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!
No comments:
Post a Comment