Online Videos on BQA Website

Many cattlemen, not only in Alabama, have completed training programs through the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program funded by the $1 beef checkoff. Why? Well, because isn't it in our best interest to keep our customers happy? Of course it is!

That's exactly what the BQA program is about; learning what we can do as cattlemen to ensure hungry beef consumers are getting consistent, wholesome, and healthy beef.

Thousands of cattlemen here in Alabama are veterans of BQA training and certification events. Now, we all have access to this educational message through the videos hosted on the BQA website, find them by clicking here.

If you're interested in BQA education, please contact your state BQA coordinator. Not sure who that person is? No problem, find them by clicking here.

Let Folk's Know You're "Riding for the Brand"

Recently, ACA completed work on a Strategic Plan that sets the course of the association for the next several years. The plan was developed by a group of volunteer leaders, the Strategic Plan Task Force, who's mission it was to grow the influence of the association and also plan for its long-term stability.

One of these members of the Strategic Plan Task Force, Charles Kelly of Talladega County, was adamant during discussions that county leaders, whether they're officers or not, have the ability to drive participation and excitement in the association. Charles, you hit the nail on the head.

Check out the video below to see an example of how we're all capable of doing just that.

To talk with Charles (and find out how many takes this video took), visit him by clicking here.

Fair Season is in Full Swing in Alabama

Early Fall marks "Fair Season" in Alabama. Over the last few weeks, county fairs have drawn in crowds all over Alabama.

As an industry, this time provides provides us an opportunity to interact one-on-one with fairgoers and talk about what it is to play the role of steward to our animals and our land.

As parents, volunteer leaders, and supporters of youth livestock programs, this is a time to celebrate the outstanding young men and women participating in the junior shows.

This week, beef cattle will be on display at the Alabama National Fair. Open Brahman, Charolais, Angus, and Hereford shows are scheduled for today and tomorrow. Saturday will host the Junior show starting off with Showmanship then moving on to the Heifer Show and followed up by the Steer Show.

If you're going to be in or around Montgomery this weekend, please stop by and check out this great event. It's sure to give you a sense of optimism about the future of the cattle industry based on the great set of junior cattlemen involved.

For more information on the Alabama National Fair and a complete schedule of livestock events, please click here.

Explaining Concerns Over Proposed GIPSA Rule

For the last several months, cattlemen have heard lots of discussion about the proposed GIPSA rule on competition and how it will affect the beef industry.

Below is a short video of Colin Woodall, Executive Director of Legislative Affairs for NCBA, explaining some concerns many cattlemen have with the rule.

Producer Profile: Mitch Smith of Holly Pond, AL

This installment of Producer Profiles travels just a few miles north of downtown Holly Pond to visit Dr. Mitch Smith, D.V.M. and his family.

Dr. Smith not only works with cattle nearly every day in his veterinary practice but comes home to see them grazing behind his house each night as well. In fact, those animals at home belong to his son and should help put him through college in a few years.

We hope you enjoy this latest highlight of another cattleman in Alabama who has truly made the cattle business, a family business.

America's Original Environmentalists

Without a doubt, those who care most about the health and vitality of their natural resources are the men and women whose livelihood depends on nature's bounty. This truth gives cattlemen the title of "America's Original Environmentalists".

Now, the Alabama Cattlemen's Association is working together with leaders from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service to create the Alabama Environmental Stewards Program to recognize and award cattlemen who are taking diligent steps to conserve and protect their natural resources. Nominations for the program will start at the county level and move on to the district and state level for recognition and awards.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this new program, please contact ACES Coordinator of Environmental Stewardship in Animal Agriculture Dr. Frank Owsley at 334-844-1505 or OWSLEWF@auburn.edu.

Fuel for the Finish

"Fuel for the Finish." That's a tag line the beef industry is using to tell consumers about the benefits of lean beef.

On Saturday October 2nd, however, this tag line took on a literal meaning during the 2nd Annual Montgomery Half Marathon. Of around 1,140 runners registered for the 13.1 mile event, 1,063 completed the race. Those that did were no doubt glad to see what awaited them as they climbed the last hill on the course running north on Bainbridge Street. There, at the marker for mile 11 was the Alabama Cattlemen's Association building, a water station, and a hot grill serving everyone's favorite protein boost: BEEF!

Congratulations to all the runners! To see a complete list of finishers from the event, please click here.

Pictured above is Half Marathon winner Daniel Ellis who finished with a time of 1:08:40.