Beef Fact Friday: How Farmers and Ranchers Are Becoming More Sustainable

Farmers and ranchers across the nation have taken drastic measures to improve the sustainability of the food you eat. Learn more with today’s #BeefFactFriday.

----------The below article and photo is from Facts About Beef -----------

When it comes to questions about sustainability, U.S. agriculture sometimes gets a bad rap. We know you might have questions about the sustainability of the food you eat and want to know what farmers have done (and what they are continuing to do) to be more sustainable. Of course, the best people to answer questions about sustainability in agriculture are the farmers and ranchers living it every day. On US News & World Report, Registered Dietitian Toby Amidor interviews five different types of farmers, including Kansas rancher Debbie Lyons-Blythe, to share some of the environmentally-friendly changes in their methods of raising and growing food. 

Debbie Lyons-Blythe,
Kansas cattle rancher

“I live in the Kansas Flint Hills, one of the last remaining natural tallgrass prairies in the world. To protect the prairie, we work hard to maintain the water and water quality in our ponds. The water comes from rainfall on the surrounding hills and is filtered through the grass as it runs into the ponds, providing access to clean, fresh water for cattle and wildlife alike. According to recent studies, up to 75 percent of wildlife in the U.S. lives on farms and ranches. We manage for the entire ecosystem and diversity is the goal – both in wildlife and grasses. That makes for a healthier grassland and healthier cattle.” – Debbie Lyons-Blythe, Blythe Ranch, Kansas.

Read the rest of the article. 

Throwback Thursday: 1961

#ThrowbackThursday to a September 1961 beef field day with Hale and Greene counties, sponsored by the Alabama Hereford Cattlemen’s Association. Pictured around the demonstration animal are Wilbur Whitten, Charlie Farquhar, Oscar Braun, W.P. Breen and L. Chatterton. Breen, the owner of this fine bull, was also the field day committee chair at the time. He hosted a successful event with over 40 cattlemen who saw over 2500 head of Hereford cattle.

What's Going On Wednesday: January 27, 2016

It is an exciting week in the ACA office! Not only is Convention one month away, but Baby Hunter Beasley made is appearance this morning, and mama and baby are both happy and healthy! Weighing in at 9 pounds and 4 ounces and 20 inches long, it's clear that the Beef Girl, ACA staffer Erin Beasley, had a beefy baby! Welcome to the ACA family, Hunter, and congrats Erin and Chad!

Keep reading to learn #WhatsGoingOn around the ACA state office this week.

Set Sail for San Diego

More than 60 Alabama Cattlemen and CattleWomen are setting sail for San Diego this week as they head west to the NCBA Convention (#BeefMeet). Those in attendance on Alabama's behalf are ACA staffer Curt Berry, ACA President Jim Akin, ACA President-Elect Bill Lipscomb, ACA Past President and Federation Executive Committee representative Donna Jo Curtis, ACA Past President and Vice Chair of Animal Health Jimmy Holliman, the Alabama CattleWomen's Association officer team, Dr. Christy Bratcher and 15 Auburn Collegiate Cattlemen and CattleWomen and Dr. Wayne Greene from Auburn University's Dept. of Animal Sciences.

This is going to be a great week of learning and networking as they attended the many sessions and activities designed for American cattle producers! Thanks for your representation at this year's convention, Alabamians. We can't wait to hear about all you learned and saw. 

Photo Courtesy of the Alabama CattleWomen's Association

73rd Annual ACA Convention and Trade Show

Have you registered for the ACA Convention and Trade Show yet? Now's the time!

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and a sold-out trade show for the Iron City Beef Bash 73rd Annual ACA Convention and

Trade Show. Alabama Senior Senator Richard Shelby will be the keynote speaker at the legislative luncheon while Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Administrator for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, will be the general session guest speaker. Other guest speakers include USMEF's Dan Halstrom who will speak on "What Lies Ahead for the Beef Export Market," Soren Rodning, DMV, from Auburn University, Extension Ag Economist Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University and NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White.

Our trade show is sold out with over 60 vendors including companies like Tri-Green, Priefert, Fuller Supply, Deep South Livestock, Merck, New Holland North America, Southern Silage Company, Drummonds Farms, BamaWise, Verizon Wireless and many, many more! The trade show alone is worth the trip to the Iron City!

Friday night's Rotational Grazing is going to be a great time for all with fun, fellowship and boot, scoot and boogy-in' to Tim Tyler the Piano Man! Other entertainment and a photo booth sponsored by the Southeastern Livestock Expo will be available as well!

A special thanks to this year's Convention sponsors Alabama Farm Credit/Alabama Land Credit, Alabama Farmers Cooperative. Alabama Farmers Federation, AgriLabs, Alabama CattleWomen’s Association, First South Farm Credit, Fuller Supply Company/Preifert Ranch Equipment, Morgan Stanley, ServisFirst Bank, Southeast AgNet and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition.

More information regarding this year's convention is in January's issue of the Alabama Cattleman and there will be more in February's upcoming issue. Register online or by mail today by clicking the link above. Reserve your room at the Sheraton: CLICK HERE or call 205-324-500

(Group code: AL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION)

Membership Report

Total membership for 2016 to date is 6,599. As January comes to a close, the final chance for you to join or renew at the $30 fee is during the month of February. The dues increase will take effect on March 1. Eighteen of our counties chose to send out final renewal notices, and Selina has been hard at work to get those out.

Congratulations to Sumter County who was the first county to go "Over the Top" by 5!

If you're from Jackson or Montgomery counties- be on the lookout for ACA staff at your upcoming annual meeting. Dr. Billy Powell will attended and speak at the Jackson County meeting Saturday evening, and Powell and ACA staffer Kayla Greer will be at the Montgomery County Livestock Expo and annual meeting Sunday afternoon/evening. See you there!

Be sure to get the press out to your county's meeting! Great job to Walker County who invited the media and got a great article in their weekly newspaper. Read It. 

Year End Auditing

Staffer Cynthia Dondrea has been keeping her nose in the file cabinets for the past two weeks as the ACA goes through its year-end auditing for 2015. It's hopeful that that project will wrap up by this week's end. 

Convention and SLE Rodeo Promotion

Staffer Kayla Greer has been on the run promoting the Convention and SLE Rodeo. She met with G2 productions Tuesday afternoon with Sela Marketing Rep Lisa Locklar to get SLE Rodeo TV commericals in the works. She's also been corresponding with two major media markets setting up talk show interviews to promote Convention. Watch for ACA staffers on the ABC33 "Talk of Alabama" segment Monday, Feb. 15 at 9 a.m and WSFA12 "Alabama Live!" talk show Monday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. 

Legislative Front

On Thursay, Dr. Billy Powell, the sole lobbyist for the ACA, will spend his day at a Legislative Outlook Seminar in preparation for the Legislative Session convening next Tuesday on Capitol Hill. As the host, Gov. Robert Bentley will be informing Alabama's lobbyists about what to expect in the next session, and Alabama senators will speak on the anticipated budget battles to take place during the session. Dr. Powell does a great job following the activity of the legislature in order to protect you from potentially harmful legislation.

Also in the legislative world, tomorrow, the ACA will host a luncheon for Congressman Bradley Byrne. Congressman Byrne will give an update from D.C. about what's happening in the House of Representatives. 

2016 SLE Rodeo

The 59th Annual SLE Rodeo comes bucking into town March 17-19. This is a family event you don't wanna miss because this year has all kinds of new events including a parade to kick off SLE week! Tickets are easy to buy:

• Call 1-888-2RODEO2 and order over phone
• Visit www.SLERodeo.com and order online through Ticketmaster.
• Visit the Cattlemen's building in Downtown Montgomery or the Garrett Coliseum and buy your tickets in person
• Mail in a ticket order form, which can her found here. 

You're not going to want to miss this family fun show packed with entertainment! Frontier Rodeo Company, PRCA's Stock Contractor of the Year, will be bringing their best including PRCA Saddle Bronc of the Year, Medicine Woman! In between the bucking, bulldoggin' and barrels, Pro Rodeo master comedian Lecile Harris

will entertain the crowd while celebrating 60 years in the business! Don't forget your boogie boots because following Friday and Saturday nights' performances, you'll get to go Dancin' in the Dirt to the Sweet Young'Uns (Friday) and the Wes Loper Band (Saturday). Just in case that's not enough excitement, Thursday night is First Responders Night where FREE general admission is granted to anyone who can present a first responders identification. Friday night is Ladies Night where all ladies tickets will be submitted for some juicy door prizes drawn throughout the show! Lastly, bring those battle cries to the rodeo Saturday

The Sweet Young'Uns will perform
Friday evening following the
show, and the Wes Loper Band will
party in true rodeo fashion Saturday! 

 night for College Night, where college students can receive 4 tickets for only $40 with the presentation of a valid college i.d. 

Saddle up and join in the family fun and entertainment for all ages all while enjoying America's original sport, rodeo! Visit our website for more information and a schedule of events.

Tasty Tuesday- Greek Bowl

Greek food has taken the United States by storm. In the past five years, it's popularity has increased exponentially, and that's because a Greek diet goes hand-in-hand with a a healthy diet. Conveniently for those of you who enjoy beef in your lifestyle, one of the prime ingredients in Greek food is red meat. 

Bowls With Balance- Greek

Today's #Tasty Tuesday features both Greek food and our favorite protein, beef. Nestled in a balanced, Greek-inspired bowl is a great lean cut of beef, Strip Steak. Get this recipe and more like it at Beef, It's What's For Dinner. 

Bowls With Balance- Greek

Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 beef Strip Steak Boneless, 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
• 2 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half
• 2 medium red bell pepper, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup non fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup reduced fat feta cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced olives

Instructions

1. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11-14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 11 to 15 minutes) for medium rare (145F) to medium (160F) doneness, turning occasionally.
2. Place zucchini and peppers on the grill. Grill Zucchini covered for 7 to 10 minutes and peppers covered for 11 to 14 minutes.
3. While steaks and vegetables are cooking, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt to make Tzatziki sauce. Dress quinoa with the remaining lemon juice and parsley. Divide quinoa equally among four bowls.
4. Slice steaks into thin slices. Chop zucchini and peppers into bite-sized pieces. Divide steak and vegetables evenly over the quinoa in each of the bowls. Garnish with olives and feta and finish with a dollop of Tzatziki. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Movie Monday: An Invite from the Executive Office

Are you still on the fence about whether or not you're coming to the ACA Convention and Trade Show? With this lineup of great speakers, you can't miss this opportunity to learn more about this industry that you work for on a daily basis. This week's #MovieMonday features ACA Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell as he tells you about this year's featured speakers. Check it out:

Beef Fact Friday: One Powerful Protein

Did you know that it would take 7.5 servings of skinless chicken breast (with 1,050 calories) to get the same amount of Vitamin B12 as is in a 3-ounce serving of lean beef with 154 calories?

Or how about 13.5 servings of salmon (with 2,363 calories) to get the zinc content that's in 3 ounces of lean beef?

And then try 6.5 cups of raw spinach (with 46 calories) to get the amount of vitamin B6 in 3 ounces of lean beef?

It’s true. Beef is not only delicious but also naturally nutrient rich! SHARE the news!

Throwback Thursday: Walker County, 1960

#ThrowbackThursday to 1960 and a Walker County Cattlemen’s Association event. More than 350 cattlemen, CowBelles and junior cattlemen attended the Walker County Cattlemen’s Family Day held in Jasper that year! Stead L-R J.H. Deason, John Kilgore, 1960 ACA President Ed Wadsworth, John Armstrong. Standing L-R are Bob Farquhar and J.H. Sellers, Exentsion Beef Cattlemen from Auburn, Neil Kilgore, E.N. Vandegrift and J.C. Bullington. Do you recognize anyone?

What's Going On Wednesday: January 20, 2016

January is slipping away from us! Only one more Wednesday post before we are hopping along into Convention month. There's still a lot to be done to prepare, but plans for Convention are really shaping up. It's going to be a great time of fellowship, learning and experiencing all this industry has to offer. There's a lot more than just Convention going on, however. Keep reading to see #WhatsGoingOn around the Cattlemen's this week.

Membership Report

2016 ACA membership entered the day with 5,754 members so far. There's a lot of upcoming county meetings where numbers will jump. Be sure to check out the Cattlemen's Calendar to find out when your county annual meeting is and be sure to pay your dues before the increase goes into effect on March 1. 

Help your county go “Over the Top” by Feb. 26th, and your county president will receive a red coat along with 20 rodeo tickets to share among the county chapter. "Over the Top" counties will also entered into the drawing to win the Priefet Squeeze Chute (Side Note: Counties must have at least 100 members to qualify for the squeeze chute). Congratualtions to Sumter County who's gone "Over the Top" with 93 members, seven more than 2015.

73rd Annual ACA Convention and Trade Show

Have you registered for the ACA Convention and Trade Show yet? Now's the time! 

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and a sold-out trade show for the Iron City Beef Bash 73rd Annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. Alabama Senior Senator Richard Shelby will be the keynote speaker at the legislative luncheon while Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Administrator for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, will be the general session guest speaker. Other guest speakers include USMEF's Dan Halstrom  who will speak on "What Lies Ahead for the Beef Export Market," Soren Rodning, DMV, from Auburn University, Extension Ag Economist Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University and NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White. 

Our trade show is sold out with over 60 vendors including companies like Tri-Green, Priefert, Fuller Supply, Deep South Livestock, Merck, New Holland North America, Southern Silage Company, Drummonds Farms, BamaWise, Verizon Wireless and many, many more! The trade show alone is worth the trip to the Iron City! 

Friday night's Rotational Grazing is going to be a great time for all with fun, fellowship and boot, scoot and boogy-in' to Tim Tyler the Piano Man! Other entertainment and a photo booth sponsored by the Southeastern Livestock Expo will be available as well!

A special thanks to this year's Convention sponsors Alabama Farm Credit/Alabama Land Credit, Alabama Farmers Cooperative. Alabama Farmers Federation, AgriLabs, Alabama CattleWomen’s Association, First South Farm Credit, Fuller Supply Company/Preifert Ranch Equipment, Morgan Stanley, ServisFirst Bank, Southeast AgNet and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition.

More information regarding this year's convention is in January's issue of the Alabama Cattleman and there will be more in February's upcoming issue. Register online or by mail today by clicking the link above. Reserve your room at the Sheraton: CLICK HERE or call 205-324-500

(Group code: AL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION)

Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

The ballots have been mailed to the 37 living members encouraging them to vote on individuals for induction into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame at Convention on Saturday, February 27. Two new honarees and a Pioneer Inductee will be inducted with their families at side. Be sure to get those ballots in!

Farm Tours

On Tuesday, ACA Director of Industry Relations Curt Berry traveled north to St. Clair and Cullman counties to four different operations. Curt's objective was to view nominations for the NCBA, NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation's Environmental Stewardship Award. Stay tuned to follow the progress of this award. 

2016 SLE Rodeo

The 59th Annual SLE Rodeo comes bucking into town March 17-19. This is a family event you don't wanna miss because this year has all kinds of new events including a parade to kick off SLE week! Tickets are easy to buy:

• Call 1-888-2RODEO2 and order over phone
• Visit www.SLERodeo.com and order online through Ticketmaster.
• Visit the Cattlemen's building in Downtown Montgomery or the Garrett Coliseum and buy your tickets in person
• Mail in a ticket order form, which can her found here. 

You're not going to want to miss this family fun show packed with entertainment! Frontier Rodeo Company, PRCA's Stock Contractor of the Year, will be bringing their best including PRCA Saddle Bronc of the Year, Medicine Woman! In between the bucking, bulldoggin' and barrels, Pro Rodeo master comedian Lecile Harris

will entertain the crowd while celebrating 60 years in the business! Don't forget your boogie boots because following Friday and Saturday nights' performances, you'll get to go Dancin' in the Dirt to the Sweet Young'Uns (Friday) and the Wes Loper Band (Saturday). Just in case that's not enough excitement, Thursday night is First Responders Night where FREE general admission is granted to anyone who can present a first responders identification. Friday night is Ladies Night where all ladies tickets will be submitted for some juicy door prizes drawn throughout the show! Lastly, bring those battle cries to the rodeo Saturday

The Sweet Young'Uns will perform
Friday evening following the
show, and the Wes Loper Band will
party in true rodeo fashion Saturday! 

 night for College Night, where college students can receive 4 tickets for only $40 with the presentation of a valid college i.d. 

Saddle up and join in the family fun and entertainment for all ages all while enjoying America's original sport, rodeo! Visit our website for more information and a schedule of events.

2016 Cowboy Cookoff

Round up your team for the Cowboy Cookoff! Online registration

is now available for teams interested in competing in the 2016 Cowboy Cookoff, held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo on March 19 in Montgomery at the Garrett Coliseum. Prize money will be given to the Judges Choice winner ($500) and the People’s Choice winner ($250). Entry fee is only $100 and we will provide you with the steaks! Questions? Contact Erin at the ACA office.

Rodeo and Junior Beef Expo Planning

Dr. Billy Powell met with Garrett Coliseum staff this week and is holding a meeting Friday with SLE officers to finalize plans for this year's SLE Rodeo. He says it's shaping up to be the best one in 59 years!

Dr. Powell also talked to Alabama Junior Cinch and Senior High School Rodeos, and SLE is allowing them to hold rodeos in the Coliseum on March 12 and 13, prior to SLE week. This will be a great learning experience for these upcoming rodeo cowboys and cowgirls.

ACA staffer Curt Berry has been busy with Junior Beef Expo (JBE) planning and fundraising, and he, along with Dr. Powell, is in discussion with Extension's 4-H and Youth Development Specialist Jason P’Poole to discuss plans for 1st Annual Southeastern Livestock Expo 4-H/FFA and Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

Tasty Tuesday: Lean Beef Fajitas

We think this #TastyTuesday should be a #TacoTuesday kind of

meal! It’s easy to serve healthy, flavorful fajitas when lean beef is the centerpiece! Flank steak is perfect for fajitas because it’s a great cut to marinate before grilling, and it is best served sliced thinly. Flank steak is also one of the 38 lean cuts of beef available at the meat case! Grab this recipe for Fajitas with Pico De Gallo and #LiveAFlavorfulLife.

Find out more about this recipe at Beef, It's What's for Dinner. 

Quick Beef Fajitas with Pico De Gallo

25 minutes

4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 beef Flank Steak (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• 8 medium flour tortillas, warmed

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pico de Gallo:

• 1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1/4 chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup prepared picante sauce or salsa
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
2. Combine Pico de Gallo ingredients in medium bowl.
3. Remove steak; discard marinade. Place steak on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Carve across the grain into thin slices. Serve in tortillas with Pico de Gallo.

Movie Monday: A Presidential Invite

2015 ACA President Jim Akin would like to invite you and yours to the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show held Feb. 26-27 at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham. Listen to what he has to say and register today. 

Beef Fact Friday: BOLD Reasons to Eat Lean Beef

Photo Credit: Facts About Beef

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends lean beef as part of a healthy lifestyle! With that in mind, allow lean beef to help you power through your day while sticking to your New Year resolution for better overall eating and fitness. Here are four bold reasons why lean beef supports your New Year resolutions for today’s #BeefFactFriday.

----The following article is from Facts About Beef----

4 BOLD Reasons Lean Beef Supports Your New Year’s Resolutions

When planning and implementing your New Year’s Resolutions for this year it’s important to stack the deck in your favor, to increase the likelihood of your success. Many have found great success enjoying beef as a top source of lean protein and essential nutrients. Here are 4 BOLD reasons to include lean beef (and its many benefits) in your diet in 2016 and beyond!
Lean beef satisfies a heart healthy diet

Multiple research papers published from Penn State University Clinical Nutrition Research Center on the BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) study have shown that a heart healthy diet, including lean beef daily, leads to simultaneous reductions in a variety of risk factors for heart disease including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (often called ‘bad cholesterol’), and blood pressure.
Today’s beef is a satisfying lean protein choice to support your weight loss goals

Protein plays an extremely important role in weight loss, and lean beef is equipped to provide you all the research-proven benefits. Research shows that protein rich food like lean beef may help increase feelings of fullness and control cravings, while also packing the ideal levels of a key compound called leucine, which helps your body build calorie burning muscle.
Lean beef is packed with nutrients you need, not excessive calories that you don’t

Calorie for calorie, it is hard to beat all the nutrients you get from a single serving of lean beef. When you are watching and reducing your calorie intake to aid in your weight loss efforts, it can be hard to get all the nutrients that your body needs to stay nourished and energized. Just a 3oz serving of lean beef contains more than 10% of your daily needs of all these essential nutrients – protein (50%), zinc (39%), vitamin B12 (37%), selenium (24%), phosphorus (20%), niacin (18%), Vitamin B6 (16%), iron (14%), riboflavin (12%). With so many flavorful ways to prepare lean beef, you can keep your diet exciting and fresh

A major downfall of “healthy diets” is the doom and gloom associated with their bland menus. Lean beef brings the variety and flavors that you love with the health punch your body needs. Don’t relinquish your taste buds to bland proteins and steamed vegetables when you can enjoy dishes like beef chili, fajitas, and sweet potato hash.

ThrowbackThursday: 1959

#ThrowbackThursday to 1959 with the Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association stood a BEEF sign on Highway 230 between Dadeville and Alex City. Pictured are H.L. Johnson, Mitchell Webster, Tallapoosa County president at the time, W.C. White and Edwin Davis. 

What's Going On Wednesday: January 13, 2016

Howdy, folks! Has it already been a week since the last #WhatsGoingOnWednesday post? Wow time sure does fly when you're busy working for Alabama's cattlemen. It's a very busy time of year for the ACA state staff as we are preparing for the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show and the upcoming SLE Rodeo! Aside from those two large-scale events, there's smaller projects, events and meetings happening constantly around the ACA building. Keep reading to stay in-the-know about #WhatsGoingOn with your state ACA staffers.

Iron City Beef Bash

Have you registered for the ACA Convention and Trade Show yet? Now's the time! 

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and trade show vendors for the Iron City Beef Bash 73rd Annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. Alabama Senior Senator Richard Shelby will be the keynote speaker at the legislative luncheon while Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Administrator for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, will be the general session guest speaker. Other guest speakers include USMEF's Dan Halstrom  who will speak on "What Lies Ahead for the Beef Export Market," Soren Rodning, DMV, from Auburn University, Extension Ag Economist Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University and NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White. 

Be on the lookout for more information regarding this year's convention in January's issue of the Alabama Cattleman. Register online or by mail today by clicking the link above. Reserve your room at the Sheraton: CLICK HERE or call 205-324-500

(Group code: AL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION)

Trade Show Vendors

Attention all vendors, trade show is filling up quick! It won’t be long until our trade show will reach maximum capacity. We encourage any interested company to complete their vendor registration in the next week to ensure a booth space. Online registration can be found by visiting, http://www.bamabeef.org/pdf/2016/01-05/exhibitor_form.pdf. Questions? Contact Erin or Selina at the ACA office.

2016 Membership

We are off to a great start in membership for 2016 and it's expected to take a major jump after annual meetings take place. As of today, 2016 membership is at 5,259 paid members!

There are county meetings happening all across the state during January and February! Check out the ACA Calendar and make sure to go to your county's annual meeting! 

February Magazine

The February magazine is the Convention issue, so hang on to it to

use as a reference while you're in Birmingham! Just in case you lose it, though, copies will be available at the Convention, and that means it's a great time to advertise! Get the best bang for your advertising dollar by contacting Nicky Bechard by January 15 to advertise in our next issue! (334) 265-1867

4-H Skill-A-Thon and Quiz Bowl

Saturday ACA staffer Curt Berry went to the 4-H Skill-A-Thon and Quiz Bowl at the 4-H Center in Columbiana. While there, Curt visited with junior cattlemen from across the state, learned more about the contest and watched the well-prepared students compete with their knowledge of animal agriculture. He was impressed with the amount of preparation and farm knowledge goes into this event. Great job, juniors!

JBE Fundraising

Speaking of juniors, Curt has been very busy working with the Junior Beef Expo Fundraising Committee to gain sponsorships for this year's show. SLE President Thomas Ellis, Van Smith, Rusty Roden, Jimmy Parnell and Paul Pinyan have multiple meetings this week to discuess fundraising efforts. If you're interested in sponsoring the 2016 JBE, contact Curt. 

2015 DYW contestants enjoying
time spent in The MOOseum

DYW at ACA

Tomorrow the ACA will host the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama for a lunch and learn about the state’s cattle industry. Contestants from across the state will enjoy a beef lunch, try to stump Dr. Powell with their hometown’s county location, tour The MOOseum and participate in a beef trivia contest to test their knowledge about beef. Full coverage of the event will be in the February edition of the Alabama Cattleman.

YCLP Weekend Getaway

For the last meeting before Convention, the YCLP Class II students will be joining Dr. Don Mulvaney in southeast Alabama this Saturday and Sunday for farm tours and leadership training. The group will take their first stop in Eufala at Corcoran Farms, visit the Headland Research Center, tour Meadow Creek Farm then retire to Dothan for dinner and leadership sessions. Sunday morning, the group will enjoy breakfast and more training and head back to the farm. This is the final get together before their graduation from the program which will take place at Convention. This group has visted farms across the state, toured a packing facility, participated in hours of leadership training, networked among millennial cattlemen in Alabama and learned about the ACA and the legislative process. It's been a successful year for the class, and they are excited for the upcoming Class III to experience all they have. 

Cowboy Cookoff

Round up your team for the Cowboy Cookoff! Online registration

is now available for teams interested in competing in the 2016 Cowboy Cookoff, held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo on March 19 in Montgomery at the Garrett Coliseum. Prize money will be given to the Judges Choice winner ($500) and the People’s Choice winner ($250). Entry fee is only $100 and we will provide you with the steaks! Questions? Contact Erin at the ACA office

Facebook Contest

Did you know that lean beef is part of a healthy lifestyle? As you kick off your 2016 diet and fitness plan, don’t forget to incorporate lean beef into your meals for a punch of protein and other essential vitamins and nutrients! On Facebook now through January 15 you can comment on the below picture with your favorite meal featuring lean beef to win a $25 beef certificate, a "Beef Strong" fitness tank and a cookbook featuring healthy guides to cooking with lean beef.

3L Ranch Photo Shoot

Bill said one of his favorite spots
on his Prattville ranch is behind
the wheel of his Ranger side-by-side.

In preparation for a new president after his installation at the upcoming convention, ACA staffers Kayla Greer and Curt Berry spent Tuesday afternoon at President-Elect Bill Lipscomb's homestead. While there, the staffers took Alabama Cattleman cover pictures of Bill and his wife, Susan, and visited with the couple while learning about their Prattville operation. Bill is very excited for his upcoming presidency and cannot wait to meet as many members as possible. 

He and Susan are picture-perfect! Thanks, Mr. Bill and Mrs. Susan for spending the afternoon with Kayla and Curt! 

2016 SLE Rodeo

The 59th Annual SLE Rodeo comes bucking into town March 17-19. This is a family event you don't wanna miss because this year has all kinds of new events including a parade to kick off SLE week! Tickets are easy to buy:

• Call 1-888-2RODEO2 and order over phone
• Visit www.SLERodeo.com and order online through Ticketmaster.
• Visit the Cattlemen's building in Downtown Montgomery or the Garrett Coliseum and buy your tickets in person
• Mail in a ticket order form, which can her found here. 

You're not going to want to miss this family fun show packed with entertainment! Frontier Rodeo Company, PRCA's Stock Contractor of the Year, will be bringing their best including PRCA Saddle Bronc of the Year, Medicine Woman! In between the bucking, bulldoggin' and barrels, Pro Rodeo master comedian Lecile Harris

will entertain the crowd while celebrating 60 years in the business! Don't forget your boogie boots because following Friday and Saturday nights' performances, you'll get to go Dancin' in the Dirt to the Sweet Young'Uns (Friday) and the Wes Loper Band (Saturday). Just in case that's not enough excitement, Thursday night is First Responders Night where FREE general admission is granted to anyone who can present a first responders identification. Friday night is Ladies Night where all ladies tickets will be submitted for some juicy door prizes drawn throughout the show! Lastly, bring those battle cries to the rodeo Saturday

The Sweet Young'Uns will perform
Friday evening following the
show, and the Wes Loper Band will
party in true rodeo fashion Saturday! 

 night for College Night, where college students can receive 4 tickets for only $40 with the presentation of a valid college i.d. 

Saddle up and join in the family fun and entertainment for all ages all while enjoying America's original sport, rodeo! Visit our website for more information and a schedule of events.

Tasty Tuesday: Mediterranean Beef Pitas with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce

Get your lean beef, veggies and Mediterranean fix with this

#TastyTuesday recipe for Mediterranean Beef Pitas with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce. It’s a light, delicious way to follow your New Year resolutions and #LiveAFlavorfulLife. This recipe not only would make a delicious dinnertime meal, but it's lightness would go great for your lunch hour, too! That's a win-win. Get additional information and nutrition facts at Beef It's What's For Dinner. 

Mediterranean Beef Pitas with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds Top Round Steak, cut 1 inch thick
• 1-1/2 cups nonfat plain Greek or regular yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 medium cucumber
• Salt and pepper
• 6 white or whole wheat pita breads
• 3/4 cup plain or seasoned hummus
• 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered or 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup halved Kalamata olives
• 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice and garlic in medium bowl. Place beef steak and 3/4 cup yogurt mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight.
2. Meanwhile, cut cucumber in half lengthwise; cut one half crosswise into 1/4-inch slices and reserve. Chop remaining cucumber half into 1/4-inch pieces. Add chopped cucumber to remaining yogurt mixture; season with salt, as desired. Cover and refrigerate.
3. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on rack of broiler pan so surface of beef is 2 to 3 inches from heat. Broil 13 to 18 minutes for medium rare (145°F) doneness, turning once. (Do not overcook.) Carve steak into thin slices. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
4. Spread pitas with hummus. Evenly top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and steak slices. Sprinkle with olives and feta cheese. Serve with reserved yogurt mixture.

Movie Monday: Feeding and Calving Times

It's January, which means two things- cold temperatures and calving season! Both call for a watchful eye on your herd and supplemental feeding to account for the lack of green grass in pastures. Something you may never have considered is the connection of calving times and the time of day that you feed your cattle. Are they actually connected? Get the answer with today’s #MovieMonday and happy calving season!