What's Going On Wednesday: Feb. 24, 2016

It's certainly not your average week around the ACA! As staff prepares to head to Birmingham tomorrow morning, it's all hands on deck in Convention mode. Selina is stuffing vendor and online registration packets, Curt is putting the finishing touches on his Junior session plans, Kayla is running program copies, planning out the Friday night photo booth and developing a social media presentation, and Martha and Dr. Powell are managing the team and all the tiny details that come along with a convention as well as putting the final touches on the Awards Banquet, Legislative Luncheon, Board Meeting, and well, everything else that's going on. Erin is even working from home managing the trade show and its many vendors! 

Needless to say, it's busy around here, so forgive us if this week's post is shorter than usual. The them of this week is #BamaBeefMeet. 

ACA Convention and Trade Show- FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

ACA officers and staff are finalizing plans for the “Iron City Beef Bash” this weekend in Birmingham! It's going to be a great time of fellowship and education, so don't miss out.

If you haven't registered for the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show, don't worry. It's not too late! Onsite registration will be available Friday and Saturday. Cost of registration onsite will be $15 per day! 

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and a sold-out trade show for the Iron City Beef Bash 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, nationally-recognized Extension Ag Economist Dr. 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! We also have a great selection of items for Beef PAC auction planned for Friday night with World Champion Auctioneer Branden Neely along with some very interesting items. You do not have to be present to participate and we will send you a list of auction items soon!

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 February's issue of the Alabama Cattleman. We can't wait to see you there- we'll be ready!

Alabama Live! Interview

Monday morning, Dr. Billy Powell and Kayla Greer spent the morning on the set of Alabama Live! promoting the Convention and Trade Show. This was the second talk show interview promoting the Convention and great coverage for the event! To see the interview, click here. 

Membership Update

Total membership for 2016 to date is 8,227! Help us reach our goal of 12,000 members! THIS WEEK is your final opportunity to renew or join at the $30 rate. The dues increase will take effect on March 1st. 

April 30 is the deadline for Top Hand Club (see prizes in the January Alabama Cattleman) and for your county to go "Over the Top" to qualify for the Priefert Squeeze Chute. April 30 is also the deadline for the Gator raffle- tickets for the Gator will be for sale at the ACA Convention. 

Cowboy Cookoff- Sign Up Today

Have you got a Ribeye Steak recipe that's popular among crowds? If so, then get ready to get grillin' at this year's Cowboy Cookoff as part of SLE Rodeo week! Join us in front of Garrett Coliseum on

Saturday, March 19 for a Ribeye Steak cookoff you don't wanna miss. Teams of four or less can compete for monetary prizes in the People's Choice and Judge's Panel categories.

Interested in forming a team? Learn more and sign up today!

Social Media Update

You might have started noticing some small changes on our social media sites. If not, take a look! Hopefully some bigger, better and more productive changes are headed the ACA's way! As for this week, though, the Sunday post (pictured below) did excellent! To date, it's gotten 419 likes, 908 shares and reached over 97,000 people and counting! To explain, that means over 97,000 people have been exposed to the good message about producing cattle in the state of Alabama...for FREE! Social media is a powerful tool. Pictured is Jim Akin on his Lauderdale County farm. 

Follow us today! 

FACEBOOK 
TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

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.

Five Reasons to Attend the Cattlemen's Convention

With Convention just around the corner, we know the decision to commit to attending anything these days is a tough one. That's why we thought you should hear from the horse's mouth the reasons why you should attend the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Birmingham on Feb. 26-27. While there are many, many good reasons, we will stick with the top five.

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Reason #1
The Speakers

This year's lineup of guest speakers is top-of-the-line. Some of the industry's best representatives will be talking about the topics that are sure to turn your ear. They'll be discussing everything from smartphones to cattle markets and consumer expectations to beef exports. Just in case that's not enough to peak you interest, here's the run down:

The Word From D.C.- Hear from Senator Richard Shelby at Saturday's Legislative Luncheon. Senator Shelby is a longtime friend of Alabama beef cattle producers and has worked tirelessly to curb overreaching regulations that negatively impact farming and small businesses. You don't want to miss his discussion  on U.S. Senate actions during the last year of the Obama Administration. 

Sustainable Beef Production and Beef Exports- That's right, we did it. We packed both of those major industry hot topics into the same event for this year's General Session on Saturday morning. NCBA's Director of Global Sustainability Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson will be addressing the sustainability of beef and the importance of maintaining consumer confidence of beef production. Following Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson, Dan Halstrom from the United States Meat Export Federation will be discussing the topic, what lies ahead for beef exports? Halstrom brings knowledge and experience from over 27 years in the meat industry and the responsibility of overseeing programs and activities from 18 regions worldwide. 


Smartphone 101- Join Verizon Wireless representatives at Zoetis Cattlemen's College #1 as they walk you through the basics of using your phone. We understand that smartphones are a necessary evil these days, even on the farm, and that's why we want to offer a helping hand on its basic operations. After Verizon's chat, hear from Extension's Dr. Kim Mullenix and ACA's Kayla Greer about ways to learn more stay involved with your state's industry with that device. 

Consumer Expectations and Cattlemen Responsibilities- Get BQA certified with NCBA's Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White and Auburn University's Dr. Soren Rodning during the Zoetis Cattlemen's College #2. Learn about the importance of the beef quality assurance program, your role as a cattleman and get more information on next year's newest FDA regulation, the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). 

Cutting Demo- Watch as ACA's Erin Beasley gives you a lesson on cutting beef during Zoetis Cattlemen's College #3. She'll give live instruction on beef cutting basics, teach you more about our favorite protein and even let you try it in a tasty appetizer. Don't miss out!

The Cattle Markets- You don't want to miss nationally-recognized Extension Ag Economist Dr. Derrell Peel's talk as he discusses the current cattle markets at the Zoetis Cattlemen's College #4. He's also going to give you insight on trends he sees coming and will be answering the big question of "what caused the wreck last fall?" 

Reason #2
A Sold Out Trade Show

We are excited to host a sold-out trade show this year with over 60 vendors featuring farm equipment, feed, seed, fertilizer and other agribusinesses from across the state and nation. This is a great opportunity for you to shop around, network with and learn abouthte businesses, products and services available to you right here in our great home state of Alabama. Here's a list of trade show vendors:

• ABS Global
• Alabama CattleWomen's Association
• Alabama BCIA
• Alabama Farmers Cooperative
• Alabama Ag Credit/Alabama Farm Credit
• Alabama Beef Systems Extension
• Alabama Simmental Association
• American Angus Association
• Auburn University College of Agriculture
• Burns Farms Herefords
• Cain Cattle Company
• Datamars, Inc.
• Deep South Livestock
• Dow Agroscience
• Farming Without the Bank
• First South Farm Credit
• Graham Livestock
• Hy Plains Feed Yard
• Merck Animal Health
• Merial 
• Mix 30 Agridyne
• New Holland North America
• Oregon Forage Seed Commissions
• Positive Feed
• Ridley Block Operation
• Smokey Mountain Cattle
• SonUp Real Estate
• Southern Silage Supply
• Southern State Cooperative
• Southest Select Sires
• Sweet Pro Feeds
• Tennessee River Music & Lookout Mountain Genetics
• Three Trees Ranch
• Treasure Chest/ABZ Engraving
• Tri-Green
• USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services
• Zoetis Animal Health
• The Wax Company
• Performance Feeds
• VitaFerm Sure Champ
• Timberland Cattle
• AgriLabs
• Priefert
• Fuller Supply 
• Alabama Farmers Federation
• BamaWise
• Drummonds Farms
• Alabama Hereford Association
• American Hereford Association
• Bekaert Corporation
• Tennessee Livestock Producers
• Alabama Senepol Association
• Alabama Cattlemen's Association
• Southeastern Livestock Exposition
• Bayer Range and Pasture
• Salacoa Valley Farms
• Alabama Department of Agriculture
• Elanco Animal Health

Reason #3
PAC Auction Items

Still need convincing? Well, good thing we've got a list of PAC auction items worth your time! Friday night's auction will not only bring out the bidders, but it will bring out the auctioneer. No, we really mean it...THE auctioneer. Alabama-native and LMA World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Brandon Neely will bring his chant to the evening's events as he auctions off this list of items:

• Winchester Centennial '66 .30-.30 Rifle donated by Alabama Ag Credit, value $1000
• Custom, hand-tooled, hand-carved ACA roping saddle made by Running "P" Saddlery in Muscle Shoals, valued at $1,200
• Two-Night Stay, Spa Trip and "Do-It-All Package" for two to the 2017 Cattlemen's Convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, valued at $600
• Your cattle featured on the front cover of the Alabama Cattleman magazine with accompanying photo shoot in September of October 2016, value $3000
• Guitar autographed by ALABAMA Lead Singer Randy Owen, donated by Randy Owen and TRM Farms
• $500 certificate for use at the 44th Debter Hereford Bull Sale held Oct. 22, 2016
• Gold and Bronze Seed Pearl Necklace and Earrings from Harold's Fine Jewelry in Montgomery, valued at $400
• Archaeology at Old St. Stephens - Participate in a "dig" in the old Globe Hotel directed by Dr. George Shorter, RPA, Archaeologist and a two-night stay with a country breakfast for two at the Ox Yoke Camp in Leroy and a guided tour of Alabama's first Capitol, Old St. Stephens donated by Powell Farm, valued at $500
• Guided half-day quail hunt for three at the Bear Creek Hunting Preserve in Autaugaville donated by Bill Lipscomb and the Autauga Farming Company, valid in March or fall 2016, value $700
• One-night stay at Hardee County Home in Turnbull and four tickets to see the play "To Kill a Mockingbird" in the original courthouse in Monroeville, compliments of Dr. and Mrs. Phil Hardee
• $500 certificate to use at the 11th annual Gibbs Farm sale on Nov. 12, 2016, donated by Gibbs Farm in Ranburn
• 6 and 12 volt battery solar powered Electric Fence Charger donated by John Curtis of the Limestone Farmers Cooperative, $300 value

Reason #4
Fun and Entertainment

No one wants to spend the entire weekend networking and learning, right? That's why we mixed some fun and entertainment into the Convention's agenda. The Rotational Grazing event on Friday night will feature the musical talents of Tim Tyler the Piano Man, a photo booth, games and the PAC auction you just read about. Then to close out the weekend, following the Saturday night Awards Banquet the Sweet Young'Uns will provide musical entertainment. The Alabama-native band is celebrating its 50th year in the music industry and would love for you to stay around and enjoy the music and dancing. 

It's sure to be a boot-scootin', boogyin' time with some of the best folks in the state!

Reason #5
Of Course, Food! (But only if you pre-register today!)

It wouldn't be a Cattlemen's Convention without beef, now would it? Ladies, this means an entire weekend of not having to cook while still having a happy, full family! Steak is sure to be the centerpiece for the meals, and that's something you simply can't miss out on, especially all you cowboys who are reading this! 

That's a win-win. Funny how beef is always a win-win...

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If you're sold now on attending this year's Convention and Trade Show, and you want to indulge in Reason #5, call us today by noon at (334) 265-1867 to pre-register for your meals! It's important to note that registration for attendance will be available the day of , but IF YOU WANT TO EAT YOU MUST CALL  TODAY (FRIDAY) BY NOON AND PRE-REGISTER BY PHONE. ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED AND PRE-REGISTRATION BY PHONE CLOSES AT  NOON ON FRIDAY.

We can't wait to see you at the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. It's sure to be a great time of food, fun and fellowship! Learn more at BamaBeef.org or by calling (334) 265-1867

Throwback Thursday: 1964

#ThrowbackThursday to 1964 and a Beef Belle. Pictured is Barbara Morris with a Beef Chuck Roast poster that had been displayed in stores across Alabama during the time. Barbara grew up on Morris Farms in Geneva County, and she grew up in a family and county that believed in #BEEF promotion. 

What's Going On Wednesday: Feb. 17, 2016

The countdown to Convention is beginning to dwindle! The staff is busy in preparation for the big event next week and are looking so forward to seeing all the attendees, hear all the speakers and enjoying all the food, fellowship and fun. There's so much to look forward to, but Convention isn't the only thing on your state staff's calendar. We're here, there and everywhere working to represent Alabama cattlemen and the beef industry.

Saddle up for a update on what's going on around the ACA this week:

Membership Update

Total membership for 2016 to date is 7,512! Help us reach our goal of 12,000 members! This month is your final opportunity to renew or join at the $30 rate. The dues increase will take effect on March 1st. 

Dates to remember for membership- Feb. 26 is the final chance for your county to go "Over the Top" by five members to qualify for the President's red coat. Congrats to Colbert, Crenshaw and Sumter counties who have already gone "Over the Top." Good work getting your membership up this year!

April 30 is the deadline for Top Hand Club (see prizes in the January Alabama Cattleman) and for your county to go "Over the Top" to qualify for the Priefert Squeeze Chute. April 30 is also the deadline for the Gator raffle. 

Stay up to date on events coming your way by visiting the Cattlemen's Calendar. 

ACA Convention and Trade Show- NEXT WEEK!

ACA officers and staff are finalizing plans for the “Iron City Beef Bash” coming up in Birmingham! It's going to be a great time of fellowship and education, so don't miss out.

If you haven't regisitered for the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show, then now's the time! Pre-registration, which would sign you up for meals, closes February 18.

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and a sold-out trade show for the Iron City Beef Bash 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, nationally-recognized Extension Ag Economist Dr. 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! We also have a great selection of items for Beef PAC auction planned for Friday night with World Champion Auctioneer Branden Neely along with some very interesting items. You do not have to be present to participate and we will send you a list of auction items soon!

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 BEFORE Feb. 21!

(Group code: AL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION)

ACA Staff Promotes the Convention

Staffers Kayla Greer and Curt Berry hit the road early Monday morning in route to Hoover to do a live interview with ACB33|40 "Talk of Alabama." Want to see the interview? CLICK HERE

Legislative Front- Ag Coalition Meets at ACA

To stay in touch with other agribusinesses and commodities during the ongoing legislative session, the Ag Coalition meets in the ACA building on Tuesday to discuss upcoming bills and legislative discussions.

The Legislature is meeting three days this week instead of the normal two. According to ACA's lobbyist Dr. Billy Powell, hall talk now is that the necessary sunset bills are handled, to start moving on the General Fund budget in the Senate and the Education Budget in the House. Everyone Dr. Powell has spoken with sure hopes to end this session early with all work completed  so they will not need to be called back into any Special Sessions.

It's important to have an Association representative monitoring and protecting your livelihood while you continue to invest in it. To donate to the PAC, click here. 

Sysco Central Alabama Promotion

The beef checkoff is funding another beef sales promotion with Sysco Foodservice. Three weeks into the two-month promoti

on, an increase of over 10,000 lbs of beef have already been sold. The sales team at Sysco is working hard to sell as much as they can to try and win the grand prize of a Yeti cooler. Stay tuned for the results of this great beef promotion.

Cowboy Cookoff- Sign Up Today

Have you got a Ribeye Steak recipe that's popular among crowds? If so, then get ready to get grillin' at this year's Cowboy Cookoff as part of SLE Rodeo week! Join us in front of Garrett Coliseum on

Saturday, March 19 for a Ribeye Steak cookoff you don't wanna miss. Teams of four or less can compete for monetary prizes in the People's Choice and Judge's Panel categories.

Interested in forming a team? Learn more and sign up today!

State Beef Checkoffs Meet in Austin, TX

Dr. Powell will spend Thursday and Friday at a State Checkoff Execs meeting in Austin, TX hosted by the Texas Beef Council. To date, there are 14 states with separate checkoff programs and another 10+ states working on their own program. The purpose of this meeting is to share ideas and discuss ways to work more closely together.  

Social Media Update

Staffer Kayla Greer has been working with national staff to get recommendations for improving our social platforms from the NCBA digital lab. After an evaluation and several phone calls and email conversations, some new ideas have been discussed. Stay tuned to our social platforms to see what happens. 

FACEBOOK

TWITTER
INSTAGRAM

JBE Planning

Staffer Curt Berry is burning up the Junior Beef Expo planning grounds. This week, his focus has been primarily on breaking up the classes for the heifer and steer shows, organizing and ordering ribbons and finalizing sponsorships. Curt has been working closely with Nate Yeager, Jimmy Holliman, Rusty Roden and Van Smith to plan this year's show and is very appreciative of all the hard work and support this group has put forth! Great job, gentlemen. 

The 2016 Junior Beef Expo will take place March 18-20 at the Garrett Coliseum livestock barns. 

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: Grilled Steak and Vegetable Salad

Do you have leftovers from Valentine’s Day that you don’t know what to do with? If so, this #TastyTuesday recipe is just what you need. Say “so long” to leftovers and “hello” to a healthy, family meal. Easy, delicious, beef, it's what's for dinner. 

Grilled Steak and Vegetable Salad

Total Recipe Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 beef Strip Steaks Boneless, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 8oz each)
• 1 medium sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 3 different vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, eggplant, red onion, red and yellow bell pepper or Romaine lettuce, cut lengthwise into quarters
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat dressing or vinaigrette, such as Italian, noncreamy Caesar or red wine vinegar, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Toss potato and vegetables with 1/4 cup dressing; set aside. Rub beef Steaks with garlic and pepper. 
2. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Arrange vegetables around steaks. Grill steaks, covered, 7 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill time remains the same) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill lettuce and asparagus 2 to 4 minutes; grill other vegetables 11 to 15 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally.
3. Carve steaks and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Combine beef, vegetables and remaining 1/4 cup dressing in large bowl; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Movie Monday: Steak Done Indoors

It’s cold outside, too cold to grill, but you want a steak. That’s a real dilemma, isn’t it? Never fear- the ACA is here to show you how to get that tender, juicy steak you’re craving without stepping foot outside.

Pan-searing is a great way to cook a flavorful steak, but only if you know how to do it! That’s why this week’s #MovieMonday from Saveur Magazine is all about pan-searing steaks. Check it out: 

Beef Fact Friday: Current Cattle Markets

Today’s #BeefFactFriday is all about the markets!

Learn more about the current beef cattle markets with nationally-recognized Extension Ag Economist Dr. Derrell Peel at the 73^rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. Register for Convention today by clicking here.

---Disclaimer:The below article and picture is from Drovers Cow/Calf---

CattleFax predicts market shock is nearly over, turbulence still ahead

Insights about the recent market price shocks and potential for future turbulence were discussed today with more than 2,000 beef producers at the CattleFax Outlook Session held during the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show.

The downward spiral from the late 2014 and early 2015 record-high cattle prices has been tough for many in the business, but CattleFax CEO Randy Blach said the steepest portion of the market correction has passed. He explained that tighter protein supplies and stronger exports created the ‘perfect storm’ for the cattle market to reach the extreme highs. Animal health challenges limited poultry and pork production in 2014 – creating the tightest per capita U.S. net protein supply in the last 20 years.
“We are coming off historic highs in the cattle market, created by unique conditions in both the global and domestic protein markets,” said Blach. “Dynamics, specifically larger protein supplies, led to a significant correction in price in 2015. A large portion of the market down trend is over now. However, the cycle shows prices continuing to trend lower in 2016, 2017 and 2018.”

Analysts predicted the cattle feeder – after losing about $200 per head in 2015 – will be slightly profitable this year. Stocker operators will experience tighter margins, and cow/calf producers will remain profitable. The team of economists expect fed cattle prices will average $130 to $135/cwt. in 2016.

“Cow/calf producers will still be profitable, but at substantially lower levels than the past two years,” said Kevin Good, Senior Analyst and Fed Cattle Market Specialist, CattleFax. “We predict the cattle feeder will have tight margins for the year with potential for profitability by mid-year.”

A two-year El Nino weather pattern has replenished moisture conditions across the country, specifically the West coast, which saw some relief recently. The weather outlook appears favorable, especially moisture conditions for grasslands, according to the weather outlook from Art Douglas, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Creighton University.

“As we head into 2016, a split jet stream pattern will favor above-normal precipitation from California to the Southern Plains and the Southeast through March,” said Douglas. “In the Corn Belt, spring will be wetter-than-normal, which will be accompanied by slower spring warming. Delays in fieldwork and planting dates are likely to result.”

Analysts predicted $294 per head added value from exports for 2016 – a $66 drop per head from 2014 values. This decrease in export potential is caused by a combination of a stronger U.S. dollar, slowdown in global markets and challenges with market access. China and other global markets are still the biggest opportunities for U.S. beef, but trade restrictions will continue to limit potential in the year ahead.

Beef imports are predicted to be down 8 percent due to the combination of lower trim prices and increasing domestic cow slaughter. The United States is in a rebuilding stage and females are being held back for the cowherd. Analysts predict the U.S. cowherd will grow another 600,000 head in 2016 following a 1.1 million head increase in 2015.

Throwback Thursday: 1963

#ThrowbackThursday to Eat Beef promotion in the state of Alabama! Pictured L-R admiring the first “Eat Beef” automobile tags are John Trotman, Comer Sims, E.R. Howard, Selden Sheffield, Ed Wadsworth and Richard Beard. 

What's Going On Wednesday: February 10, 2016

WHEW! The staffers had mentally prepared for a busy first few months of 2016 but WOW, things are moving quickly. It's all good, exciting things taking place here at the ACA, so keep reading to find out #WhatsGoingOn this Wednesday around the ACA. 

Membership Update

Total membership for 2016 to date is 7,092! Help us reach our goal of 12,000 members! This month is your final opportunity to renew or join at the $30 rate. The dues increase will take effect on March 1st. 

Dates to remember for membership- Feb. 26 is the final chance for your county to go "Over the Top" by five members to qualify for the President's red coat. Congrats to Colbert and Sumter counties who have already gone "Over the Top." Steve James from Colbert County has been hard at working recruiting members, and with the help from his Board, they have gone over by 15 with 162 members! Sumter County also has a new president, Sid Nelson, and is over by eight with 94 members! Good work getting your membership up this year!

April 30 is the deadline for Top Hand Club (see prizes in the January Alabama Cattleman) and for your county to go "Over the Top" to qualify for the Priefert Squeeze Chute. April 30 is also the deadline for the Gator raffle. 

This Week's County Meetings:
Thursday, Feb. 11: Baldwin, 6pm
                               Autauga, 6pm
                               Washington
Friday, Feb. 12: Calhoun, 6pm
                           Pickens

Learn more by viewing the Cattlemen's Calendar. 

Legislative Front

ACA's lobbyist Dr. Billy Powell is monitoring the Legislative Session during the second week. In just two short weeks, over 200 bills have been introduced, and that's why it's important to have an Association representative monitoring and protecting your livelihood while you continue to invest in it. To donate to the PAC, click here.

The Ag Legislative Coalition met Tuesday in the ACA Board Room. The Coalition is watching discussions on raising fuel taxes to be sure that rural bridges and roads are a top priority.

Also on Tuesday, Dr. Powell participated in the Alabama Agribusiness Council Board meeting and Legislative Reception.

SLE Rodeo Kickoff Media Luncheon

Don Gay from Frontier Rodeo Co. as
he is interviewed by WSFA

Wednesday was a busy day as the ACA staff put on its SLE staff hat to help coordinate and operate the SLE membership meeting and the Kickoff Media Luncheon. Fifty-nine members of the Montgomery media enjoyed a delicious steak meal, got the details about the SLE Rodeo Week and heard eight-time world champion bull rider Don Gay talk about the plans to produce one of the best rodeos east of the Mississippi. We appreciate Don for flying in for today's meeting!

View more pics from the event on the SLE Rodeo Facebook Page.

ACA Convention and Trade Show

ACA officers and staff are finalizing plans for the “Iron City Beef Bash” coming up in Birmingham! It's going to be a great time of fellowship and education, so don't miss out.

If you haven't registered for the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show, then now's the time! Pre-registration, which would sign you up for meals, closes February 18.

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and a sold-out trade show for the Iron City Beef Bash 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, nationally-recognized Extension Ag Economist Dr. 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 BEFORE Feb. 21!

(Group code: AL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION)

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.

Social Media Contest

You have until THIS FRIDAY to "share" this picture on the SLE Rodeo Facebook page to earn a chance to win two tickets to this year's Friday night rodeo! Don't miss out on this great opportunity! 

Click Here to Share