What's Going On Wednesday: September 9, 2015

If you thought August escaped us fast, then what do you call what September is doing to us? Wow! We sure hope every one of our members had a relaxing,beefy and football-filled Labor Day weekend!

As usual things are busy around the Cattlemen's building! The staff members are hitting the ground running as we are gearing up for the exciting months ahead.

See #WhatsGoingOn around the ACA building this week and stay updated on what your ACA staff is doing for you! Check it out:

BEEF 101

Thursday, September 10th will host more than 80 young industry professionals and influencers as a multi-faceted group merges together for BEEF 101 at the Lambert-Powell Meats Lab in Auburn. Drake State and University of North Alabama Culinary Schools will enter into the world of beef cattle production to learn about the "Pasture to Plate" process to better understand the beef industry and product. During the session, they will hear from ACA staffers Dr. Billy Powell and Erin Beasley about an overview of the process, and following, Dr. Misty and Jason Edmundson and ACA President Jim Akin will host breakout sessions  during a live animal evaluation on cattle management, terminology and beef cuts. 

Following a beef lunch, the groups will tour the packing plant and learn about the slaughter and fabrication process. Erin Beasley and Dr. Bratcher of Auburn's Department of Animal Sciences will even fabricate a carcass right in front of them! This program is an excellent way to teach the beef industry influencers about the beef product and how it goes from pasture to plate! 

Also joining in on the BEEF 101 program is the...

Youth Cattlemen's Leadership Program

The 18 emerging leaders of the YCLP Class II led by Dr. Don Mulvaney will join in on the BEEF 101 program fun to refresh and educate on the "Pasture to Plate" process. Preceding and following the live animal evaluation and the packing plant tour, the group will delve into some leadership concepts and training discussions and exercises. 

Alabama Legislature

On Tuesday, September 8, the second Special Session of the Alabama Legislature came to order to seek out ways to fill the $200 million gap in the state's General Fund. ACA Lobbyist Dr. Billy Powell ACA is monitoring the session, and here are some facts he's laid out to help you follow what's happening on the Hill!

• The House Weighs and Means Committee is passing some revenue enhancement bills that will now face the full House for voting.
• A proposal to increase property taxes was killed in the House Weighs and Means Committee this morning.
• Word on the street is that it's unlikely that many of these revenue enhancement bills will pass the full House and Senate. If this prediction holds true, the $200 million gap will not be filled and significant cuts in the state government will be made. 
• As of today, the budget for the Department of Agriculture and Related Industries looks promising. 

There's a quick legislative update. Don't hesitate to call with questions!

Sell the Sizzle

This coming Friday will host the kick off of the October Beef month “Sell the Sizzle” promotion with Sysco Gulf Coast.  As an incentive for this promotion, the top two beef salesmen will receive a cash prize for selling the most beef over their base levels for the month! The overall goal is to generate a $30,000 to $40,000 increase in beef sales during October Beef Month because we think everyone should #EatBeef. 

Junior Beef Expo

Planning and rule-making for the 2016 Junior Beef Expo is underway following last week's Alabama Youth Livestock Show Association! Save the date because the JBE will be held March 18-20, 2016 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery during the SLE Rodeo!

Be on the lookout for information regarding the JBE. Entry deadline will be October 30, 2015! Entry information will be sent to agriscience teachers and County Extension Agents on deadlines and how to attain EID tags for show livestock.

The MOOseum Renovation

Weekly meetings between ACA's Billy Powell, Erin Beasley, Curt Berry and Kayla Sellers are held, and the staff are working daily on the back-end projects associated with The MOOseum renovation! Be on the lookout for exciting changes in the future.

As for now, The MOOseum is up-and-running and just waiting for your class to visit! Book a tour now by calling (334) 265-1867 or by emailing Jessica Kennedy. 

Staff Out and About

ACA staffer Curt Berry will be on the road this Friday as he joins ACA Vice President Richard Meadows in Houston County for a farm tour of Meadows Creek Farm. South Carolina-native Curt is taking as many opportunities as possible to explore the state and meet our cattlemen, and Friday will be his first adventure since his start on July 15. If you're interested in having Curt stop in for a visit, email him or call (334) 265-1867. 

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