North Alabama Culinary School Farm Tour

On September 12, 2013 the Alabama State Beef Checkoff funded a Farm Tour in North Alabama for 120 culinary students and instructors.  Click on the link below the photo to see a video highlighting pictures from this successful checkoff program!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-YKL1t1aIM 

Most people would probably agree that they want to get the most bang for their buck when they are making purchases.  Whether it is clothes, cars or food that you purchase at the grocery store, we all want to save a dollar along the way.  Well, as you head to the grocery store this next week to gear up for a great weekend celebrating Independence Day, remember these 6 tips.  Your local grocer will be running valuable sales at the meat case prior to the holiday weekend so take advantage of them and stock up on BEEF for your friends and family! 

Click here for these tips and more!

Scenes from the Cowboy Cook-off

On March 9, 2013, the Alabama State Beef Checkoff funded the "Cowboy Cook-off" at the SLE Rodeo and Exposition in Montgomery, AL at the Garrett Coliseum.  In it's inaugural year, 11 teams participated in this event and served up great steak and hamburger dishes to the judges panel.  During the cook-off, the Auburn  Collegiate Cattlemen and CattleWomen were on hand with 3 "BEEF Boot Camp" stations where consumers could learn about marinades, beef selection and grilling tips!  Also, the Alabama CattleWomen's Association supplied and sampled beef brisket to consumers who came to check out the Cowboy Cook-off.    Thank you to all cookteams who participated as well as volunteers who helped make this event so successful.  If you missed out this year, start getting your team and grills together for the 2014 contest.  BEEF:  It's What's For Dinner!

A Busy Week For The Beef Checkoff Program

Even though it is the beginning of the year, the Beef Checkoff has hit the ground running for 2013!  Check out scenes from the "Distinguished Young Women of Alabama" luncheon and the 2013 Jr. and Sr. High School State Beef Cook-off that took place last week at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association building.

Ready or not, 2013 is here! Like most, I start each New Year with a few resolutions. Usually they are things like limit sodas, exercise more, and eat healthier. Each one will last for a few weeks – then I break. This year I am trying something different! In the book Attitude is Everything by Paul Meyer describes S.M.A.R.T. goals as those that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Using this method, you are able to set yourself up for success by setting benchmarks. In the past, my resolutions have been unsuccessful because they were not smart. This year, my personal/farm goals are SMART. I have also put them in writing, to hold myself accountable and serve as a reminder to keep my eye on the prize…

With the National and State Beef Checkoff programs, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is able to set goals. Each year a task force committee made of cattle producers, Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences faculty, and industry partners team up to develop a marketing plan for the collected Checkoff dollars. Once complied, the Marketing Plan is approved by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors. The Alabama Beef Checkoff: 2013 Marketing Plan has over 230 “goals” to accomplish this year!

The ACA staff and leadership are excited to present the 2013 Marketing Plan and look forward to implementing the programs and ideas.  From our cows to your herd - best wishes for a Happy New Year filled with a good calf crop, lush pastures, good weather & record cattle prices!

What are your New Year’s resolutions for your farm or county Cattlemen’s Association?

 

You can read the Alabama Beef Checkoff: 2013 Marketing Plan by clicking the cover.