR. & SR. HIGH SCHOoL BEEF COOK-OFF

The Annual Alabama Jr. & Sr. High School Beef Cook-Off will be on April 9 at Jefferson State Community College. If your county has hosted a local beef cook-off, be sure to get your winners registered on our website at https://www.bamabeef.org/cookoff by March 21! This event will be held at Health Sciences and Culinary Institute building at Jefferson State, and registration is FREE! Please contact Ali Cantrell on our staff if you have any questions. 

JUNIOR CATTLEMEN UPDATE

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) will be hosting youth career-centered contests at the ACA Convention and Trade Show! Join the AJCA Board of Directors, Saturday March 5th in Mobile for public speaking, career development, and quiz bowl competitions. All contests will be sponsored by Beef Checkoff and are FREE for all youth to enter. Each contest holds great scholarships opportunities! Here’s some more dates to mark on your calendar:

Saturday, March 5: Youth Contests at the ACA Convention (Register Now)

Thursday, April 14: Spring Youth Production Field Day (Vista Farms- Fayette)

July 14-17, 2022: AJCA Round-Up ( Montgomery, AL)

Saturday, September 17: Fall Youth Production Field Day (Location TBD)

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 or Instagram.

Easy, Delicious and Nutritious- Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.

No matter what your goals or resolutions are for this year, be sure to put lean beef at the center of your plate.

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

With 2021 gone, a lot of people are looking for ways to get healthier and stronger this new year. If those are the things on your 2022 wishlist, beef is here to help! Lean beef is touted for its high protein content, but did you know it’s also a great source of iron and zinc? Both of these minerals are essential components of a healthy body and immune system! So make this new year a new you by incorporating more beef into your meal plan.

Cold Days and Quick Meals

Short, cold days and a busy schedule means that you need something quick for you and your family. Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has a whole collection of recipes that are 30 minutes or less, helping your family get a healthy meal in a short time span. Try Beef and Asparagus Pasta Toss, and if you’re looking to cut the carbs, sub out with a low carb pasta made from vegetables like hearts of palm. Make a batch of Mongolian Beef using brown rice, to increase fiber content, or riced cauliflower. Both of these delicious meals are a great way to keep your family fed a healthy meal without overworking yourself or your pocketbook.

Meal Prep

One of the most difficult tasks of eating from home or taking your meals to work is planning. Making out a menu for a few days a week and spending a little extra time prepping can be a daunting task. Search for easy recipes and only make plans to cook on the days that your schedule allows, and make larger batches for take-to-work meals or weeknight leftovers. If you have your grill or smoker fired up over the weekend, cook an extra pound or two of lean ground beef to use throughout the week for various recipes like Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce, Sloppy Joes Five Ways, Chili, or On-the-Go Beef Tacos. Just throw your ground beef in a cast iron skillet and cook until 155 degrees and half your cooking for the week will be complete!

No matter what your goals or resolutions are for this year, be sure to put lean beef at the center of your plate. A serving of lean beef is about the size of a regular smartphone and has 25 grams of protein for only 175 calories!

For more recipes, nutrition information, or information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. Happy New Year from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers. Photo courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Bama Beef Blog Update | January 12, 2022

Bama Beef Blog Update | January 12, 2022

Happy New Year! It has been a few months since we updated our blog. We apologize for that, but the rush at the end of the year made for a wild ride here at ACA. Never fear, we’re back and loaded down with a set of news from our staff to get us moving forward into 2022. Saddle up, we’ve got a lot to unpack!

ACA Convention & trade Show

ACA Convention & Trade Show registration is now live! Join us in Mobile, AL at the Mobile Convention Center on March 4-5 for the largest cattle industry trade show and educational event in Alabama. Keynote speakers include John Driscoll of the Mobile Port Authority and Kevin Goode of CattleFax. As always, we’ll host a trade show full of equipment, feed, animal health, retail and breed representatives. The event will also feature Cattlemen’s Colleges, Youth Contests, our annual BEEF PAC Auction, and incredible meals. Learn more about our Schedule of Events, Book Your Hotel Room, or Register Now.

If you are interested in having a booth at our trade show in Mobile, please contact staffer, Ali Cantrell. The early bird pricing will end on February 1, 2022! You can also register online, or you can visit our Convention Website.

SLE RODEO, COMING TO TOWN!

The countdown is on for the 65th annual SLE Rodeo as we are only 65 days away from the greatest show on dirt! The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) is proud to be nationally-televised on The Cowboy Channel thanks to being named a 2022 NFR Play-Off Series Rodeo by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). 

Our show will have the top professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls competing against the best livestock in the business during four performances from March 18-20, 2022. We will also have live performances from World Champion Western Entertainer and Trick Roper Rider Kiesner, a PowWow performance by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, B-K Ranch Fighting Bulls, and more! Buy your tickets now by visiting Tickets & Deals (slerodeo.com) so you don’t miss out on any of the action!

We’re proud to announce new changes coming in 2022 as we shift from a Thursday-Saturday event to a Friday-Sunday show. The show order is as follows: Friday, March 18 (7PM); Saturday, March 19 (1PM); Saturday, March 19 (7PM); and Sunday, March 20 (2PM). Also new in 2022 is the addition of WPRA Breakaway Roping, live at each event! Learn more about all the family fun on our Events Calendar and stay tuned to social media for event announcements, ticket giveaways and all the news the SLE Rodeo has to bring!

Our rodeo committee is also looking for volunteers for the weekend of the rodeo. If you are available to offer your time, please complete the form on this website: Volunteer at the Rodeo (slerodeo.com). We are looking forward to three action-packed days of good, clean family fun, and we hope to see you there. Let’s rodeo!

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

The 2022 membership year has officially kicked off, and we are headed boldly in the direction of 10,000 members! As we approach late winter/early spring, many counties will host annual meetings. Please, contact Jessica Kennedy at our office to let her know about county meeting dates and leadership changes OR complete this online form to notify us of your meeting, assign a mailout, and request a guest speaker. As always, leaders, we encourage you to enter new members and renewals by the 15th of each month to guarantee they stay on the magazine distribution list and to deposit checks in a timely manner.

alabama legislature: back in session

The legislative session began yesterday as both chambers gaveled in. The big talk of the session is how the state will use the remaining amounts of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money that the state has received. Another big topic is the strong financial position of the budgets of this session. The ACA will be watching carefully through the session and working on legislation that will positively and negatively impact our industry. During the session, the Ag Coalition meets at the Cattlemen’s building on Tuesday mornings to discuss bills and get ready for the legislative week. Other meetings will take place such as caucus meetings and receptions during the session so the building is a huge asset to provide legislators.

UPCOMING EVENT: Alabama Jr. & SR. HIGH SCHOLL BEEF COOK-OFF

The Annual Alabama Jr. & Sr. High School Beef Cook-Off will be on April 9 at Jefferson State Community College. If your county has hosted a local beef cook-off, be sure to get your winners registered on our website at https://www.bamabeef.org/cookoff by March 21! This event will be held at Health Sciences and Culinary Institute building at Jefferson State, and registration is FREE! Please contact Ali Cantrell on our staff if you have any questions. 

LOOKING BACK: GREER TALKS SOCIAL MEDIA

To kick off 2022, ACA Director of Communications Kayla Greer had the honor to be a guest speaker at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Savannah, GA. More keen on livestock and certainly a “brown thumb,” Kayla didn’t have much to offer in terms of raising fruit and vegetables, but her expertise on social media tools and practices were invaluable to the audience. Kayla joined the conference— which hosted 3,000 farmers from across the Southeast— to speak at a special Social Media Boot Camp session last Thursday. This intimate and interactive deep dive into social media was limited to only 60 guests, but the crew spent the entire day exploring the many tools and features associated with Facebook Business Pages. Kayla specifically spoke on the Facebook Business Suite, Creator Studio and broke down Insights and Analytics that the small businesses could use to leverage audience engagement on their platforms.

A great trip to beautiful Savannah and great way to bring new light to the tasks she does daily, Kayla has already got her wheels spinning for a similar program for cattle producers who utilize social media to market cattle and/or local beef products. Stay tuned!

Junior Cattlemen Update

This past weekend, the AJCA Board Directors gathered in Montgomery for their Winter Planning Meeting. The Board looked into 2022 to plan upcoming events and explored overall goals for the year. A few dates to keep in mind:

Saturday, March 5: Youth Contests at the ACA Convention (Register Now)

Thursday, April 14: Spring Youth Production Field Day (Vista Farms- Fayette)

July 14-17, 2022: AJCA Round-Up ( Montgomery, AL)

Saturday, September 17: Fall Youth Production Field Day (Location TBD)

FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE

ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Desselle has been out and about this week. She visited Cullman Stockyards’ weekly sale on Tuesday. While in the neighborhood, she also had a farm visit with Cullman County President Cody Rasco. Today she is stopping by Valley Stockyards in Moulton and catching their weekly sale. Say hi I you see her!

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 or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Update | October 6, 2021

Saddle up, cattlemen! It’s BEEF MONTH in Alabama.

Saddle up, cattlemen! It’s BEEF MONTH in Alabama, and this week’s blog is coming is fast with the updates on what’s happening at the ACA. Keep reading to learn more and if our post seems a little short, don’t worry! We will give the FULL October Beef Month recap to kickoff November. Don’t forget to enjoy beef during October!

Slice into October, it’s Beef Month!

October Beef Month is in full swing! We have some great events coming up, so please keep up with the Bama Beef Online Events Calendar to get the latest on Beef Month activities. Also, please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you need any materials for your county chapter to pass out at any local events you may be attending. County Leaders, please do not forget to send us pictures from your event to be featured in our magazine as well as social media. Below is the timeline of state-lead activities for October Beef Month 2021.

  • October 2-9: Burger Week in Mobtown (Premier Sponsor)
  • Bama’s Best Beef Regional Bracket Challenges
  • October 12 – 15: Beef Week
    • October 12: “Beef Up the Blood Supply” by giving blood at Conestoga Steak House in Dothan, AL and receive a $20 gift card to the steak house!
    • October 13: Receive a $2 discount off a Brisket meal at BBQ Stop in Clay, AL
    • October 14: Visit Gather in Atmore, AL and eat a delicious beef meal and receive a free dessert.
    • October 15: Come get some Beef Swag when you buy a hamburger at Hamburger King in Montgomery, AL
  • October 15: Alabama National Fair “Where’s the Beef?” Cook-off 
    • This will take place at 7 p.m. Please visit the Alabama National Fair website to enter.
  • October 16: County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-off
  • October 25: Winner for Bama’s Best Beef competition will be announced
  • October 28: Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting
  • October 29: Beef 101 at Auburn Beef Unit

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the events that are close to you! 

Beef on the SuperSpeedway

Talladega Weekend was a hit! If you were at the race this weekend, we hope you saw the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. message on the Jumbotron or heard ACA staffer Ali Cantrell’s LIVE interview throughout the stadium. If you listened in over the radio, we hope you heard the interview along with the sizzle of steak through the Motor Racing Network. This promotion hit a big audience as friends in many states have reached out letting us know they heard our messaging— great feedback!

Bama’s Best Beef Contest Live!

Our annual Bama’s Best Beef contest is in full swing! With nearly 300 nominations in hand, we narrowed down the list to identify the top two most-nominated dishes in each of our contest’s four regions— North, Central, South Central and South— and have put them head to head in Facebook photo challenges! The competition is stiff and firing up as the votes are pouring in. We encourage you to visit our Facebook page and vote for your local dive. Our regional finalists are:

· North: Chuckwagon BBQ Brisket, Huntsville

· North: Hambone’s BBQ Brisket, Winfield

· Central: Farmhouse & Company Cowboy Cut, Lineville

· Central: Coffee Shoppe Grilled Cheese Burger, Harpersville

· South Central: Fusion Grill Southern Soul Burger, Dadeville

· South Central: MaePop’s BBQ Brisket, Tallassee

· South: Hunter’s Run Ribeye, Monroeville

· South: The Craft Bar & Grill Ribeye, Enterprise

We look forward to seeing which one of our four regional finalists will move on to the SemiFinals. Stay tuned with the contest on our Facebook and be on the lookout for our winner, to be announced on Monday October 25!

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 9,253 members…but we’re not done yet! Final remittance notices have hit mailboxes. If you haven’t renewed, then now’s the time! We are SO CLOSE to our 10,000 member goal, so help us get there with your membership. If you’ve got a county meeting scheduled, please let us know by filling out our newest tool for county leaders, our County Meeting Info Form. This platform allows us to gather ALL the info we need to help promote your meeting and get it on our calendars! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jessica Kennedy in our office.

Submit your form » www.BamaBeef.org/CountyMeetingInfo

SLE Update

The SLE is excited to be on the search for sponsors for the 2022 rodeo. Thank you to those who have already signed up! If this is something your company may be interested in, please visit the SLE website. This displays every sponsorship package available to you. Don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Rodeo Programs Sarah Hunter if you have any questions!

In other news, SLE Members gathered last Thursday, September 30, for the group’s Annual Membership Banquet. We honored outgoing directors Ed Boyd, Tommy Fuller and Woody Clark while welcoming new directors Caroleene Dobson, Galen Grace and Paul Pinyan to the Board.

The 2022 SLE Rodeo is sure to be a hit of show as many new changes and additions are on the horizon. First, the biggest news, is a shift of dates and times for each of the four PRCA Rodeo Performances. The 2022 show line-up is as follows:

· FRIDAY, March 18, 2022 at 7 PM

· SATURDAY, March 19, 2022 at 1 PM (Matinee)

· SATURDAY, March 19, 2022 at 7 PM

· SUNDAY, March 20, 2022 at 2 PM (Matinee)

The 2022 SLE Rodeo is also proud to feature an added timed event in WPRA Breakaway Roping, and will showcase the trick roping skills of World Champion Western Performer Rider Kiesner, who will also clown the event.

As always, if your county cattlemen’s group is hosting a rodeo, please reach out and let Sarah know what she can do to help!

YCLP Set to Visit South Alabama

This weekend will host our Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Class VIII in south Alabama— specifically Covington and Coffee counties. They’ll be visiting the operations of Wyatt Sasser, Ginger Gaines and Max Bozeman, to name a few! They’ll also be visiting with Michelle Elmore regarding recording keeping and the Alabama BCIA as well as Dr. Don Mulvaney, who leads up our leadership training. Stay tuned for next week’s update for the weekend recap!

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 or Instagram.

Falling for Beef This October

Happy October Beef Month! Beef is an affordable, versatile, and healthy option that can be a staple in your family’s kitchen.

By Registered Dietitian Elesha Ergle@EleshaErgleRDN


It’s the most wonderful time of the year! October is Beef Month in Alabama, and we at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association want to make the most of the month to share some great recipes, tips, and all the healthful benefits of beef. Beef is an excellent source of protein, as most of us know, but did you know that it is also a great source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins? One 3-ounce portion of lean beef provides 25 grams of protein, 40% of your daily value of B vitamins, and 35% daily value of zinc with only 175 calories per serving.


With so many different choices and cuts of beef available, what does a serving size look like? Well, that’s simple! A 3-ounce portion is about the size of a deck of cards or an iPhone. 


Despite what you may think, there are plenty of choices for beef that are affordable and easy-to-prepare options for your family. Pre-made frozen meatballs make a great addition to your staples and can be used for quick spaghetti or sub-style sandwiches for busy weeknight meals. Buying ground beef in bulk is also a great way to cut costs; portion up for freezing or cook all at once to make different recipes throughout the week like Aloha Beef Sliders, Lazy Beef Lasagna, or Beef and Cheese Burritos.


Football season is in full-swing! Celebrate your tailgates with plenty of beef-filled goodies. Make a batch of Big Game Fritos Pie and let your guests graze and build their own to their liking by offering different toppings like sweet peppers, onions, black olives, sour cream, jalapenos, and different cheeses. Keep your friends happy with a yummy One Skillet Beefy 7-Layer Dip and offer plenty of different crackers or chips for snacking. 


Beef is an affordable, versatile, and healthy option that can be a staple in your family’s kitchen. Beef farmers continue to strive to promote safe, healthy, sustainable beef from pasture to plate. For thousands of beef recipes and more information about beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. 

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers. Photo courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 29, 2021

September is gone with the wind, which means we’re headed into the busiest month of the year, so saddle up for an update from your state ACA staff! We’ve got sales, meetings, and October Beef Month on the menu. Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening in Montgomery this week!

Cooking Segments Firing Up for Beef Month!

Tomorrow, staffer Ali Cantrell will be recording two cooking segments at Renfroe’s Grocery to air on WSFA during the month of October. Renfroe’s has generously offered to sponsor the ingredients and provide the location for the two segments. Ali will be whipping up some tailgating and fall type beef recipes that will make your mouth water so keep an eye out on during beef month. 

Speaking of local news, you should have seen Ali on your screens today if you’re local to Mobile! WKRG aired their Cooking with John segment and Ali will be guest hosting with a Beef Salad recipe and promoting October Beef Month. Tune in two more weeks on October 14 to watch local Junior Cattlemen, Abbeigh Jo Gibson, cook a brisket in a slow cooker!

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 9,195 members…but we’re not done yet! Final remittance notices have hit mailboxes. If you haven’t renewed, then now’s the time! We are SO CLOSE to our 10,000 member goal, so help us get there with your membership. Don’t forget- we offer fun prizes for our recruiters, also! If you have any membership questions, feel free to contact Jessica Kennedy in our office.

October Beef Month- Full Steam Ahead!

October Beef Month preparations are in full swing! We have some great events coming up, so please keep up with the Bama Beef Online Events Calendar to get the latest on Beef Month activities. Also, please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you need any materials for your county chapter to pass out at any local events you may be attending. County Leaders, please do not forget to send us pictures from your event to be featured in our magazine as well as social media. Below is the timeline of state-lead activities for October Beef Month 2021.

  • September 24: Nominations open for Bama’s Best Beef
  • October 2-9: Burger Week in Mobtown (Premier Sponsor)
  • October 9: Maxwell Fall Fest 
    • Junior Cattlemen will be hosting a booth at the festival to talk about beef cattle and pass out treats! 
  • October 12 – 15: Beef Week
    • October 12: “Beef Up the Blood Supply” by giving blood at Conestoga Steak House in Dothan, AL and receive a $20 gift card to the steak house!
    • October 13: Receive a $2 discount off a Brisket meal at BBQ Stop in Clay, AL
    • October 14: Visit Gather in Atmore, AL and eat a delicious beef meal and receive a free dessert.
    • October 15: Come get some Beef Swag when you buy a hamburger at Hamburger King in Montgomery, AL
  • October 15: Alabama National Fair “Where’s the Beef?” Cook-off 
    • This will take place at 7 p.m. Please visit the Alabama National Fair website to enter.
  • October 16: County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-off
  • October 25: Winner for Bama’s Best Beef competition will be announced
  • October 28: Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting
  • October 29: Beef 101 at Auburn Beef Unit

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the events that are close to you! 

Beef on the SuperSpeedway

Talladega weekend is on the horizon! If you’re going to be at the race this weekend, keep your eyes on the jumbotron for a Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. message, and if you listen in over the radio, listen for the sizzle of steak through the Motor Racing Network. ACA has partnered with Georgia Cattlemen’s Association to promote beef throughout the race weekend. ACA staffer Ali Cantrell will also be doing an interview on the Motor Racing Network before the Sunday races to promote October Beef Month and preview Florida Cattlemen’s promotions in Daytona in the spring!

SLE Update

The SLE is excited to be on the search for sponsors for the 2022 rodeo. Thank you to those who have already signed up! If this is something your company may be interested in, please visit the SLE website. This displays every sponsorship package available to you. Don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Rodeo Programs Sarah Hunter if you have any questions!

In other news, SLE Members will gather tomorrow, Thursday, September 30, for the group’s Annual Membership Banquet. It will be great to see returning members, but we also have several new faces that we are excited to welcome! 

The 2022 SLE Rodeo is sure to be a hit of show as many new changes and additions are on the horizon. First, the biggest news, is a shift of dates and times for each of the four PRCA Rodeo Performances. The 2022 show line-up is as follows:

· FRIDAY, March 18, 2022 at 7 PM

· SATURDAY, March 19, 2022 at 1 PM (Matinee)

· SATURDAY, March 19, 2022 at 7 PM

· SUNDAY, March 20, 2022 at 2 PM (Matinee)

The 2022 SLE Rodeo is also proud to feature an added timed event in WPRA Breakaway Roping, and will showcase the trick roping skills of World Champion Western Performer Rider Kiesner, who will also clown the event.

As always, if your county cattlemen’s group is hosting a rodeo, please reach out and let Sarah know what she can do to help!

Field Services

Staffer Morgan Desselle will head to Auburn tomorrow to speak to students on the importance of beef checkoff, the association, and lastly what she does on a day to day basis as the Field Services director. She will talk to the students on how she applied and obtained a job in agriculture and will encourage them to look into jobs in our industry. Friday she will be headed to Uniontown to watch the Heart of Dixie sale! She looks forward to getting out and seeing our cattlemen. Make sure to stop by and say hello if you see her.

With the arrival of fall comes cooler weather and best of all, SALE SEASON! Be sure to keep an eye out on our online calendar to get the latest on upcoming sales in Alabama! www.bamabeef.org/cattlesales

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 or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 22, 2021

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 22, 2021

It’s the first day of fall, and word on the street is that it is certainly about to start feeling like it outside! We are due a beautiful and DRY weekend ahead, which we all could use to dry up those mushy pastures underfoot…or hoof. Nevertheless, the fall season means a busy time at the ACA, so saddle up for this week’s news and updates for what’s happening and what’s ahead.

Fall Youth Production Field Day

More than 25 youth joined us this past Saturday in Andalusia for the Youth “Back to the Basics” Fall Field Day. The day kicked off with a Beef Quality Assurance(BQA) training led by Auburn University doctoral student Maggie Justice. In all, with adults and children, 36 cattle producers became BQA certified! Attendees and volunteers then enjoyed a delicious hamburger prepared by Covington County Cattlemen’s Association. While enjoying lunch, youth were able to watch a short cutting horse demonstration.

The afternoon was packed full of educational sessions!  Russell Carrell and Michael Agar, AU Animal Sciences doctoral and graduate students, led a hands-on fence fixing demonstration. Youth enjoyed a laugh with Russell’s jokes and learned the basics of building and repairing fences. Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program students Mitchell Alexander and Jason Ealum educated youth on tractor maintenance and safety. Then, last but not least, south Alabama cattle producers Ginger Gaines and Wyatt Sasser guided youth through the tagging process as they got hands on with record keeping.

The education at this field day was designed for youth to walk away with practical skills to take back to their farms. Hats off to all the volunteers who made this Alabama Beef Checkoff-funded event successful!

Industry Meetings

ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley has participated in both State NRCS Technical meeting and the Alabama Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission this week. She also has an upcoming meeting with ADEM. The ACA stays involved in all of these entities to provide insight about cattle industry needs and to also provide comments when topics arise related to the industry.

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 9,145 members…but we’re not done yet! Final remittance notices have hit mailboxes. If you haven’t renewed, then now’s the time! We are SO CLOSE to our 10,000 member goal, so help us get there with your membership. Don’t forget- we offer fun prizes for our recruiters, also! If you have any membership questions, feel free to contact Jessica Kennedy in our office.

October Beef Month- Full Steam Ahead!

October Beef Month preparations are in full swing! We have some great events coming up, so please keep up with the Bama Beef Online Events Calendar to get the latest on Beef Month activities. Also, please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you need any materials for your county chapter to pass out at any local events you may be attending. County Leaders, please do not forget to send us pictures from your event to be featured in our magazine as well as social media. Below is the timeline of state-lead activities for October Beef Month 2021.

  • September 24: Nominations open for Bama’s Best Beef
  • October 2-9: Burger Week in Mobtown (Premier Sponsor)
  • October 9: Maxwell Fall Fest 
    • Junior Cattlemen will be hosting a booth at the festival to talk about beef cattle and pass out treats! 
  • October 12 – 15: Beef Week
    • October 12: “Beef Up the Blood Supply” by giving blood at Conestoga Steak House in Dothan, AL and receive a $20 gift card to the steak house!
    • October 13: Receive a $2 discount off a Brisket meal at BBQ Stop in Clay, AL
    • October 14: Visit Gather in Atmore, AL and eat a delicious beef meal and receive a free dessert.
    • October 15: Come get some Beef Swag when you buy a hamburger at Hamburger King in Montgomery, AL
  • October 15: Alabama National Fair “Where’s the Beef?” Cook-off 
    • This will take place at 7 p.m. Please visit the Alabama National Fair website to enter.
  • October 16: County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-off
  • October 25: Winner for Bama’s Best Beef competition will be announced
  • October 28: Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting
  • October 29: Beef 101 at Auburn Beef Unit

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the events that are close to you! 

Beef on the SuperSpeedway

Just in time for October Beef Month, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Beef Board are partnering up to sponsor the Motor Racing Network for Talladega SuperSpeedway races in October! We will be kicking off Beef Month by broadcasting our Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner message on radio affiliates across Alabama and Georgia for the October 2-3 race weekend. If you happen to be at the race that weekend, keep your eyes on the video board for a :30 second clip that will make you want to start your engine to race to the nearest concession stand!

SLE Update

The SLE is excited to be on the search for sponsors for the 2022 rodeo. Thank you to those who have already signed up! If this is something your company may be interested in, please visit the SLE website. This displays every sponsorship package available to you. Don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Rodeo Programs Sarah Hunter if you have any questions!

In other news, SLE Members will gather next Thursday, September 30, for the group’s Annual Membership Banquet. It will be great to see returning members, but we also have several new faces that we are excited to welcome! 

The 2022 SLE Rodeo is sure to be a hit of show as many new changes and additions are on the horizon. First, the biggest news, is a shift of dates and times for each of the four PRCA Rodeo Performances. The 2022 show line-up is as follows:

· FRIDAY, March 18, 2022 at 7 PM

· SATURDAY, March 19, 2022 at 1 PM (Matinee)

· SATURDAY, March 19, 2022 at 7 PM

· SUNDAY, March 20, 2022 at 2 PM (Matinee)

The 2022 SLE Rodeo is also proud to feature an added timed event in WPRA Breakaway Roping, and will showcase the trick roping skills of World Champion Western Performer Rider Kiesner, who will also clown the event.

As always, if your county cattlemen’s group is hosting a rodeo, please reach out and let Sarah know what she can do to help!

Sale Season

Fall is right around the corner. With the arrival of fall comes cooler weather and best of all, SALE SEASON! Be sure to keep an eye out on our online calendar to get the latest on upcoming sales in Alabama! www.bamabeef.org/cattlesales

Checkoff Funded Research Projects

Each year, the Alabama State Beef Checkoff Program budgets monies that are allocated to fund cattle production-based research. This summer, our office issued a call for proposals where researchers had the opportunity to present research and itemized budget proposals in hopes of being selected for funding. Following the submission period, the research committee selected the following programs for funding, representing a variety of topics pertaining to beef cattle production. 

  1. Overseeding Bahiagrass pastures to extend the grazing season and improve sustainability in forage systems (Researchers: Josh Elmore, Dr. Kimberly Mullenix, Dr. Liliane Silva, and Dr. Leanne Dillard)
  2. Forage production and quality of stockpiled Bahiagrass pastures managed under contrasting strategies in Alabama (Researchers: Dr. Kimberly Mullenix, Dr. Liliane Silva, Dr. Leanne Dillard, Josh Elmore, Dr. Kelly Palmer, Ken Kelly, and Michael Agar)
  3. Evaluation of Weed Control Programs for Summer Annual Forage Crops (Researchers: Dr. David Russell and Gerry Thompson)
  4. Comprehensive Digestive Profiles of Bermudagrass Varieties (Researchers: W. Brandon Smith, Werner G. Bergen, S. Leanne Dillard, and M. Kimberly Mullenix)
  5. Assessment of Weaning and Backgrounding Management Practices Utilized by Alabama Cattle Producers (Researchers: Maggie Justice, Alex Tigue, Max Runge, and Ken Kelly)

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 or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 15, 2021

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 15, 2021

Who can believe it? Not only are we more than halfway through the year already, but we’re somehow already preparing to welcome fall. Next Wednesday is the first official day of Autumn— although it may not quite feel like it— which means one of the most wonderful times of year! Cooler temps, baby calves, fall colors, football, chili and homemade pot roasts…all the wonderful, cozy things of fall. Fall also means events, sales, and Beef Month, making our office calendar quite full. Keep reading to find out what’s happening around our office as we prepare for the final quarter of 2021!

Fall Youth Production Field Day

Come join us THIS Saturday for the Back to the Basics Fall Youth Field Day in Andalusia. This event is open to all youth, sponsored by the state checkoff! Educational sessions will consist of equipment maintenance, fence fixing, record keeping, and youth will become Beef Quality Assurance Certified. Lunch will be provided to all who attend with a cutting horse demonstration for entertainment!  

Two Cook-Offs, Coming Right Up!

We are ONE MONTH away from the first County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-off on October 16. We know how proud every county is of its steak sandwiches and the secret recipes behind them! Now it’s time to bring them to the judging table! The ACA is very excited to host the first-ever County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-off on October 16 in Cullman. Only a team of 3 is needed from each county to enter and grill their best steak sandwich for a chance to win bragging rights to the best steak sandwich in Alabama as well as a $1,000 towards their county chapter. Please visit our website to find out more about this event and how to register at www.bamabeef.org/steaksandwichcookoff. Contact Ali Cantrell with any questions you may have at (334) 265-1867.

The “Where’s the Beef?” Cook-off at the Alabama National Fair is also on the horizon! The deadline to register for this contest is October 6 and the competition will be held at 7:00pm on October 15 at the Creative Living Center. You can register for this event at www.alnationalfair.org

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 9,132 members…but we’re not done yet! Final remittance notices will be mailing out soon, so if you haven’t renewed, now’s the time! We are SO CLOSE to our 10,000 member goal, so help us get there with your membership. Don’t forget- we offer fun prizes for our recruiters, also! If you have any membership questions, feel free to contact Jessica Kennedy in our office.

October Beef Month- Full Steam Ahead!

October Beef Month preparations are in full swing! We have some great events coming up, so please keep up with the Bama Beef Online Events Calendar to get the latest on Beef Month activities. Also, please contact staffer Ali Cantrell if you need any materials for your county chapter to pass out at any local events you may be attending. County Leaders, please do not forget to send us pictures from your event to be featured in our magazine as well as social media. Below is the timeline of state-lead activities for October Beef Month 2021.

  • September 24: Nominations open for Bama’s Best Beef
  • October 9: Maxwell Fall Fest 
    • Junior Cattlemen will be hosting a booth at the festival to talk about beef cattle and pass out treats! 
  • October 12 – 15: Beef Week
    • October 12: “Beef Up the Blood Supply” by giving blood at Conestoga Steak House in Dothan, AL and receive a $20 gift card to the steak house!
    • October 13: Receive a $2 discount off a Brisket meal at BBQ Stop in Clay, AL
    • October 14: Visit Gather in Atmore, AL and eat a delicious beef meal and receive a free dessert.
    • October 15: Come get some Beef Swag when you buy a hamburger at Hamburger King in Montgomery, AL
  • October 15: Alabama National Fair “Where’s the Beef?” Cook-off 
    • This will take place at 7 p.m. Please visit the Alabama National Fair website to enter.
  • October 16: County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-off
  • October 25: Winner for Bama’s Best Beef competition will be announced
  • October 28: Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting
  • October 29: Beef 101 at Auburn Beef Unit

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the events that are close to you! 

Beef Month Feature: Burger Week in Mobtown

We’re kicking off Beef Month in style with a good ole-fashioned Burger Week! Your Beef Checkoff is going to be the Premier Sponsor of Mobtown Burger Week (October 2 – 9, 2021) in Mobile, AL . Tour the best burgers that Mobile has to offer as each participating restaurant vies for your vote by creating a delicious, unique, specialty burger only found during Mobtown Burger Week! A People’s Choice Award will be given to the winning restaurant and a portion of the sale of each burger will be donated to Restore Mobile. Restore Mobile is a non-profit dedicated to protecting and promoting Mobile’s architectural and cultural character through renovation, advocacy, and empowerment.

SLE Update

The SLE is excited to be on the search for sponsors for the 2022 rodeo. Thank you to those who have already signed up! If this is something your company may be interested in, please visit the SLE website. This displays every sponsorship package available to you. Don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Rodeo Programs Sarah Hunter if you have any questions.!

In other news, the SLE Board of Directors gathered on September 9th to discuss several topics regarding the upcoming rodeo. Big ideas are in the works, and this will be an event you do not want to miss! We are also excited to host our SLE Annual Membership Meeting at the end of this month. It will be great to see returning members, but we also have several new faces that we are excited to welcome into our group!  

As always, if your county cattlemen’s group is hosting a rodeo, please reach out and let Sarah know what she can do to help!

Preparing BEEF for BEEF MONTH

This week, Ali Cantrell will be meeting with Renfroe’s Grocery in Montgomery to discuss filming cooking segments for WSFA during October Beef Month. Renfroe’s has graciously offered their facilities and are providing the ingredients for two cooking segments that will highlight BEEF! We are proud to have a close relationship with this grocery chain and that they are so willing to help us accomplish these types of promotions.

Candidate Fundraisers Firing Up for Election Season

Alabama welcomed Congressman GT Thompson, ranking republican member of the House Agriculture committee. ACA participated in a lunch at ALFA where agricultural issues were discussed with Congressman Thompson and Congressman Barry Moore. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley thanked the congressman for his work and reiterated the need for solutions to come for cattle market competition and increases in meat processing.

If you’re in the area please visit www.mobtownburgerweek.com for more details and for announcements of participating restaurants. You can also follow the Facebook event by searching Mobtown Burger Week.

Sale Season

Fall is right around the corner. With the arrival of fall comes cooler weather and best of all, SALE SEASON! Be sure to keep an eye out on our online calendar to get the latest on upcoming sales in Alabama! www.bamabeef.org/cattlesales

Beef on the SuperSpeedway

Just in time for October Beef Month, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Beef Board are partnering up to sponsor the Motor Racing Network for Talladega SuperSpeedway races in October! We will be kicking off Beef Month by broadcasting our Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner message on radio affiliates across Alabama and Georgia for the October 2-3 race weekend. If you happen to be at the race that weekend, keep your eyes on the video board for a :30 second clip that will make you want to start your engine to race to the nearest concession stand!

Checkoff Funded Research Projects

Each year, the Alabama State Beef Checkoff Program budgets monies that are allocated to fund cattle production-based research. This summer, our office issued a call for proposals where researchers had the opportunity to present research and itemized budget proposals in hopes of being selected for funding. Following the submission period, the research committee selected the following programs for funding, representing a variety of topics pertaining to beef cattle production. 

  1. Overseeding Bahiagrass pastures to extend the grazing season and improve sustainability in forage systems (Researchers: Josh Elmore, Dr. Kimberly Mullenix, Dr. Liliane Silva, and Dr. Leanne Dillard)
  2. Forage production and quality of stockpiled Bahiagrass pastures managed under contrasting strategies in Alabama (Researchers: Dr. Kimberly Mullenix, Dr. Liliane Silva, Dr. Leanne Dillard, Josh Elmore, Dr. Kelly Palmer, Ken Kelly, and Michael Agar)
  3. Evaluation of Weed Control Programs for Summer Annual Forage Crops (Researchers: Dr. David Russell and Gerry Thompson)
  4. Comprehensive Digestive Profiles of Bermudagrass Varieties (Researchers: W. Brandon Smith, Werner G. Bergen, S. Leanne Dillard, and M. Kimberly Mullenix)
  5. Assessment of Weaning and Backgrounding Management Practices Utilized by Alabama Cattle Producers (Researchers: Maggie Justice, Alex Tigue, Max Runge, and Ken Kelly)

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 or Instagram.