Wednesday, November 9, 2016

What's Going On Wednesday: November 9, 2016

What a day.
What an election.
What a historical moment.
Regardless of your party allegiance, we can all agree that this was a win for the American agricultural industry as producers will begin to see a decline in overreaching legislation by agencies such as the EPA. Your Alabama Cattlemen's Association will go forward into this new executive office and work closely with NCBA to generate a proactive agenda regarding the beef and cattle industries. 

We know it's hard to focus on much more than this morning's news, but keep reading to stay in touch with what we are doing for you at the state office this week.



Membership Software

On Monday, following requests from many counties, the ACA state staff joined together for a proposal and presentation of a new membership software. The AgReturns program that is currently in place in the office is no longer meeting the needs of our membership coordination requirements, and we are looking to upgrade that system. Stay tuned as your staffers work to find a system just right for the ACA on the state and county level. 



Speaking of Membership...

Don't forget! The 2017 membership launched just last week online and via mail. We kicked off the campaign by sending out renewal statements early last week. Note: f you have already renewed your dues for 2017, disregard that statement. Pay your dues now through November 28 to be entered into a drawing for three cash prizes!

If your county chapter needs napkins and/or placemats for your upcoming meetings let Jessica know in advance so that she can ship them in time. Board members will have the opportunity to pick up membership cards at next week's Board Meeting. If you haven't already, contact Jessica about get a speaker or ACA representative to your county meeting by calling (334) 265-1867 or email her.




Wide Load Permit Issues

We were made aware earlier this week about producers who are having trouble receiving a free wide-please let us know at the ACA, and we will be glad to help iron out any further miscommunication. 
load permit from the Department of Transportation. After discussing this miscommunication with ALDOT officials, the issue is cleared and cattlemen should receive permits for hauling hay at no cost. If you do run into an issue regarding permits,



Convention Planning Underway

The 2017 ACA Convention and Trade Show is in our midst, and planning for the event is well underway. Save the dates for the Convention to be held Feb. 15-16 at the Renaissance Hotel and Montgomery Convention Center. Room registration information will be available soon, and registration will open online on December 1. Registration forms will also be available in the December issue of the Alabama Cattleman magazine. 

On Monday, staff members visited the hotel to discuss meals and trade show space. It's shaping up to be a great menu, and we have ample space for our trade show. This means you and your family can look forward to seeing a lot of equipment! 



Hartford/Litchfield Sister Cities

On Tuesday, we have the privilege to host the Hartford/Litchfield Sister Cities Program in their 45th
anniversary year. Through this unique relationship, FFA students from Hartford, Ala. (Geneva County) and Litchfield, Minnesota visit each other to learn all about agriculture across their home states. At The MOOseum, our Minnesota visitors were introduced to the beef cattle industry in Alabama and learned all about the ACA. They even visited the third floor and explored the booths of all our generous donors. These students shine a bright light on the future of American agriculture, and we were so glad they stopped by to visit us.


Reporting on the State Beef Checkoff

On Tuesday, ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell and Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley attended the Department of Agriculture Board Meeting. While there, the duo presented the audit and a report on the 2015 state beef checkoff. The Board approved the audit performed by CRI Accounting Firm. 



A Trip to the Governor's Office

On Wednesday, ACA State President Bill Lipscomb will be joining us in the office for two important reasons. First, we will nail down the details of next week's Executive Committee and November Board Meetings. The Board meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cattlemen's Building in Montgomery. State staff has been working to generate a final draft of the proposed 2017 Alabama State Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan to present to the Board for approval. Thanks again to the Task Force that helped streamline and brainstorm new ideas for the plan. 

Second, Mr. President (Lipscomb, that is) will be joining Dr. Powell in a trip to the Governor's office to meet with ALDOT and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) officials on the critical drought situation. The team will discuss ways to help cattle producers in light of this relentlessly dry season.



Troy University Food Forum

Tomorrow, ACA will participate in an online Food Forum with Troy University nutrition class. Will Gilmer, a dairyman from Lamar County, will also be on the call to answer dairy-related questions and ACA's Erin Beasley will answer questions about beef. Students have taken time to research and watch videos about food production to construct their questions. Many questions center around food safety, cattle production and sustainability. This is the fourth year of doing this activity and we look forward to it every year!


60th Annual SLE Rodeo

We are working to finalize rodeo ticket order forms and get the Ticketmaster system ready to go for rodeo tick sales launch. The 60th annual SLE Rodeo will be held March 16-18 in Montgomery's Garrett Coliseum. Save the date and be on the lookout for tickets sales opening soon!



Saluting Our Veterans

Friday the ACA office will be closed to commemorate Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have served for defending our precious freedoms on foreign soil. We tip our hats to you in appreciation of your sacrifice.


Events Calendar

We've got county meetings, cattle sales and Extension workshops galore happening across the state! Tune into our BamaBeef.org Events Calendar to stay up to date, and be sure to mark your calendars for all our upcoming events. 



Thanks for reading this week's blog post. We'll talk again next week...same time, same place! Until then, always feel free to stay in touch with us by calling (334) 265-1867. 


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