November already? The year 2016 has almost slipped right past us, and it has been a busy and successful year. We've still got two busy months ahead as we begin to turn our eyes toward 2017 and make preparations for a new year and new programs.
The drought has hit our state with relentless force, and cattlemen everywhere are struggling at the mercy of Mother Nature. Your Cattlemen's Association is working to provide resources and outlets to get you through this critical situation, and we will keep you update with word of new resources or meetings. Until then, continue to rain dance as you catch up with the ACA with this week's blog update. Enjoy!
Membership
We kicked off the 2017 Membership Campaign by sending out renewal statements yesterday. If you have already renewed your dues for 2017, disregard that statement.
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. 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.
BQA Certification
Over 75 cattlemen were BQA certified during October Extension education programs. If you were a part of this you should be receiving your certificate and bumper sticker in the mail this week. Those cattlemen will be listed in the upcoming Alabama Cattleman magazine.
Thank you for getting certified!
#ALSteakTrail Insights
We were beyond thrilled with the results of the first-ever Alabama Steak Trail promotion! Check out some of these outstanding numbers generated through the contest on Facebook:
Total People Reached: 292, 418
Total Post Likes: 2,546
Shares: 1, 497
Comments: 337
Entries: 63
Congrats to our four lucky drawing winners: Jill Walden from Conestoga Steakhouse, Terry and Leanna Jordan from Big Mike’s Steakhouse, Rachel Oswald from Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna's and Scott Clements from OH! Bryan’s Family Steakhouse!
2017 Checkoff Marketing Plan Coming Together
Following last week's successful Checkoff Marketing Plan Task Force meeting, ACA program staffers have been busy integrating the many great ideas generated by our producers and industry influencers. As of today, the new ideas are in place and will be sent for review to each of the committees. When the review period ends, staff will budget out the plan and prepare it for presentation to the ACA Executive Committee and Board of Directors on Nov. 16 and 17. Paying the Checkoff
Speaking of the Checkoff...We have successfully been working with USDA's Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) to ensure that a small stockyard in Alabama that was behind on paying their checkoff dollars sent their collected producer checkoff dollars to the Department of Agriculture. As of Monday, the amount due had been paid in full.
Drought Resources
We are continuing to work with Extension to share emergency drought meeting dates and resources in light of the critical drought situation. Even further, we are developing a webpage on BamaBeef.org that will be dedicated to informing producers about upcoming drought meetings and host links to useful resources including the Alabama Hay Listings, FSA Disaster Assistance (specifically the Livestock Forage Disaster Program) and the ACES Drought page. We are hopeful that this page will be live by the end of the week. ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell will meet with the Emergency Management Agency next week to address how to handle hay, winter feed and water shortages.
December Alabama Cattleman Magazine
Calling all Angus breeders: December is YOUR time to shine in the Alabama Cattleman magazine and we feature the Angus breed. Contact Nicky by calling (334) 265-1867 by November 10th to discuss some great special rates we have
for Angus producers.
Cattle Sales Galore!
Last week, ACA staff enjoyed attending the CK Cattle Headquarters Sale Hope Hull, but that's not the only place you'll find us. ACA leadership has been across the state attending cattle sales and are enjoying the opportunity to meet and greet with fellow cattle producers.
Don't miss out on upcoming sales in Alabama. Find a list of dates, times and locations on the BamaBeef.org Events Calendar> Cattle Sales page.
JBE Registration CLOSED
Registration for the 2017 Junior Beef Expo is closed as of 11:59 last evening, and staff is working today to consolidate files to proceed with planning out the show. We are expecting a large show for 2017. Final numbers will be announced in coming weeks.
Meetings and More Meetings
Today, two ACA staffers will be in-and-out of the building as they attend meetings with other commodity and industry representatives. This morning, ACA's Dr. Billy Powell will attend the Alabama Agribusiness Council Board Meeting while ACA's Kayla Greer meets with ag communicators from across the state to update each other on industry happenings and share ideas on better ways to share news regarding agriculture.
ACA's Erin Beasley has a unique opportunity to participate in final interviews for the livestock economist position previously held by Dr. Walt Prevatt at Auburn University's College of Agriculture. Stay tuned as the three finalists for the job come with outstanding ideas and resumes.
Thanks for reading this week's blog post to catch up with the ACA. We'll be here next week...same time, same place.
Until then, be safe and say a few extra prayers for rain!
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