What's Going On Wednesday: May 25, 2016

May is quickly slipping away, and we are excited for what summertime brings with it. We've had a successful spring season at the ACA with many fun events, promotions, meetings and new faces in the office, but it's time to light up the grill and take in the Alabama heat for an exciting few months ahead.

Before we get into June, though, we've got to wrap up May! These past couple of weeks have been a great time for your state staff to play catch up and do a little housekeeping after several busy months. This week is no exception, but we're still here promoting beef, recruiting members and keeping our eye on the state cattle industry. Keep reading to find out what's going on around the ACA this week.

Membership

The membership number of the day is 10,758 members of the ACA, but we've got a deal that non-renews just can't pass up. Renew now through June 1 and be sure to include your email address in the contact information. We will host a drawing for our newest renewal memberships on June 8th for a $500 beef certificate. Yes, if you renew for only $50 today, you could get $500 back! That's a deal! 

If you aren't sure if you've renewed or not, you'll know soon. Membership Coordinator Sara Goen is working on getting statements out to those who have not yet renewed.

Don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment and Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new member's name will go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

Make Way for Madison

It comes as no surprise to us that the 10th annual AJCA Round-Up is in great hands with summer intern and Round-Up organizer Madison Tew. After only a week in the office, she's really hit the ground running and making way to a great Round-Up. 

AJCA Directors meet in the ACA
Board Room about the upcoming
10th annual Round-Up.

This week alone, she's already met with State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier and Garrett Coliseum staff to discuss registration and identification rules as well as the layout and venue expectations for this year's show. If that's not enough, she also met with a few of the AJCA Directors Tuesday afternoon to review Round-Up rules, discuss ideas for awards and got some information from them to use on social media throughout this summer. Madison will put the final touches on the rules and start ordering awards today. 

The theme of this year's Round-Up is "It's A Winning Tradition" in honor of the show's tenth anniversary year. Join us July 21-24 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery to support the future of Alabama's livestock industry. If you're interested in getting involved, sponsoring the event or have any questions, contact Madison Tew by email or by calling (334) 265-1867. 

More information on the show will be available June 1 at BamaBeef.org. 

Beef for Father's Day

Today, the Alabama CattleWomen's Association leadership team will be joining the ACA staff at the Capitol for a "Beef for Father's Day" Proclamation signing. Gov. Robert Bentley will sign off that beef is the official meat of this upcoming Father's Day and will be presented with a platter of ribeye steaks. 

Memorial Day Ahead

Before we start celebrating Father's Day, though, we've got an important holiday coming up this weekend! The ACA office will be closed Monday, May 30 in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday. We would like to extend our thoughts and gratitude to all who mourn the loss of a loved one on foreign soil protecting American's rights.  

On the lighter side of the upcoming weekend, it's a great time for beef producers because Memorial Day weekend is the [unofficial] kickoff to summertime grilling and is the hamburger grilling holiday of the year. What will you have on the grill this weekend?
If you need some help with recipes, we've got one here you've got to try! Spicy Cheeseburger Sliders (We suggest closing them in on a delicous King's Hawaiian Roll! That's our secret to make this recipe over-the-top delicious!) 

Bama's Best Beef Final Four Announced

The two finalists for the Bama's Best Beef spring promotion have been announced! Congratulations to West End Grill of Hunstville and Deano's Grill of Jacksonville! These two are now battling it out in a Facebook photo LIKE challenge for the title of Bama's Best Beef, and right now, West End Grill's "Tot Roast" is taking the lead. 

These restaurants aren't the only ones seeing benefits from this promotion. The Alabama Cattlemen's Facebook page has gained over 300 new likes and are reaching over 100,000 people weekly at a very low advertising cost!  This is great news and encouraging to see all the positive comments about our favorite protein, beef! 

Check out the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Facebook page to participate in the contest. Find the first post on our page and LIKE the picture that looks and sounds the tastiest to you! The winner will be determined Friday evening and will later be presented with a plaque, yearlong bragging rights and an on-site media conference!

Best of luck! Check out these mouthwatering finalists: 

West End Grill's "Tot Roast"
2016 Bama's Best Beef Finalist

Deano's Grill's "Deano Burger"
2016 Bama's Best Beef Finalist

Social Media Alert!

Every December, Dr. Billy Powell meets with ACA staff for a year-end review and to set goals for the year ahead. ACA's Director of Social Media and Communications Kayla Greer set a goal last December to get the Facebook page followership to at least 8,000 "likes" by Dec. 2016. 

Well, it's an exciting day at the ACA because that goal has been reached seven months ahead of schedule! This is great news as we have the ability to tell our cattlemen's beef stories and promote beef products to over 8,000 people daily! Thanks to all who have interacted on the Facebook page- keep up the good work! Now, on to 9,000...

A Busy June Outlook

We have a busy June calendar ahead. Just to keep you informed about where you can find ACA leadership and staff, here's a list:

• June 8-9: State FFA Convention 
• The FFA Wall of Honor Luncheon will be hosted in the Cattlemen’s Building and Dr. Billy Powell, treasurer of Alabama FFA Foundation, is working to prepare financials for upcoming Board meeting. 
• The ACA is sponsoring the Ag County Agents statewide meeting in Guntersville.
• ACA is a sponsoring and Dr. Powell will be speaking at the Southern Ag Commissioners Conference in Point Clear. 
• Lastly, a final agenda for a joint meeting of the Alabama Cattlemen’s’ Foundations and ACA Executive Committee is being completed. This meeting will be held at Central Alabama Sysco in Calera. 

What's Going On Wednesday- May 18, 2016

It's not too often that it slows down enough at the state office for our staff team to catch its breath, but this week is one of those weeks. This week, we are able to do a little housekeeping and preparation for events to come. 

Just because events and meetings have slowed down for the moment doesn't mean we have little work to do. We're staying busy playing catch up and look ahead. Keep reading to find out what's going on at the ACA this week, learn about upcoming events and to read about a few outstanding members. 

Madison Back on Staff

The ACA would like to extend a special "welcome back" to Madison Tew of Ozark as she started this week to spend the summer working as an intern again. As we all know, Madison spent last summer with us as well and planned an excellent 2015 AJCA Round-Up weekend. Now an agricultural communications student at Mississippi State University, Madison is back at the ACA earning her official internship credits as well as taking on the 2016 Round-Up. We are so glad to have her back! 

She hit the ground running! Her main objective this week, other than find her footing and gathering information from last year's Round-Up, is designing a schedule flyer incorporating this year's theme (It's A Winning Tradition) and getting it mailed out to past sponsors and AJCA members. County chapters should expect those in the mail shortly and are encouraged to sponsor this excellent leadership development event. 

Membership 

The membership number of the day is 10,740 members of the ACA, but we've got a deal that non-renews just can't pass up. Renew now through June 1 and be sure to include your email address in the contact information. We will host a drawing for our newest renewal memberships on June 8th for a $500 beef certificate. Yes, if you renew for only $50 today, you could get $500 back! That's a deal! 

Don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment and Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new member's name will go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

Bama's Best Beef Final Four Announced

Our spring beef promotion that kicked off April 4 that highlights Alabama's unique beef dishes has narrowed down a final four. Now we are going head-to-head in week two with FIRE Steakhouse in Atmore's Filet Mignon Flatbread and Deano's Grill in Jacksonville's Deano Burger. The winner of this week's photo LIKE challenge will seal their spot in the final round and go head-to-head with week one's winner, West End Grill's Tot Roast! 

Check out the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Facebook page to participate in the contest! Find the first post on our page and LIKE the picture that looks and sounds the tastiest to you! 

Here's the Final Four:

• Tot Roast- West End Grill, Huntsville
• Filet Mignon Flatbread- FIRE Steakhouse, Atmore
• Roast Beef Sandwich- Claunch Cafe, Tuscumbia
• Deano Burger- Deano's Grill, Jacksonville 

Taking the Beef to Fayette Middle School 

This Friday, the Beef Checkoff and the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association will be providing Fayette Middle School Family and Consumer Science program with a hamburger cookout to reward them for winning the “Exercise + Protein = Success” competition at the end of 2015. FMS teacher, Natalyn Burkhalter, organized the event with her students who did the 30-day protein challenge and a color run at their school. This school had outstanding results with the students who completed the project and learned how to incorporate beef into a healthy lifestyle. We are very excited to cookout with students/faculty this Friday.

Advertise in the July Alabama Cattleman Magazine

The July issue of the Alabama Cattleman offers you the opportunity to maximize your advertising dollars and target your audience with this special magazine issue.

Since 1958, cattle producers have used this informative publication to help keep them abreast of industry happenings and learn about managing their business. Our readers are one of the largest purchasers of equipment, fencing materials, bulls, replacement heifers, semen, animal health supplies, chemicals, guns, ATV’s, boots, farmland and so much more. 

The July issue will be a special one, as it will be mailed to over 17,000 cattle producers and industry-related individuals across the state including the 12,000 members of the ACA. This special issue will include numerous educational feature articles and will be used as a reference for months to come. Please contact Nicky  to reserve your space in the July issue by June 10th!   

Outstanding Cattlemen

We would like to take just a moment to recognize two outstanding cattlemen members on their recent national achievements. 

• Clay County Cattlemen's member and past SLE President Dr. George Smith was recently awarded the John H. Clark M.D. Leadership Award by the Federation of State Medical Boards. This prestigious award is given each year to qualified individuals for outstanding contributions to medical regulation. "The Lineville native served the state for years as head of Alabama’s medical licensing and regulatory agency. He’s even served as a role model for two generations of doctors in his family." Read the full article here.
• Montgomery County cattleman and past SLE President Dr. Woody Bartlett was recently honored by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) with the 2016 Zoetis-AQHA Best Remuda Award. The Best Remuda Award recognizes the Pike Road-native's ranch for its oustanding efforts in raising American Quarter Horses, an important tool of the trade. Read the full article here.

Upcoming Events

• Pickens County Cattlemen's Association is pleased to be hosting it's 4th annual trail ride at J Bar Ranch in Gordo on Saturday, May 21. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a $20 fee per rider. The ride will start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided. You must RSVP by TODAY to the Pickens County Extension Office. (205) 367-8148 
• Let us know about your upcoming events, and we will share them in this section for all to see.  Email Kayla

The MOOseum

Schools are letting out. Temperatures are rising. Children are getting bored at home. 

We know how it goes, but we also know that The MOOseum is ready and waiting for your family to learn and play. Learn about beef cattle, sit on saddles, play in Cowboy Slim's kitchen and dress up like a rough-and-tumble cowboy for the afternoon. 

Book a tour for groups or just walk on in for individual families. We are located at 201 S. Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104. Got questions? Call 265-1867 or email Jessica. 

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What's Going On Wednesday: May 11, 2016

Spring Board Meeting is the theme around the office this week. Planning, preparing and a whole lot of printing is underway at the ACA building as we look forward to seeing our friends and fellow cattlemen from across the state tomorrow in Montgomery. 

We've got more than just the Board Meeting happening around here, though! Keep reading to find out what's going on around the ACA this week. 

Membership 

We are working to wrap up membership with 10,730 members as of today and 19 "Over the Top" counties. Great job to all the counties who gained members from the previous year! Board members will get a full report from the membership office at tomorrow's gathering. 

Don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment and Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new member's name will go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

Influencer Education in Huntsville

Past President Donna Jo Curtis and Erin Beasley spoke to the North Alabama Dietetic Association (NALDA) last night in Huntsville. This group was very interested in how cattle are produced from pasture to plate. Donna Jo did an excellent job sharing her beef story with the group. By the end of the program, the NALDA group had asked if they could go on a farm tour to Athens! These dinner and discussion meetings have now been completed in all major districts in Alabama so that dietitians can earn continuing education hours.

Bama's Best Beef Final Four Announced

Our spring beef promotion that kicked off April 4 that highlights Alabama's unique beef dishes has narrowed down a final four. Now we are going head-to-head in week one with West End Grill's Tot Roast and Claunch Cafe's Roast Beef Sandwich. The winner of this week's photo LIKE challenge will seal their spot in the final round! 

Check out the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Facebook page to participate in the contest! Find the first post on our page and LIKE the picture that looks and sounds the tastiest to you! 

Here's the Final Four:

• Tot Roast- West End Grill, Huntsville
• Filet Mignon Flatbread- FIRE Steakhouse, Atmore
• Roast Beef Sandwich- Claunch Cafe, Tuscumbia
• Deano Burger- Deano's Grill, Jacksonville 

YCLP Class III

Sixteen students of the YCLP Class III will join this afternoon at the ACA. The group will gather for leadership development and learn more about the program this afternoon followed by a cookout at Gunter AFB's Peterson Lodge. Tomorrow, the group will continue leadership development during the morning hours then join in on the Spring Board Meeting and tour of the Capitol. Sixteen of 21 young cattlemen between 21-40 years of age will begin their year-long adventure to learn more about the cattle industry and develop leadership skills this afternoon in Montgomery. 

Pic from Last Week: Wood Fruitticher Food Show

Erin was a part of the Wood Fruitticher (WF) food show last week

for all of their customers. She was set up in the protein aisle to talk to customers and salespeople about beef cuts. In addition, she gave a seminar about how beef fits into foodservice applications. In July, WF will bring their sales force to Auburn for BEEF 101. Pictured is Erin with John Leland from Creekstone Farms and Terry Ianneillo, Center of the Plate specialist for WF.

Upcoming Cattlemen's Events:

• Fayette County Cattlemen's Association will host a PCA Rodeo at the Multipurpose Complex in Fayette May 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. This event is rain or shine! There will be plenty of fun for the entire family with children's games and events incorporated into the show. Adult tickets are $10, ages 5-12 are $5, children 4 and under get in for free. Come on out and have fun at a good old-fashioned rodeo! 

• Pickens County Cattlemen's Association is pleased to be hosting it's 4th annual trail ride at J Bar Ranch in Gordo on Saturday, May 21. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a $20 fee per rider. The ride will start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided. You must RSVP by May 18 to the Pickens County Extension Office. (205) 367-8148 

Board Members: Learn more about industry news and happenings and hear announcements, updates and reminders from your state staff at the Spring Board Meeting tomorrow! We can't wait to see you!

What's Going On Wednesday: May 4, 2016

Happy Wednesday! It feels like yesterday that we typed up last week's post, but here we are a week later and busier than ever. April has escaped us already which means things are about to really fire up in May, especially folks' grills. That's right, it's summertime grilling season, and we are excited. 

There's a lot to be excited about on the ACA's upcoming calendar. Keep reading to find out what's going on and what's coming our way. 

Oh, and Happy (Early) Mother's Day to all our awesome moms out there! 

Membership 

We are working to wrap up membership with 10,715 members as of today and 19 "Over the Top" counties. Congratulations to Barbour, Dallas and Tuscaloosa counties on going "Over the Top" at the last minute. Great job!

Also, don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment and Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new member's name will go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

Legislative Update

The ACA hosted the final meeting of the Ag Coalition this Tuesday and is pleased to report the vast majority of the undesirable bills being monitored by the Ag Coalition did not pass. This includes the Gas Tax bill and four different animal welfare bills that would have negative effects on our industry operations. The Coalition is also pleased to report that money to sustain operations at Garrett Coliseum for this year was signed into the budget. 

The Legislative Session will end today after a grueling evening of filibustering into the wee hours of the night. The topic of today's discussion- the $800 million prison bond. 

Bama's Best Beef Final Four Announced

Our spring beef promotion that kicked off April 4 that highlights Alabama's unique beef dishes has narrowed down a final four. By using the power of social media to drive the contest, we received many nominations of those not-so-average beef dishes made and served right here in Alabama.

The four finalists who will then go head-to-head on social media in a photo contest in the next two weeks. The winner will be determined by the number of "likes" the dish's photo receives. Be sure to help out your hometown restaurants. Check out the final four (in no particular order): 

• Tot Roast- West End Grill, Huntsville
• Filet Mignon Flatbread- FIRE Steakhouse, Atmore
• Roast Beef Sandwich- Claunch Cafe, Tuscumbia
• Deano Burger- Deano's Grill, Jacksonville 

2017 SLE Rode Dates Decided

Last week's meeting of the SLE Executive Committee resulted in the finalization of next year's SLE Rodeo dates. Save the date now for the 2017 SLE Rodeo to be held March 16-18, 2017 at Garrett Coliseum. For all of our exhibiting families out there, these dates also reflect the timetable for the 2017 Junior Beef Expo. 

Wood Fruitticher Food Show

ACA's Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley is headed south for the Wood Fruitticher Food Show tomorrow and Friday to visit with beef customers about beef products. While there, she will also be doing a presentation to the sales force and customers to discuss beef quality information and new cuts that are popular in foodservice.

YCLP Class III

YCLP Class III will kickoff next week in conjunction with the Spring Board Meeting. Twenty-one young cattlemen between 21-40 years of age will begin this year long adventure to learn more about the cattle industry and develop leadership skills. Stay tuned for more information on the individuals in this class.

Northeast Alabama Visit

ACA's Director of Social Media and Communications Kayla Greer will be hitting the road Friday to visit the purchasers of the October Alabama Cattleman magazine cover, Salacoa Valley Brangus. Kayla will have a cover shoot and get information on the operation, so stay tuned for that during October Beef Month. 

After departing from Salacoa Valley, Kayla will head west to Fort Payne for the evening and join ACA President Bill Lipscomb and newly-inducted Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame member and country music legend Randy Owen at his operation for a photo shoot and feature article interview. Bill and Kayla will then enjoy the Tennessee River Music "Dixieland Delight: Red, White & Black" sale. 

Far east from Bill and Kayla will be Jimmy Holliman attending the Timberland Cattle sale. 

Farmer of the Year

We are pleased to submit the nomination of Wendall Gibbs to the Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year competition. Information on Gibbs Farms and Mr. Wendall are being prepared to be submitted. Please bid him good luck and congrats if you see him. 

Pickens County Trail Ride

Pickens County is please to be hosting it's 4th annual trail ride at J Bar Ranch in Gordo on Saturday, May 21. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a $20 fee per rider. The ride will start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided. 

You must RSVP by May 18 to the Pickens County Extension Office. (205) 367-8148 

Tidbits from the Office

• On Monday, Dr. Powell enjoyed an outing with the Alabama Council of Association Executives where they heard from meeting planners on future convention locations in the state.
• We are excited to have a moment to sit and do some housekeeping in the office. On the "to-do list" is consolidating checkoff funding and closing out membership. 
• Preparations for the July issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine are already in the works. This issue is very large and goes out to over 18,000 households. If you want to advertise, this is your best bet! Contact Nicky Today
• Board Meeting plans for next week are in the works with an agenda being drawn up, final invitations being sent and meetings with staffers about their updates. We can't wait to see our Board members NEXT WEEK on MAY 12!