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.

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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:

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.

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!

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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.

August is nearing an end. Wow, when did it even start?! It has been a busy month in the association world as the first week was dedicated to wrapping up regional meetings, followed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Annual Meeting, followed by State Board Meeting week. Our heads are still spinning, but it sure was nice to see such a variety of fine cattlemen and women along the trail. We’re already through back to school season. Now we’re headed into tailgating, and soon enough, we’ll be saying Merry Christmas! But there’s a lot that has to happen before we can put on our Santa hats. We won’t waste much time here because this week’s blog is slam full of info! Keep reading and enjoy…

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Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 8,894 members…but we’re not done yet! Final remittance notices will be mailing out soon, so if you haven’t renewed, join us, and help your county president reach his or her goal and earn their signature ACA red coat. That deadline has been extended, but is coming soon— August 31, 2021. Congrats to Bullock, Coosa, Elmore, Jackson, Pickens, Pike and WInston counties, who have already exceeded their membership goals! SO CLOSE to the finish line are Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Cherokee, Clarke, Cleburne, Dale, Dekalb, Escambia, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marshall and Montgomery counties— these chapters are just within 10 members of going Over the Top! Let’s knock out those goals, Cattlemen. You have until Tuesday to secure those red coats.

Senate Ag Committee Dinner

Last week, Erin Beasley joined the Senate Agriculture committee for a dinner at Lazenby Farms after tours on campus at Auburn University, which was sponsored in part by ACA. Committee Chairman, Senator Larry Stutts, wanted the committee to learn about agriculture research being conducted by researching and also tour the various units on campus. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the beef cattle projects being done at Auburn related to research, teaching and extension.

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)

Facelift on BamaBeef.org

Have you seen the new look on our website!? It has been five years since our website, www.BamaBeef.org, got a refresh, so it was time for a makeover. The new design puts our two most-visited pages front and center— the Events Calendar, Join Now and our Online Store. Go check it out and keep and eye on this excellent resource for Alabama’s cattle producers. It’s always getting new content to keep you the most updated!

Sale Season

Fall is right around the corner. With the arrival of fall comes cooler weather and best of all, SALE SEASON! Director of Field Services Morgan Desselle will be headed out to two sales this weekend. Friday, she’ll head to the 23^rd Annual Herdbuilder Replacement Female Sale at 11 am in Uniontown. On Saturday, she will head to South Alabama Stockyards in Brundidge for the Southern Invitational at 1:00 pm. Visit our online cattle sale calendar to view upcoming sales in Alabama! www.bamabeef.org/cattlesales

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!

First-Ever County Cattlemen’s Association Steak Sandwich Cook-Off

This is BIG news, because 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.

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!

Junior Cattlemen Update: Fall Field Day Coming Soon!

Get back to the basics of farming and join us for education on fence fixing, record keeping, equipment maintenance, and Beef Quality Assurance training at our Fall Field Day! Join us at Covington County Arena on September 18^th for a day full of fun and education! To learn more and register for the event visit www.bamabeef.org/fieldday

SLE Update

Director of Rodeo Programs Sarah Hunter has hit the ground running with her sites set on the 2022 SLE Rodeo. A few sponsors are already on the books, and the sponsorship committee will meet on Thursday of this week to continue driving that ship in the right direction! Members are invited to save the date for our Annual Meeting to be held on September 30, 2021 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. A membership meeting will be held prior where three new directors will be voted on! Speaking of directors, the SLE Board of Directors will meet on September 9 ahead of the Annual Meeting to start looking into decisions that need to be made for the 2022 event.

If you or your county hosts a local rodeo event, contact Sarah! She would love to come out and be a face from the state office as well as promote the SLE Rodeo and meet cattlemen from across Alabama.

Stay tuned as more exciting news regarding the 2022 show hits the press! We’ll be making some big announcements come September 1 on our Facebook.

Producer Visits

Staffer Morgan Desselle will be hitting the road next week as she plans to visit multiple producers across the state. Staffer Kayla Greer will also be in tow on the ride as she piggy-backs on Morgan’s visits to gain some always-needed farm photography! If you would like to be a tour stop for the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program in the future or host a Junior Cattlemen’s field day please reach out to Morgan at morgan@bamabeef.org

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.

Hey there, Alabama Cattlemen! While this week’s blog may look a little on the “slim pickins” side, fear not. We are simply in a turnaround week between busy times. The AJCA Round-Up is in our rear view, and we are in the quiet lull that always comes at the end of July prior to school starting back. While this week’s post may be shorter than usual, go ahead and saddle up for next week as we’ll be reporting on: two regional meetings, the new AJCA Board of Directors kickoff meeting, Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Session II in west Alabama, NCBA Cattle Con in Nashville, and more! Until then, here’s some reminders to add to your calendar. Keep reading!

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 8,435 members…but we’re not done yet! We are only halfway through the year, and we’ve got our sites set on 10,000. If you haven’t renewed, join us, and help your county president reach his or her goal and earn their signature ACA red coat. That deadline has been extended, but is coming soon— August 31, 2021. Let’s knock out those goals, cattlemen!

Board Memo

State Board Members: be sure to mark your calendars for August 19 to join us AT THE CATTLEMEN’S BUILDING in Downtown Montgomery! We are excited to be returning to our home port, and look to see you all there. RSVP to Jessica Kennedy if you plan to attend.

Fired Up for Cattlemen’s Cookouts

If you’re a member of the ACA, you’re invited to join us for a summertime cookout! We hosted our third of five regional cookouts last week in Alex City, and we enjoyed a great crowd and good fellowship! ACA officers and staff will be traveling to other parts of the state hosting membership meetings and meals so we can all catch up, also! If you have not renewed your membership, you’re still invited as we will be accepting membership dues on site. Come on out and enjoy an evening of good food and Cattlemen fellowship! The meeting dates and times are as follows:

WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA: August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Big Mike’s Steakhouse (Moundville)

NORTH ALABAMA: August 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley REC (Belle Mina)

There is no cost to attend this event. All we ask is that you RSVP with your name and the location of the meeting you would like to attend at least one week prior to the event date. This will ensure that we have enough food for all! Simply call or email us at: (334) 265-1867 or morgan@bamabeef.org

October Beef Month, in the works!

Staffers Ali Cantrell and Kayla Greer have already started to put their heads together for October Beef Month in Alabama. While there’s plenty left to be planned, one event is for sure- the Where’s The Beef Cook-Off at the Alabama National Fair on October 15. The Alabama Beef Checkoff is the exclusive sponsor of this year’s event, and registration for both the Youth and Adult Divisions is now open on the Fair’s Creative Living Center tab. Check it out.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The online Bama Beef Events Calendar is getting a list of new events daily. As Extension begins to normalize, educational programs are popping up across the state. County cattlemen’s chapters are beginning to think about meeting. Sales are lining up. Steak sandwich sales are firing up, and Junior Cattlemen events eyeball those free summer months! Not only that, but summertime means grilling season. We all know that beef is king of the grill, so summer beef promotions are also firing up! Make it a daily task to check out our calendar and keep an eye on events coming near you!

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.

Our biggest event of the summer is now in our rearview mirror, and our eyes are turned to a BUSY fall season ahead. With the start of school comes the kick off of the “normalcy” we have all craved for so long. Our schedules are packed, and we are excited about it! Keep reading to learn more and be sure to keep an eye on the Bama Beef Events Calendar to make sure to get your calendar marked for all the upcoming fun.

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Round-Up Recap!

The 15^th Annual AJCA Round-Up is in the books! The Round-Up is more than a calf show. There are multiple educational contest that happen throughout the weekend. Friday was full of youth competing from grooming, sales talk, and cooking competitions— we had it all! Friday was wrapped up with fun for all at the Opening Ceremonies. Youth and families join us in the Teague and Lewis barns for food and entertainment, including a mechanical bull, boutique vendors, popcorn stand, candy shop, lemonade stand, bouncy houses, and finishing the night off with a volleyball tournament.

We would like to thank all the hands that played a part in making sure this weekend was a success for the youth! This event would not be possible without the sponsors and volunteers! We would also like to congratulate all the exhibitors on their achievements throughout the weekend! 

Junior Board of Directors & Officers

President: Corley Williams, Marshall County

Vice President: Russell Jordan, Clay County

Treasurer: Walker Johnson, Cullman County

Secretary: Victoria Thompson, Lee County

Ex-Officio: Hannah Maddox, Dekalb County

District 1: Abby Burgess, Blount County

District 3: Gus Ashley, Montgomery County

District 4: Jeremy Speros, Pike County

District 4: Alyvia Watson, Mobile County

At-Large: Rex Harrison, Cullman County

Congratulations to the Top 5 Market Animals:

Champion Market Animal – Greer Jones of Pike County 

Reserve Champion Market Animal – Annabelle Wesley of Pike County

Third Overall Market Animal – Avery Ruf of Limestone County

Fourth Overall Market Animal – Mackenzie Hornbuckle of Morgan County

5^th Overall Market Animal – Wyatt Johnston of Pike County

Congratulations to the Top 5 Showmen in Each Division

Senior Top 5:

Jewel Thompson, Audra Graves, Hannah Maddox, Walker Johnson and Hannah Grace Childress

Intermediate Top 5:

Abbeigh Jo Gibson, Lyndee Meadows, Annabelle Wesley, Sara Beth Faust, and Avery Ruf

Junior Top 5

Claire Smith, Lillian Smith, Greer Jones, Lou Lou Thompson and Allie Hembree

Congratulations to the Top 5 Breeding Heifers

Supreme Champion Breeding Heifer – Annabelle Wesley of Pike County

Reserve Supreme Champion Breeding Heifer – Russell Jordan of Clay County

Third Overall Breeding Heifer – Ansley Brown of Montgomery County

Fourth Overall Breeding Heifer – Hannah Maddox of Dekalb County

Fifth Overall Breeding Heifer –  Avery Ruf of Limestone County

Congratulations to the Top 5 Bred & Owned Breeding Heifers

Supreme Champion Bred & Owned – Audra Graves of Blount County

Reserve Supreme Champion Bred & Owned – Victoria Thompson of Lee County

Third Overall Breeding Heifer Bred & Owned – Russell Jordan of Clay County 

Fourth Overall Breeding Heifer Bred & Owned – London Steel of Baldwin County

Fifth Overall Breeding Heifer Bred & Owned – Amelia Thrower of Marshall County

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 8,362 members…but we’re not done yet! We are only halfway through the year, and we’ve got our sites set on 10,000. If you haven’t renewed, join us, and help your county president reach his or her goal and earn their signature ACA red coat. That deadline has been extended, but is coming soon— August 31, 2021. Let’s knock out those goals, cattlemen!

Fired Up for Cattlemen’s Cookouts

If you’re a member of the ACA, you’re invited to join us for a summertime cookout! We hosted our first of five regional cookouts last week at Perdido River Farms in Atmore and WHOA what a turnout! We enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and state update with more than 100 members from Alabama’s southwest corner! ACA officers and staff will be traveling to other parts of the state hosting membership meetings and meals so we can all catch up, also! If you have not renewed your membership, you’re still invited as we will be accepting membership dues on site. Come on out and enjoy an evening of good food and Cattlemen fellowship! The meeting dates and times are as follows:

EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA: July 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Wellborn Musclecar Museum (Alex City, AL)

WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA: August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Big Mike’s Steakhouse (Moundville)

NORTH ALABAMA: August 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley REC (Belle Mina)

There is no cost to attend this event. All we ask is that you RSVP with your name and the location of the meeting you would like to attend at least one week prior to the event date. This will ensure that we have enough food for all! Simply call or email us at: (334) 265-1867 or morgan@bamabeef.org

Beef 101- Back in Session

Beef 101 programming is back in session! Wallace State Community college will be coming to Auburn on tomorrow, July 22^nd to learn more about the pasture to plate story from experts. If you or someone you know would like to attend this session or a later one, or if you would like to schedule your own, please contact Ali Cantrell. The next Beef 101 date will be October 29, but we hope to schedule more between now and then.

Sweet Grown Alabama

While some staff heads east for tomorrow’s regional cookout, others will head north to support our friends at Sweet Grown Alabama. Kayla Greer on the ACA staff sits on the Advisory Council for Sweet Grown Alabama to represent our organization and cattle producers. On Thursday, Kayla will attend the organization’s Annual Dinner at Scott’s Orchard in Hazel Green, AL where they’ll enjoy a Sweet Grown Alabama venue and an entirely locally-sourced meal. Then, on Friday, the organization will host a Farmer’s Market in Downtown Huntsville; Kayla will be on site for that event as well and looks forward to visiting with Cattlemen members.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The online Bama Beef Events Calendar is getting a list of new events daily. As Extension begins to normalize, educational programs are popping up across the state. County cattlemen’s chapters are beginning to think about meeting. Sales are lining up. Steak sandwich sales are firing up, and Junior Cattlemen events eyeball those free summer months! Not only that, but summertime means grilling season. We all know that beef is king of the grill, so summer beef promotions are also firing up! Make it a daily task to check out our calendar and keep an eye on events coming near you!

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.

Well it seems to be the hottest week of the year, which can only mean one thing…it’s time for the AJCA Round-Up. This week’s blog may be a little short and sweet as “all systems are go” as we work to welcome 118 junior cattlemen to Montgomery for a hot weekend full of educational contests and calf shows. If you don’t have weekend plans, join us on the Garrett Coliseum Grounds in Montgomery to support the future of our industry— and don’t worry, the arena is air conditioned! Keep reading to learn more about what else is happening in a week deemed for the summer show!

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Welcome, Round-Up!

We look forward to welcoming 118 exhibitors and 170 animals to the 15^th Annual Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Round-Up. The weekend is full of livestock shows, family fun and beef industry educational contest. We welcome all to come join us and support the youth of Alabama! Should you wish to see the weekend schedule you can visit www.bamabeef.org/round-up

Membership Update

The statewide membership number ‘o the day is 8,335 members…but we’re not done yet! We are only halfway through the year, and we’ve got our sites set on 10,000. If you haven’t renewed, join us, and help your county president reach his or her goal and earn their signature ACA red coat. That deadline has been extended, but is coming soon— August 31, 2021. Let’s knock out those goals, cattlemen!

Fired Up for Cattlemen’s Cookouts

If you’re a member of the ACA, you’re invited to join us for a summertime cookout! We hosted our first of five regional cookouts last week at Perdido River Farms in Atmore and WHOA what a turnout! We enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and state update with more than 100 members from Alabama’s southwest corner! ACA officers and staff will be traveling to other parts of the state hosting membership meetings and meals so we can all catch up, also! If you have not renewed your membership, you’re still invited as we will be accepting membership dues on site. Come on out and enjoy an evening of good food and Cattlemen fellowship! The meeting dates and times are as follows:

EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA: July 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Wellborn Musclecar Museum (Alex City, AL)

WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA: August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Big Mike’s Steakhouse (Moundville)

NORTH ALABAMA: August 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley REC (Belle Mina)

There is no cost to attend this event. All we ask is that you RSVP with your name and the location of the meeting you would like to attend at least one week prior to the event date. This will ensure that we have enough food for all! Simply call or email us at: (334) 265-1867 or morgan@bamabeef.org

ACA Tailgate Tents

Tents are in! If your county Cattlemen’s association ordered a tent at the Board Meeting, then you should have received an email from Ali with an invoice. They will be available at The MOOseum for pick up anytime, or you can wait and pick it up at the August Board Meeting. If you need it before then and can’t make it to The MOOseum, please contact Ali to let her know so she can coordinate getting it to you.

Cattlemen’s Communications Survey

Let’s chat. We want to hear from you!

We are currently reviewing our communication methods regarding membership and association business efforts to ensure that you are able to find the information you need from us in a timely, relevant and accessible way.

We also want to hear from you to learn what our members most value about a membership with the ACA.

We ask that you take a moment to complete this survey, and if you do, you’ll be entered into a drawing to receive one of 3 complimentary trade show passes— valued at $300— to NCBA’s Convention in Nashville, August 10-12, 2021. Please note that you will be contacted by the information you provide below, so ensure a working email and telephone number is entered properly.

Beef 101- Back in Session

Beef 101 programming is back in session! Wallace State Community college will be coming to Auburn on July 22^nd to learn more about the pasture to plate story from experts. If you or someone you know would like to attend this session or a later one, or if you would like to schedule your own, please contact Ali Cantrell. The next Beef 101 date will be October 29, but we hope to schedule more between now and then.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The online Bama Beef Events Calendar is getting a list of new events daily. As Extension begins to normalize, educational programs are popping up across the state. County cattlemen’s chapters are beginning to think about meeting. Sales are lining up. Steak sandwich sales are firing up, and Junior Cattlemen events eyeball those free summer months! Not only that, but summertime means grilling season. We all know that beef is king of the grill, so summer beef promotions are also firing up! Make it a daily task to check out our calendar and keep an eye on events coming near you!

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.

June has been a busy month. The going joke around the office is that everything that was supposed to happen last year is now happening in the next month. It’s a busy time, but we are enjoying the opportunity to get out and see so many that we have not seen in quite some time. As the weather heats up, we hope you all are checking off your summer to-do list around the farm and enjoying some extra labor by way of kids and grandkids who are home from school for a few months! Saddle up because there’s a busy summer ahead. Keep reading to learn more and stay up to date with the work happening here in the state office!

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Congratulations WLAC Champion, Chuck Bradley!

Chuck Bradley, from Rockford, Ala., was named the 2021 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion at the 57th annual competition held at Dickson Regional Livestock Center, Dickson, Tenn., and presented by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). 

Bradley, a three-time qualifier of the WLAC event and 2019 WLAC Reserve Champion Auctioneer, earned his spot to this year’s competition by winning LMA’s 2020 Western Qualifying Event. Twenty-eight other contestants also qualified through three regional qualifying events and received a bye into the 2021 competition due to a cancellation of last year’s event.  

“It was such a surreal moment,” Bradley said. “I was in awe. You go back and look at the other past champions, and it’s an elite group. To be classified into that group now, really means a lot to me.” 

As a part of the champion’s role, Bradley will spend the next year traveling the country, sharing his auctioneering skills with other livestock auction markets and acting as a spokesperson on behalf of the livestock marketing industry and LMA. 

“A lot of us who compete in this contest auctioneer for a living every day,” Bradley said. “This year I’m planning to continue to still go out in the field and interact with markets and their producers, while promoting LMA. 

Bradley, a graduate of North Georgia School of Auctioneering, works as an auctioneer for Montgomery Stock Yards, LLC in Montgomery, Ala. He lives in Equality, Ala., with his wife Jill and two children.  

Fired Up for Cattlemen’s Cookouts

If you’re a member of the ACA, you’re invited to join us for a summertime cookout! We hosted our first of five regional cookouts last week at Perdido River Farms in Atmore and WHOA what a turnout! We enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and state update with more than 100 members from Alabama’s southwest corner! ACA officers and staff will be traveling to other parts of the state hosting membership meetings and meals so we can all catch up, also! If you have not renewed your membership, you’re still invited as we will be accepting membership dues on site. Come on out and enjoy an evening of good food and Cattlemen fellowship! The meeting dates and times are as follows:

SOUTHEAST ALABAMA: June 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Pike County Cattleman’s Park (Troy)

EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA: July 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Wellborn Musclecar Museum (Alex City, AL)

WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA: August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Big Mike’s Steakhouse (Moundville)

NORTH ALABAMA: August 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley REC (Belle Mina)

There is no cost to attend this event. All we ask is that you RSVP with your name and the location of the meeting you would like to attend at least one week prior to the event date. This will ensure that we have enough food for all! Simply call or email us at: (334) 265-1867 or morgan@bamabeef.org

Bainbridge Block Party: Roots, Boots & Chicken Coops

Speaking of cookouts, we’re partnering with Alabama Poultry & Egg and the Alabama Forestry Association to host a fellowship event to highlight the three ag commodities located on Bainbridge Street in downtown Montgomery! We’ll be making a scene on June 25 from 11-2. Learn More

Anyone is invited to come out if you would like and join us for all the fun. We will be cooking beef burgers and chicken wings for anyone that comes, and we will have Sweet Grown Alabama farmer’s market style booths selling home grown products. We plan to invite local FFA chapters, 4H, and students in the area for games, food, and a reading of “Lucy Meets a Logger” by Stephanie Fuller of the Alabama Forestry Association in The MOOseum. Please let ACA staffer Ali Cantrell know if you plan to attend or would like to help out during the day!

Burgers on the Base

If you thought we were done talking about cookouts, you were wrong! Tomorrow the ACA crew will load up and gather with county and state leaders from all over the River Region as we grill up burgers and all-beef hotdogs for more than 800 military personnel stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. We are proud to partner with Sweet Grown Alabama, CK Cattle, Thousand Hills Cattle and Vista Farms to provide 800-1,000 burgers to airmen and their families for their annual Summer Base Wide Picnic. This event will feature food, games, music and more to honor the families who serve our country. We’re proud to be offering locally-produced beef at this event, thanks to our partnership with Sweet Grown and their members! Stay tuned for photos, and God Bless America!

15th Annual AJCA Round-Up

Round-Up Registration is LIVE! We are looking forward to our 15^th annual Round-Up July 15-18. Join us in Montgomery for a weekend full of family fun. The AJCA Round-Up is more than a calf show. This event is full of educational contest and family fun! We welcome anyone who would like to support our youth by being a spectator. This event would not be possible without our many sponsors each year. If you are interested in sponsoring at any level please reach out to Morgan Desselle at morgan@bamabeef.org The Round-Up also host the AJCA District Director elections. If you know of a young motivated AJCA member from the ages 15-21, encourage them to apply to the AJCA Board of Directors! The application is now live on the site! The AJCA Board serves the ACA and AWCA by volunteering their time to help out at beef promotional and educational events through out the year. This is a great way for youth to learn more about the industry and connect with industry leaders! Applications and registration close July 2.

Cooking Segments Across Alabama

Coming up next on Cooking with John, is your Beef Checkoff dollars at work! Tune into WKRG this summer, October and December for beef recipes prepared by some of your favorite local cattlemen, cattlewomen and junior cattlemen! Here’s the lineup:

Airing TODAY: Kendra Moravec will prepare Barbecue Chipotle Burgers for summer grilling

Airing 7/17: Thomas Cotton is serving up summertime Surf N’ Turf Tenderloin

Airing 9/29: Ali Cantrell is mixing up a heart healthy Farmers Market Vegetable Beef Brown Rice Salad

Airing 10/14: Abbie Jo Gibson will prepare Beef Brisket for October Beef Month

Airing 12/9: Just in time for holiday roasting, Ali Cantrell will prepare delicious Beef Wellington

Staffer Ali Cantrell has also secured segments to air in the Montgomery and Huntsville DMAs. Stay tuned for more info on that!

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The online Bama Beef Events Calendar is getting a list of new events daily. As Extension begins to normalize, educational programs are popping up across the state. County cattlemen’s chapters are beginning to think about meeting. Sales are lining up. Steak sandwich sales are firing up, and Junior Cattlemen events eyeball those free summer months! Not only that, but summertime means grilling season. We all know that beef is king of the grill, so summer beef promotions are also firing up! Make it a daily task to check out our calendar and keep an eye on events coming near you!

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.