But for those of you who can't make it, here's a way to catch up with what's going on around the ACA this week.
*Note: There will not be a Bama Beef Blog published next Wednesday, July 27 and the blog author will be at a conference learning how to write better!*
AJCA Round-Up Kicks Off Tomorrow!
It's no secret that the Round-Up is our main focus right now. This premier youth livestock development event kicks of tomorrow and will go through the hot weekend until Sunday. Over 140 youth and cattle will be joining us in Montgomery to participate in a market heifer, breeding heifer, steer or showmanship shows, as well as essay, public speaking, poster, ad design, career development, volleyball, record book keeping, livestock judging, team grooming, build a better burger and more. There's something for everybody at the Round-Up and all are encouraged to attend a support the future of Alabama's beef cattle industry. AJCA members can still sign up for contest's next week at the show.
As we prepare for the weekend ahead, Madison and her AJCA Directors are hard a work with last-minute details. They're working on getting things set up for when all the juniors and cattle come to town. They're even working on getting plenty of fans and water bottles in place to keep cool.
Don't forget your dollars when you head out to the show. We've got a Yeti cooler drawing happening that you don't want to miss out on!
Alabama's Best Steak Kickoff
On Monday, the Alabama's Best Steak contest kicked off and has started with a bang. At only three days into the contest, we've raked in over 300 nominations and more than 230 Facebook likes! The nominations round will continue on through July 31 and will be follwed by the Elite 8 poll challenge.
Past year's winners are hot in pursuit of a second victory, so submit your vote today! Click Here to Vote.
Staff Positions
Interviews are happening now for The MOOseum coordinator, and we are now taking resumes for the Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities position. See below for more information:
Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities
Responsibilities: This position involves working with the state’s beef cattle industry, representing the Association at producer meetings, cattle sales, county cattlemen chapter meetings, and agribusinesses events. The position will be the lead staffer for coordinating the Association’s junior cattlemen programs. The individual reports to the Executive Vice President and is responsible for the following but not limited to:
- Work with the Executive VP in attending and serving as a spokesperson for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association at county and statewide cattle events
- Maintain a positive working relationship with Auburn University faculty, Alabama Cooperative Extension System youth 4-H staff and Alabama FFA staff to enhance state livestock events for 4-H, FFA and AJCA members
- Be the sounding board with cattle producers to help identify needs and then work to develop and publicize programs conducted by Alabama Cooperative Extension System staff that meets these needs.
- Increase private treaty collections by properly communicating the value of the state checkoff and ways to submit funds when selling cattle directly off the farm
- Work with county chapters in increasing AJCA membership and developing and coordinating activities for the members
- Attend cattle sales throughout the state, represent the Alabama Cattleman; sell advertising and promote membership (both individual and associate)
- Identify and recruit young producers (20-40 years of age) to participate in the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership program
- Develop ways to increase sales of the “Cowboy” vanity tag and consequently increasing the number of college scholarships awarded annually.
- Maintain a working relationship with stockyards in Alabama, enhancing communication about the beef checkoff program
- Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of the beef cattle industry
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Animal Science or related field
- Excellent leadership and organizational skills
- Ability to multi-task and complete basic office work
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong work ethic, self-starter
- Team Player
- Success in coordinating and carrying out projects in a timely manner
- Sales experience preferred
Send resumes to Martha Davis
Nicky and Kayla Take Flight
Magazine and social media staffers Kayla Greer and Nicky Bechard are heading to the "Gateway to the West" Sunday-Wednesday to attend the Ag Media Summit. At this conference the duo take classes on ways to enhance magazine production, photography, article writing and social media. They'll be going with some of the other top ag communicators in the state.
Magazine and social media staffers Kayla Greer and Nicky Bechard are heading to the "Gateway to the West" Sunday-Wednesday to attend the Ag Media Summit. At this conference the duo take classes on ways to enhance magazine production, photography, article writing and social media. They'll be going with some of the other top ag communicators in the state. Beef Girl + Alabama Grocer's Association
ACA Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley will be attending the Alabama Grocer’s Association annual convention on Tuesday, July 26 to interact with independent grocers and attend an educational session on new meat laws going into effect this year for retailers. On Wednesday, she will be attending a meeting at Buckhead Beef in Atlanta to give a cattle market update and discuss foodservice checkoff programs with Sysco operators from five Southeastern states.August Board Meeting
Board members don't forget to mark your calendars for the August 11 Board Meeting to be held at the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. It's going to be a great meeting including the unveiling of the new website (hopefully!), membership prizes and the John Deere Gator drawing. Don't miss it!
Alabama Cattleman Magazine
The August magazine is well into production. Staff have been working to submit content, images and advertising. Be watching for your copy in the mail in early August!
Alabama FFA Foundation
ACA Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell met Wednesday with Alabama Farmer's Federation's Paul Pinyan about the new FFA mentoring program, managed by the Alabama FFA Foundation. This program will match past FFA advisors with new agriscience teachers in an effort to strengthen the agricultural heritage of the curriculum. It's no secret today that there's a shortage of ag teachers in the state, so non-agriscience teachers are now teaching agriculture in high schools. This mentoring program will help bridge the gap and be a fountain of advice for new teachers from tried-and-true professionals. Fun Facts
- Member number as of Wednesday, July 20- 11,130
- The ACA Facebook page has reached 9,000 likes! Now, let's make it 10,000.
