What's Going On Wednesday: March 30, 2016

As we leave the Convention and SLE Rodeo is our rear view mirror for 2016, we are gearing up a for a busy next couple of months! The MOOseum, checkoff and legislative fronts are looking busy as we begin heading into April and May. We stayed busy through the "winter," as our cattlemen across the state did with feeding and calving seasons, but it's time for beef promotion in Alabama. Keep reading to learn what's going on around the ACA this week!

Checkoff Corner

Busy April Full of Beef: 101

We would like to invite you to join us at Auburn University for the checkoff funded program, BEEF 101. Next month, we will hold 4 of these programs with various influencer groups across the state to learn about beef from “Pasture to Plate”. Your role in this program is to interact with participants who are “non-cattle” folks so that they leave the program with a bright outlook on our industry.

Here are the dates and groups. We have 5 seats at each program

available at first come first serve basis. RSVP to Erin if you can attend.

• April 13th- Moody HS and Lawson State Culinary School
• April 19th- Faulkner State Culinary, Wood Fruitticher Foodservice Sales Team Leadership
• April 25th- Trenholm State Culinary
• April 29th- Jeff State Culinary, McAdory Middle School culinary students, American Culinary Federation chefs

Beef Cookoff Weekend Ahead

The Alabama Jr. and Sr. High School Beef Cookoff will take place this Saturday at Carver High School in Montgomery. Thirty-eight students from 29 counties will participate in the state contest this year to show off their coveted beef dish. During the cookoff, students will learn about beef by participating in an educational program discussing beef cuts and careers in the food industry. Stay tuned for an update next week of event winners and highlights!

Bring It On: Bama's Best Beef

We've got an exciting, new spring beef promotion kicking off Monday, April 4 that highlights Alabama's unique beef dishes. Using the power of social media to drive the contest and by promoting it to Alabama's restaurants and chefs, we hope to receive nominations of those not-so-average beef dishes made and served right here in Alabama. We're not looking for your average burger or ribeye. Nope, we got our eyes set on beef tar-tar, beef wellington and all those other unconventional, yet delicious, beef dishes! 

After the nomination round, the contest committee will narrow it down to four top finalists who will then go head-to-head on social media in a photo contest.

Stay tuned for that contest and send us your submissions starting next week! 

Sysco Promotion Winners

Sysco Foodservice sales promotion kicks the year off strong for beef sales: The sales team at Sysco Calera set out to up their beef sales from January 18-March 17th. As a result, the team posted a 72,000 lb. increase in beef tonnage compared to this time last year. The top sellers were awarded Yeti coolers, funded through the beef checkoff. These promotions produce a fantastic return on investment for your checkoff dollars. Pictured are the winners from the promotion- Todd Johnston, Frank Odell, Andy Slaten, Nat Weis and Craig Smitherman. 

YCLP Class III

County Presidents, applications are out now for the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program- Class III. Send us your nominations asap as the first meeting will be held May 11 in Montgomery. We look forward to another great year with Alabama's young cattle producers. Get the application. 

Membership

We are at 10,520 members out of our 12000 member goal. Get out and get recruiting; not only will it help the state association, but it could win you some awesome prizes. We have had 16 counties go "Over the Top." Just in case you need some incentive to get out and recruit, check out these prizes:

• 5 new members – ACA cap and knife
• 15 new members – ACA shirt
• 25 new members – ACA vest
• 35 new members – ACA Red/Black jacket
• 50 new members - $250

Top Hand Club sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit

Just in case you need some more incentive in your recruiting efforts, let your non-renewed friends and neighbors know this! The April Alabama Cattleman magazine is the LAST magazine you'll get if you do not renew by April 15, and if you renew now online, you'll get a package in the mail from us with some nifty ACA gadgets and gizmos such as a hat, iWallet and other goodies. Don't miss out- renew today! 

Also, don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment, Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new members names go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

YCLP and BQA Meetings 

Dr. Billy Powell, Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer had a successful meeting this morning with Auburn University Dept. of Animal Sciences' Dr. Wayne Greene, Dr. Don Mulvaney and Dr. Soren Rodning to make way to enhance the YCLP and Alabama BQA programs. The group also discussed ways of better implementing the Alabama Beef Cattle Strategic Plan. 

If you're not BQA-certified, become certified today for FREE thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim. Also, be on the look out for upcoming cattle meetings in the state that will offer you the chance to become BQA certified. 

Ag Awareness Day at Auburn 

Pending the weather tomorrow, ACA staffer Kayla Greer will be taking to her alma mater to help the College of Agriculture (COA) students with their "Ag Awareness Day" on campus as part of Ag Week 2016. The COA students will be taking over Haley Concourse on Auburn's campus and fill it with agriculture-related games, booths and equipment to expose non-agriculture students to the many commodities. ACA's steer trailer featuring the beef cuts will be there too! Check out the College's Facebook page to see all the fun events happening this week on Auburn's campus. 

Trip to D.C.

Dr. Billy Powell, ACA President Bill Lipscomb and President-Elect Richard Meadows are finalizing their plans for their trip to Washington D.C. in the next two weeks. While there, the trio will join with 30 other state cattlemen's associations to attend the Spring Legislative Conference. This trip will provide our state cattlemen's representatives with the opportunity to go on office visits with Alabama's congressional delegation!

What's Going On Wednesday: March 23, 2016

Forgive us for not getting a post out last week. In the midst of all the craziness from the SLE Rodeo, tasks had to be prioritized. On the bright side, things are finally slowing down around the ACA office, and we're back to tell you all about what's going on and what's ahead for the ACA. Keep reading to stay in touch with your state office staff. There's lots to look forward to around here!

SLE Rodeo Rides Away

We are saying "so long" to the 59th annual SLE Rodeo and packing away all that comes with it. This year's rodeo featured the best bucking stock and cowboys we've ever seen. You'd have to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas to see better competition. Not only that, but an arena record was broken in barrel racing.

We had incredible attendance and feedback from outside events that happened around the rodeo. Folks loved having the Cinch Junior and Senior High School Rodeo in the Garrett Coliseum arena, and a huge highlight this year was the inaugural 4-H, FFA and Collegiate Livestock Judging Competition where over 200 students judged beef cattle, hogs, sheep and goats at Garrett Coliseum. Five SEC teams also were there to practice their judging on their way to Houston Rodeo. It was a fantastic event with a great turnout. The NBHA barrel racing, team roping and Junior Beef Expo events also had a great turnout with impressive competition.

Alabama Ag Credit

The Cowboy Cookoff was a success with about 300 people showing up to help judge the People's Choice category. Congrats to Alabama Ag Credit for winning 1st place in People's Choice and Judge's Panel and to team "Grill Me Tender" for taking second on the Judge's Panel. 

Membership

We are within 1500 members of our 12000 member goal, folks! Get out and get recruiting; not only will it help the state association, but it could win you some awesome prizes. We have had 16 counties go "Over the Top," and they all received 20 SLE Rodeo tickets, courtesy of the SLE. Just in case you need some incentive to get out and recruit, check out these prizes:

• 5 new members – ACA cap and knife
• 15 new members – ACA shirt
• 25 new members – ACA vest
• 35 new members – ACA Red/Black jacket
• 50 new members - $250

Top Hand Club sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit

Also, don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment, Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new members names go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

A Checkoff Preview

Your checkoff dollars will be used to educate a wide variety of influencers next month. April will feature four BEEF 101 programs at Auburn University, a dinner and discussion meeting with Montgomery Dietetic Association and a farm tour at CK Cattle Company in Hope Hull for culinary students and chefs. Get ready for some great updates from these worthwhile events.

A new contest, Bama’s Best Beef, will kick off on Monday, April 4th. This online contest will be completely consumer driven to find the most unique and delicious beef dish served at an Alabama restaurant. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the promotion kick-off!

Alabama Legislature

The Ag Coalition continues to monitor the activity of the Alabama Legislative Session. The session is about at its halfway point and will take next week off for Spring Break. Particular interest has been taken in monitoring the General Fund and Education budgets, and to date, they are moving along without any revenue increases that would negatively affect Alabama agriculture. 

Speaking of government, Dr. Billy Powell, ACA President Bill Lipscomb and President-Elect Richard Meadows are finalizing their plans for their trip to Washington D.C. While there, the trio will join with 30 other state cattlemen's associations to attend the Spring Legislative Conference. This trip will provide our state cattlemen's representatives with the opportunity to go on office visits with Alabama's congressional delegation!

Welcome Back, Madison

Madison Tew worked tirelessly to make
the 9th annual AJCA Round-Up a
success!

We are excited to announce that the young and talented Madison Tew of Dale County will be returning to her desk at the ACA office again as the summer intern. Madison' main task will, of course, be to plan the AJCA Round-Up held July 22-23 at Garrett Coliseum's livestock barns. 

Madison will be joining us on an official internship required as part of her agricultural communications curriculum at Mississippi State University. She was the taskmaster of last year's show and did an outstanding job, so we are excited to have her on the team for the 10th annual AJCA Round-Up!

YCLP Class III

County Presidents should be on the lookout for applications for the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program- Class III. Those will be coming your way shortly as the class's first meeting will be May 11 in Montgomery. Be thinking about your nominations. 

Good Friday

After an eventful two months, the ACA staff will be enjoying some rest at home in honor of Good Friday, March 25. The office will be closed all day, but we will return bright and early on Monday morning. 

What's Going On Wednesday: January 6, 2016

Welcome 2016! Just as suspected, your state staffers hit the ground running after returning from a long and appreciated Christmas and New Year break. With convention and the SLE Rodeo just around the corner atop multiple new and ongoing projects, there's lots of planning, fundraising and meeting to be done around the ACA Building in the next couple of months. This post is just about #WhatsGoingOn with your state staffers this week, though, so keep reading for updates regarding convention, the rodeo, The MOOseum, beef marketing and lots more! 

ACA Convention and Trade Show

We have a great lineup of guest speakers and trade show vendors for the Iron City Beef Bash 73rd Annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. Alabama Senior Senator Richard Shelby will be the keynote speaker at the legislative luncheon while Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Administrator for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, will be the general session guest speaker. Other guest speakers include USMEF's Dan Halstrom  who will speak on "What Lies Ahead for the Beef Export Market," Soren Rodning, DMV, from Auburn University, Extension Ag Economist Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University and NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White. 

Be on the lookout for more information regarding this year's convention in January's issue of the Alabama Cattleman. Register online or by mail today by visiting our website.  Reserve your room at the Sheraton: CLICK HERE or call 205-324-500

(Group code: AL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION)

Scholarships

The scholarship committee has made final decisions and is pleased

to report that over 50 students will be awarded scholarships at the

2016 ACA Convention. Scholarships totals will exceed $50,000 to well deserving students who have excelled both academically and through leadership roles. Letters will go out soon to scholarship recipients!

2016 SLE Rodeo

The 59th Annual SLE Rodeo comes bucking into town March 17-19. This is a family event you don't wanna miss because this year has all kinds of new events including a parade to kick off SLE week! Tickets are easy to buy:

• Call 1-888-2RODEO2 and order over phone
• Visit www.SLERodeo.com and order online through Ticketmaster.
• Visit the Cattlemen's building in Downtown Montgomery or the Garrett Coliseum and buy your tickets in person
• Mail in a ticket order form, which can her found here. 

You're not going to want to miss this family fun show packed with entertainment! Frontier Rodeo Company, PRCA's Stock Contractor of the Year, will be bringing their best including PRCA Saddle Bronc of the Year, Medicine Woman! In between the bucking, bulldoggin' and barrels, Pro Rodeo master comedian Lecile Harris

will entertain the crowd while celebrating 60 years in the business! Don't forget your boogie boots because following Friday and Saturday nights' performances, you'll get to go Dancin' in the Dirt to the Sweet Young'Uns (Friday) and the Wes Loper Band (Saturday). Just in case that's not enough excitement, Thursday night is First Responders Night where FREE general admission is granted to anyone who can present a first responders identification. Friday night is Ladies Night where all ladies tickets will be submitted for some juicy door prizes drawn throughout the show! Lastly, bring those battle cries to the rodeo Saturday

The Sweet Young'Uns will perform
Friday evening following the
show, and the Wes Loper Band will
party in true rodeo fashion Saturday! 

night for College Night, where college students can receive 4 tickets for only $40 with the presentation of a valid college i.d. 

Saddle up and join in the family fun and entertainment for all ages all while enjoying America's original sport, rodeo! Visit our website for more information and a schedule of events.

2016 Membership

This is the best start in years for our membership! As of today our 2016 membership is up to 4,785 with several more to enter from the holidays. Membership deadline is Februrary 26th at noon to go "over the top." Counties must be over by five to qualify for the presidents red coat, 20 SLE rodeo tickets and a secretary shirt. We are happy to have AgriLabs back as the 2016 Over the Top sponsor! They have continued to support ACA for years. Thanks you, AgriLabs!

Don’t forget about the individual prizes all members can qualify to win! The Top Hand club is sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit, and current members can win prizes simply by recruiting new members. Check out the January magazine to find a list of prizes.

There are county meetings galore this month! Check out the ACA Calendar and make sure to go to your county's annual meeting! 

Alabama Cattleman Magazine

Were you beginning to think about advertising in the Alabama Catleman magazine this year? If so, February is a great month to do so because it will be the Convention issue handed out to all in attendance at our Convention. Contact Nicky Bechard by January 15 to advertise in our next issue! (334) 265-1867

Checkoff Corner

New Year’s Foodservice Promotion Kicks off with Sysco

 Sysco Central Alabama salesmen will be competing from January 18-March 17 to sell the most pounds of beef. This promotion should generate a nice bump in beef sales of 12-15,000 lbs. (approximately $100,000) of beef in an otherwise quiet selling time for beef in foodservice. Stay tuned for information on the winners in early spring!

Stockyard and Co-Op Mailouts

ACA's Erin Beasley is working on a mailout to all stockyards and Alabama Farmer’s Cooperative stores. These packets will include a newsletter with association updates, copies of the 2016 Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan, Convention speaker and schedule info and SLE Rodeo ticket order forms.

COOL Repealed

Erin has also been in communication this week with retailers regarding the repeal of COOL and a new final rule on ground beef grinding requirements in the supermarket. One of our jobs is to provide information to small retailers to help them better transition when new laws are put in place. Erin does a great job communicating with these retailers. Dr. Powell has been on the phone with Sen. Richard Shelby about this matter (and others) as well. 

Junior Beef Expo

ACA Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities Curt Berry has been busy planning and fundraising for the 2016 Junior Beef Expo. Now that registration is closed, we can announce that we have 342 entries for this year's show! 

If you have questions or would like to be a sponsor for the show, visit our website, email Curt or call (334) 265-1867. 

January Beef Promotion

Did you know that lean beef is part of a healthy diet? As you kick off your new healthy lifestyle, don’t forget to incorporate lean beef into your meals for a punch of protein and other essential vitamins and nutrients! On Facebook now through January 15 you can comment on the below picture with your favorite meal featuring lean beef to win a $25 beef certificate, a "Beef Strong" fitness tank and a cookbook featuring healthy guides to cooking with lean beef.

The MOOseum

Call today or email Jessica today to book your tour at The MOOseum. Exciting things are in the future for our educational center including a little facelift along with the incorporation of some modern technology! We are excited for what it will offer Alabama's youth in the future. 

AU Agriculture Dean Search

The search for the next Dean for the Auburn University College of Agriculture is coming to a close with four outstanding candidates coming in for their final interviews. Dr. Billy Powell hosted steak dinners for two of the candidates this week at the ACA building and will meet the the other two next week.

What's Going On Wednesday: November 4, 2015

Well that's a wrap for the 2015 October Beef Month, and it was successful to say the least! Just because Beef Month is over doesn't mean that your ACA staff is kicking up its boots and taking a breather. It just means it's time to start digging into plans for 2016! ACA Convention, SLE Rodeo, Cowboy Cookoff and Junior and Senior High School Cookoffs are just around the corner! That doesn't include events defined in the 2016 Alabama Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan, which is becoming full of beefy ways to spread the word about our favorite protein! 

Take a second to check out #WhatsGoingOn around the ACA this week!

2016 Marketing Plan

After last week's marketing plan task force meeting, your ACA staffers are glued to the computer screens this week recording all the notes taken and applying them to the marketing plan template! After all the blanks are filled in, budgeting will begin and then the Executive Committee will discuss what we've got! Our marketing plan is the driving force behind all of our beef promotion, education and research in the state, so that's why we pay careful mind to its construction!

November Board Meeting

The next two weeks will be spent preparing for Executive Committee meeting November 18 and November Board meeting the following day. The Board meeting is where budgets for the General Fund, State and National Checkoffs and Foundation will be presented for approval along with 2016 Checkoff Marketing Plan. Be on the lookout for Facebook updates and pictures from the meeting. 

Upcoming County Meetings

Pike County Cattlemen's Association met
November 2 at Cattlemen's Park in Troy.

There's lots of county meetings going on this month! Keep reading to make sure you won't miss yours!

County meetings are important because that's where you can get state updates and get involved on the local level!

• Butler County: Saturday, November 7th 
• Barbour County: Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm, Texasville Community House, 2429 County Road 53, Texasville, Alabama. Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 11, 2015, by calling Merri Robinson at (334) 775-3284.
• Sumter County: Thursday, November 19th at 6pm, Livingston Civic Center
• Randolph County: Thursday, November 19th 
• Lauderdale County: Thursday, Nov. 19th at Crosspoint Church of Christ 
• Conecuh County: Sat., November 21st at 6pm, Repton School

October Beef Month- Sysco Promotion

 During October Beef Month, Sysco Gulf Coast ran a “Sell the Sizzle” beef promotion with their sales team. Each salesmen was charged with selling the most beef he/she could during the month. The ACA provided cash prizes to the top sellers. This year’s promotion produced an increase of over 95,000 lbs. of beef compared to September. 

In a climate of high beef prices, this is very positive and a great use of checkoff dollars to keep beef demand high. Hats off to the sales team!

Environmental Stewardship Award

ACA staffer Curt Berry met on Tuesday with Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Alabama Dept. of Ag and Industries and Alabama Soil and Water Conservation district representatives to discuss a future annual state contest for a beef cattle environmental stewardship award. The winner from the state contest will be entered into the national contest put on by NCBA. Look for that in the future!

SLE Rodeo Plans in Full Swing

Who's getting ready for the 2016 SLE Rodeo?! We are, and that's why staffers met this week to discuss details for this year's rodeo! There's lots to look forward to, so save the dates for March 17-19. We will see you at the rodeo! 

Be on the lookout for updates and announcements on the SLE Rodeo Facebook page and at www.SLERodeo.com. 

Statewide Bull Sales

CK Cattle in Hope Hull recently hosted
it's annual headquarters sale.

Your ACA state officers and staff have traveled here, there and everywhere across the state visiting bull sales this fall! They've all been top notch with quality bulls, great crowds and solid prices. If you've got questions about upcoming bull sales, call Curt Berry at 334-265-1867 or check out the latest Alabama Cattleman magazine for sale ads and information. 

Alabama Agribusiness Council

ACA Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell is attending the Alabama Agribusiness Council Board meeting today, November 4. He's doing what he can to stay atop the state's agribusiness climate to better serve the ACA members on the legislative and leadership front. 

Save the Date

ACA Convention will be here before you know it! Mark your calendar for February 26-27, 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham for the 2016 ACA Convention and Trade Show! Some great Cattlemen's Colleges and discussions are in the works! You don't want to miss the Convention this upcoming year!

What's Going On Wednesday: October 28, 2015

Believe it or not, November is almost here! While the 2015 year may be winding down, our schedules are not! In fact, you'll find that we are already busy making plans for 2016! It's an exciting time for the ACA with October Beef Month in full swing, Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan task force meetings, a new membership year approaching and Convention just around the corner! Staying busy for Alabama's cattlemen is what the ACA staff loves to do. 

See #WhatsGoingOn this week at the Cattlemen's building in Montgomery!

2016 Marketing Plan Task Force Meets

Each year, a strategic marketing plan must be implemented to dictate how Alabama's beef checkoff dollars will be spent. With 2016 on the horizon, the task force had its first meeting of the strategic planning process on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Cattlemen's offices. 

The group of more than 40 Alabama cattlemen and industry influencers gathered Tuesday morning to hear a quick overview of the day from ACA's Dr. Billy Powell and Erin Beasley then were given an overview of national beef checkoff programs from NCBA representative Shawn Darcy. Shawn's talk gave an interesting perspective of what consumers and the millennial generation understand and want of the beef industry.  After Shawn finished up his presentation, the task force divided into three breakout groups focused on producer communication and youth activities, consumer promotion and education and crisis preparedness. To break up the time of the day's long meetings, the group was treated to a delicious steak lunch!

It was a productive day, indeed, and big leaps were taken in the creation of the 2016 Marketing Plan. The ACA staff would like to thank all those who attended and gave their input. Checkoff dollars belong to our state's cattlemen, and we want to make sure we use them to their benefit and desire!

Congrats to The Old Barn Restaurant!

The Old Barn Restaurant in Goshen, AL was named home to the 2015 Best ribeye steak in Alabama! To award this accomplishment, ACA staff and regional media gathered at the restaurant last Friday evening for a press conference and plaque presentation! They even enjoyed sitting down to Alabama's Best Steak!

Bull Sales and Livestock Shows

ACA's Curt Berry has found himself on the roads a lot during this fall season in Alabama. He's traveled from one side of the state to the other attending bull sales. This past weekend, he had the pleasure of attending the Debter Hereford Farm annual sale in Horton, AL in Blount County. This coming Friday, he won't have to travel too far to attend the CK Cattle Bull Sale in Hope Hull, AL near Montgomery.  

Following Friday's sale, Curt will spend his weekend at the Alabama National Fair here in Montgomery offering assistance in the cattle shows that occur during fair season. If any of our AJCA members are planning to be there, look out for Curt and give him a shout! 

SLE Exec and Staff Plans for Rodeo

This afternoon, SLE staffers and the executive committee will meet via conference call to discuss some of the nitty gritty details of the 2016 SLE Rodeo. We are getting very excited for this year's performances, and hope that you are getting ready to attend! Ticket sales will be up before you know it, but until then save the dates for March 17-19, 2016 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery! 

Wrapping Up Beef Month

ACA staffer Erin Beasley will be in Birmingham Thursday, Oct. 29 to finish up October Beef Month activities. At noon, beef will be featured on FOX 6 news in a cooking segment. That evening, 60 dietitians from the area will join the ACA for a beef program to discuss hot topics in the cattle industry and how to incorporate lean beef into a healthy diet. 

Erin's worked hard during October Beef Month, and her efforts are appreciated by staff and Alabama's cattlemen!

County Meetings Galore!

Don't miss your county meeting in November! Here's the information we have on upcoming November meetings!

• Pike County: Monday, November 2 at 6pm, PCCA Building in Troy 
• Butler County: Saturday, November 7th 
• Barbour County: Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm, Texasville Community House, 2429 County Road 53, Texasville, Alabama. Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 11, 2015, by calling Merri Robinson at (334) 775-3284.
• Sumter County: Thursday, November 19th at 6pm, Livingston Civic Center
• Randolph County: Thursday, November 19th 
• Lauderdale County: Thursday, Nov. 19th at Crosspoint Church of Christ 
• Conecuh County: Sat., November 21st at 6pm, Repton School

Final Call: Beef Up Your Tailgate

This Saturday, October 31 is your FINAL chance to enter into the October Beef Month #BeefUpYourTailgate contest! It's easy to enter- simply use beef in a tailgate recipe at this weekend's games, take a picture of your friends, family and beef menu item and post it to the ACA Facebook page! It's that easy, and it's worth it for the awesome prize package that comes along with it! Learn more here.  

2016 ACA Membership

Renewal statements will be mailed for 2016 dues next week! Currently dues remain at $30, and the dues increase to $50 will take effect on March 1, 2016.

ACA members are eligible for an amazing discount program! Check it out:

• 1-year subscription to the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• www.bamabeef.org—FREE shipping on purchase online store 
• Cattlemax - 10% discount www.cattlemax.com/alcattle
• The MOOseum—20% OFF your total purchase in store purchase 
• Priesters Pecans—20% OFF a single item at any retail store
• Walker Lands & Cattle, LLC — $250 OFF a purchase of a Gooseneck Brand livestock trailer (Rodney Walker 256-846-5066)
• DELL computers - www.dell.com/mpp AT&T Wireless—http://www.att.com/wireless/aca
• Bush Hog—$250 OFF any Bush Hog Brand product valued at $5,000 or above
• American Fast Lube—$7 OFF an oil changes and 10% off any other service
• Air Evac Lifeteam—$10 OFF any one year membership
• Enterprise Car Rentals—Discounts offered to ACA members 
• Healthy Lifestyle —FREE Pharmacy Card www.bamabeef.pharmacycard.org
• Wyndham Hotel Group—15% OFF rates 

National and State Conventions

Save the dates! The NCBA Beef Meet will be held January 27-29, 2016 in San Diego! To learn more about this year's #BeefMeet and to swing a sweet deal on registration costs, read Region 2 NCBA Marketing Ambassador and ACA member's Michelle Bufkin blog spot HERE. She's happy to help with any questions and offers promotional codes.

Shortly after the 2016 #BeefMeet comes the ACA Convention. The convention will be held in Birmingham this year at the Sheraton Hotel Feb. 26-27, 2016. Be looking out for more information, but until then, save the date!

Movie Monday- Beef Jerky: How It's Made

Beef jerky...it used to be a main course for a meal because families on the frontier could cure it and store it for long periods of time, providing them with a way to maintain a source of protein in their families' diets and preserve large kills. However, today it is a snack that kids tug on their mom's shirttails and ask for while standing in the line at the grocery store. Any moms out there ever had this happen? It even makes a great stocking stuffer for the man of the house around Christmastime for those of you who are beginning plans for the holiday season.

Sweet and tangy, spicy and savory, salty, juicy, yummy snacks. Who knew that beef could make such a good snack food to cure whatever craving it is you're having? Speaking of curing...check out this week's #MovieMonday to see how this timeless and tasty treat is made and packaged so it can make it into your grocery bags!

What's Going On Wednesday: July 29, 2015

The AJCA Round-Up is over and the final "thank you" letters are being sent today, and our staff is catching its breath from the busy weekend and gearing up for a busy month of August! Not too much exciting stuff is going on around the office this week, so for #WhatsGoingOnWednesday, we're going to do more of a #WhatsAheadWednesday! Check it out:

Beef Checkoff at the FACS Summer Conference

Erin Beasley is spending her day doing checkoff work in Birmingham as she runs a beef education course with Culinard Culinary School. This afternoon she will be talking
to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers during a breakout session at their summer conference. Erin will be presenting the new lesson plans for beef consumer education materials.

Alabama Legislature 

The special session reconvenes Monday, Aug. 3 and following the session at the State House, Ag Commissioner John McMillan with the Department of Ag and other ag organizations in the state are having a dinner meeting with house and senate leadership about topics discussed in the session. The dinner will be hosted at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association building, and ACA reps will be in attendance. 

What's Ahead?

While we catch our breath and unwind from the Round-Up, we are also preparing ourselves for the busy month ahead. August brings with it many important meetings that will have an effect on future events hosted by the ACA and the SLE. 

During August we will be having a SLE committee meetings to work out a schedule of events for the 2016 rodeo, and the Junior Beef Expo committee will be in to work on the 2016 state show in March during SLE season. Meetings to discuss and plan the remodeling the MOOseum will come back to life in hopes of taking some large steps toward updating the visitor's experience. Last but certainly not least, our Summer Board of Directors meeting will be on August 27 at the ACA building. 

What's Going On Wednesday: July 1, 2015

It's a whirlwind week at the ACA- meetings, deadlines and kickoffs galore! We hope you're ready to hear #What'sGoingOn this Wednesday around the Alabama Cattlemen's headquarters in beautiful downtown Montgomery.

AJCA Round-Up Registration Deadline TODAY

Today's your last chance to register your child for the 2015 AJCA Round-Up to be held at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery on July 23-26! This year's theme is "Catch a Wave." Online registration can be submitted here. 

Contests for the Round-Up include: Career Development, Showmanship, Sales Talk, Skill-A-Thon, Team Grooming, Build a Better Burger, Volleyball, Photography, Poster, Record Book,
Essay, Ad Design, Public Speaking and Cattle Judging

2015 ACA Membership

It was ACA's goal to reach 12,000 members during 2015, and we are SO CLOSE. If you or your friends and family haven't paid your dues yet, now's the time! Help us reach our goal and get some great benefits in return. Register online or check out our member benefits on our website. 

Alabama's Best Steak Contest

Alabama’s Best Steak contest kicks off TODAY (July 1) at noon. Visit www.AlabamasBestSteak.com to submit your nomination for your favorite Alabama steakhouse who serves an outstanding ribeye! 

July 1-31: Kickoff round for nominations. 

August 3-10: Sizzlin' 16 bracket challenge. 

August 11-17: Enticing 8 bracket challenge. 

August 18-24: Final 4 bracket challenge. 

September: a panel of judges will anonymously visit to judge taste, tenderness and juiciness. 

Beginning of October: Winners will be announced to kick off Alabama's Beef Month!

Sysco Central Alabama Spring Promotion

Pictured from R-L is the winner of the Big Green Egg 
Craig Smitherman, CEO of Sysco Central Alabama
David Dickson and Vice President of Sales Danny Ralph

The results are in from the Sysco Central Alabama spring promotion, and they are remarkable! Sysco salesmen were charged with selling the most beef they could during May and June, in efforts to win a Big Green Egg smoker, funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff program.  The final numbers showed an unprecedented 127,000-pound increase in beef over sales from last May and June.  

Movie Monday: Get Your MBA

Ever thought about going back to get your Masters? Well save your money and let the National Beef Checkoff pay for you to get your MBA- Masters of Beef Advocacy!

Graduates of this program will be equipped with not only the information needed to understand the many facets of the American beef industry, but the knowledge of best advocacy practices. Be a voice for our industry!

If you’ve got questions or are interested in getting your MBA, check out this #MovieMonday and visit this website.